Since the 19th century, realistic landscapes, portrait paintings and life-like bronzes by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell have defined the Western art genre. While Maura Allen’s work starts with the realistic through her photography, the result is a dramatic departure from the genre’s traditional roots.
The dominant theme of Allen’s work is life and landscape of the American West. The mythology of the West-solitude, strength, discipline, individualism, pride and promise-provide a source of imagery and inspiration. To create her work, Allen draws on more than 20 years experience in black and white photography. Like a journalist, she photographs in order to capture moments and elements that portray current day life. Using the serigraph (silkscreen) printmaking process, Allen is able to stretch beyond the photographic media and work on a variety surfaces, layer images and incorporate color and create rich textures.
Silhouette and high contrast imagery characteristic of serigraph printing gives Allen’s work a bold and simple appearance at first glance; yet, over time, the detail and complexity of each piece continue to be revealed.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Allen now lives with her husband, a furniture maker, in Colorado.
EXHIBITIONS
Western Medley: Visions West Gallery, Livingston, Montana. August 2008.
Theodore Waddell, Maura Allen and Wendy Klemperer
The West Starts Here: Visions West Gallery, Bozeman, Montana. August 2007.
Duke Beardsley, Maura Allen and Gordon McConnell
Grand Opening Show: Legacy Contemporary, Scottsdale, Arizona. February 2007.
Kendrick x 2: Zonal, San Francisco, California. September 2005.
Maura Kendrick Allen, Christine Kendrick
Emerging Artists: California to New York, Tucson, Arizona. October 2003.
AWARDS
Hearts in SF Public Art Installation, 2004
Rene DiRosa Award of Merit, 2003
