Work Statement / Bio

Work Statement

Mary Vaccaro is creating a series of paintings that document the rapidly changing landscape of the West Village. These paintings, each consisting of two or three hinged panels, have biblical and mythological sub-themes and are intended to be viewed as modern altarpieces. In her work, Vaccaro is seeking the place where abstraction and reality intertwine. The paintings seek to portray the feeling of existence with its many layers, superficial and deep, from the basic observable level to the subliminal and emotional language of mythic and cultural symbolism. 

Her inspiration is found in Dutch prints – landscapes created around biblical narratives; literature, including Finnegans Wake; and Medieval books of hours, with their obsessive attention to detail contrasting with forced, unnaturalistic perspectives. As a “street painter,” Vaccaro finds her interactions with passers-by greatly amplify the painting experience, adding further dimension to her work.

Expanding on these themes, Mary Vaccaro is also creating video documentaries about New York City farming, local history and urban transformation. Her “The Last Farm in New York City“ project and website includes local food and farm labor resources and investigates the many aspects and themes of small family farming history.

Press and Recognition for Projects

  • College of Staten Island, CUNY: “Farming in New York City” featured speaker for immigrant labor course, May 2025
  • Staten Island Garden Club: “Farming on Staten Island” featured speaker, November 2024
  • Minichello, Michael. “West Village Originals – An Oral History of New York City’s Most Unique Neighborhood” Chapter on Mary Vaccaro., published December 2021
  • Art Scene Today. On-line gallery juried exhibition, finalist. “CityScapes” September 2010
  • Westbeth Gallery, New York, NY. “The West Village, The Artist’s View” painting exhibition, August 2008 Minichello, Michael. 
  • “West Village Original: Mary Vaccaro.” WestView Nov. 2009, p. 17, article
  • Carra, Mallory. “Park Land.” Daily News July 18, 2008, Your Home, p. 6, article
  • Lombardi, Kristen. “Undulating Facades.” Village Voice May 10-16, 2006, p. 18, article
  • Father Edward Beck. “That’s the Spirit.” interview on NYC local TV cable channel, video first aired 2/18/2005

Bio

Born:
Staten Island, New York

Lives and Works:
New York, New York and Staten Island, New York

Education:
The Cooper Union, New York, NY, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Harvard Extension School, Cambridge, MA, Masters of Arts, Digital Media Design

Art Teachers:
Julie Lombardo, Tottenville High School
An extraordinary art teacher who was able to bring nude models into a public high school.

Niki Logis, Cooper Union, Sculpture Teacher
“It’s a strange courage
you give me ancient star:
Shine alone in the sunrise
Toward which you lend no part!’
(William Carlos Williams, from “El Hombre”)

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