Serena Bocchino is an artist distinguished by her creative experimentation across painting, sculpture, and installation. Emerging from the East Village scene in the 1980s, Bocchino’s work reflects a rich tapestry of influences, intertwining elements of Abstract Expressionism, modern dance, jazz, and the Fluxus movement. Her approach blends improvisation with a technical foundation, resulting in a compelling visual language that harmonizes color, medium, and technique. Central to her artistic inquiry is the exploration of how visual art interacts with music, creating works that engage both the eyes and the ears. With accolades from the Pollock Krasner Foundation and numerous international residencies, Bocchino’s art has been showcased in over 50 solo exhibitions and resides in collections worldwide, inviting audiences to experience the dialogue between sight and sound.
SEETHRU: A Window into Movement
Among her notable pieces is SEETHRU, a striking creation from the Windows Series that debuted in 2023. This 36 x 50-inch work intertwines geometric forms with organic elements, crafted from enamel paint and collage components on canvas. The dynamic composition showcases a dance between loosely defined shapes and intricate graphite lines, establishing a captivating visual tension.
At first glance, SEETHRU resonates with the aesthetic of stained glass, accentuated by its delicate, veil-like color combinations. These colors serve not merely as decoration but as a metaphor for the interplay of light and sound, encapsulating Bocchino’s inquiry into sensory experiences. Each line and shape appears to pulse with rhythm, encouraging viewers to sense the movement that lies beneath the artwork’s surface.
Bocchino’s methodical yet improvisational process is vital to her artistic expression. She likens her creative journey to that of a jazz musician, exploring color and form as one might experiment with musical notes. This spontaneous approach allows her compositions to feel alive, enriching the viewer’s experience and inviting emotional engagement that transcends mere visual appreciation.
Stay with Orange: A Celebration of Color
Another engaging work from the Windows Series is Stay with Orange, a 16 x 20-inch piece crafted with enamel paint on painted rag paper. This artwork exemplifies Bocchino’s color theory, as the vibrant orange dominates the canvas, infusing it with warmth and energy. The interplay of overlapping shapes and spontaneous scribbles evokes a sense of depth that mirrors the complexity found in musical arrangements.
In Stay with Orange, Bocchino delves deeper into biomorphic forms, suggesting fluidity and movement. The lively colors and tactile nature of the rag paper invite viewers to linger and explore the relationship between the painted elements and their environment. This work transforms color into an emotional experience, inviting a sensory engagement that goes beyond visual observation.
SAXING: Sculptural Soundscapes
Bocchino’s artistic prowess extends to sculpture, vividly showcased in SAXING, part of her Stationary Sculpture Series (2022). This piece, crafted from wood, wire, paint, and clay, measures 26 x 25 x 4 inches and illustrates her ability to translate musical concepts into three-dimensional forms.
SAXING transcends the traditional notion of sculpture, capturing the essence of music through its dynamic arrangement of materials. The interplay of wire and painted surfaces creates an evocative sense of rhythm and motion, akin to the fluidity of a jazz composition. With its intimate scale, the sculpture invites personal engagement, allowing viewers to connect deeply with Bocchino’s explorations of sound and visual art.
Blue Bebop: An Artistic Melody
Another sculpture, Blue Bebop (2022), utilizes enamel paint, wire, and painted acrylic to convey the vibrancy of the bebop jazz movement. Measuring 22 x 13 x 12 inches, this piece embodies the energy and complexity of its musical namesake.
In Blue Bebop, Bocchino’s artistic vision shines as she integrates various materials to create a work that emphasizes movement and rhythm alongside form. The playful arrangement of components reflects the improvisational spirit of jazz, inviting viewers to experience a tangible fusion of sound and sight.
Conclusion
Serena Bocchino’s art transports us to a realm where the boundaries of visual art and music dissolve. Through works like SEETHRU, Stay with Orange, SAXING, and Blue Bebop, she encourages an exploration of color, shape, and sound that defies convention. Each piece serves as a gateway into an immersive experience, showcasing Bocchino’s profound understanding of how artistic disciplines interconnect.
