Maureen Gallace
Stamford, 1960
Maureen Gallace, born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1960, is a prominent artist currently based in New York. She has been painting since the age of twelve and has earned recognition for her unique approach to depicting the everyday landscapes of New England. Bruna Aickelin, her gallerist, aptly describes her as "the Morandi of the 2000s," highlighting her ability to portray subjects with a modest yet profound sensitivity, believing they communicate something essential.
Gallace draws inspiration from the unassuming buildings in her native New England, capturing landscapes imbued with a disconcerting tranquility and deafening silence. Interestingly, her creative process begins with photography rather than painting en plein air, which is often assumed for landscape artists. This method allows her to carefully curate the scenes she wishes to portray.
Her use of color is sophisticated—often appearing unnatural yet harmonious. In her works, foregrounds are frequently empty, while expanses of sky form the backdrop. This approach enables her to explore painterly invention, contrast, and form.
An exemplary piece, Yet to be Titled from 2004, is an almost square oil on panel depicting a building stripped of details like windows and doors, devoid of inhabitants. The cottage is enveloped by vibrant summer foliage and a bright sky, creating an immediately recognizable image. The mysterious structure invites viewers to engage in personal reflections.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Gallace states, “I grew up in New England, in Monroe, Connecticut, and spent my summers in Cape Cod, near Wood’s Hole. These images are sketches and paintings of places I’ve often visited… I love the look of white farmhouses when their roofs are covered in snow. Everything is still and cold. In the snow and ice, houses appear as perfect, contained forms. In winter, one of my favorite things is driving through Monroe and the nearby towns.”
Her work continues to resonate with audiences for its exploration of memory, stillness, and the beauty of ordinary landscapes, making her a significant figure in contemporary American art.