Serena Bocchino is an American contemporary abstract artist known for her innovative approach to painting, sculpture, and installation. Emerging from the East Village art scene in the 1980s, Bocchino’s work is a rich tapestry woven from diverse influences—ranging from Abstract Expressionism and modern dance to jazz music and the Fluxus movement. Her expressionistic style is characterized by improvisation and technical rigor, resulting in a unique visual language that melds color, media, and technique. The essence of her practice lies in the exploration of the intersections between visual art and music, creating pieces that resonate with both sight and sound. Bocchino has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, including accolades from the Pollock Krasner Foundation and various international residencies.
Exploring the Windows Series: SEETHRU
One of Bocchino’s standout works is SEETHRU, a vibrant piece from her Windows Series created in 2023. This work exemplifies her ability to blend the geometrical with the organic. Measuring 36 x 50 inches, SEETHRU employs enamel paint alongside collage elements on canvas to form a dynamic composition. The juxtaposition of loosely defined geometric shapes with intricate graphite lines creates a visual tension that draws the viewer in.
At first glance, the piece appears to echo the aesthetics of stained glass windows, a reference that becomes even more pronounced with the thin, veil-like color combinations she utilizes. These hues aren’t just decorative; they serve as a metaphor for the filtering of light and sound, capturing the essence of her artistic inquiry into the relationship between visual stimuli and auditory experiences. Each shape and line in SEETHRU seems to pulsate with an implied rhythm, inviting viewers to feel the underlying movement embedded within the static surface.
Bocchino’s methodical approach is essential to her work. She often describes her creative process as one informed by improvisation, mirroring the spontaneity found in jazz music. Just as a jazz musician might play with rhythms and melodies, Bocchino experiments with color and form, creating compositions that feel alive and in motion. This connection to music enriches the viewer’s experience, prompting them to engage not only visually but also emotionally, allowing the artwork to resonate on multiple levels.
Stay with Orange: A Colorful Dialogue
Another captivating piece from the Windows Series is Stay with Orange. This 16 x 20-inch work, rendered in enamel paint on painted rag paper, showcases Bocchino’s adeptness at color theory and composition. Here, the vibrant orange hue dominates the canvas, infusing the work with warmth and energy. The overlapping shapes and scribbles create a sense of depth and complexity, reminiscent of the way sound layers itself in a musical score.
In Stay with Orange, Bocchino continues her exploration of biomorphic forms, suggesting fluidity and motion. The choice of colors and the tactile quality of the rag paper invite viewers to linger, encouraging a deeper exploration of the interplay between the painted elements and the surrounding space. The work is an invitation to experience color not just visually but also as an emotional and sensory phenomenon.
SAXING: Sculptural Interpretations of Sound
Bocchino’s talents extend beyond painting into the realm of sculpture, as exemplified by her work SAXING from the Stationary Sculpture Series (2022). This piece, made from wood, wire, paint, and clay, measures 26 x 25 x 4 inches and exemplifies her skill in translating musical concepts into three-dimensional forms.
SAXING is not just a static sculpture; it captures the essence of musicality through its dynamic forms and materials. The interplay of wire and painted surfaces evokes a sense of rhythm and movement, much like a jazz composition that evolves and shifts with each note. Bocchino’s use of intimate, human-scale dimensions invites viewers to engage with the work on a personal level, fostering a connection that echoes her explorations of sound and visual art.
Blue Bebop: The Fusion of Art and Music
Another noteworthy sculpture is Blue Bebop (2022), created from enamel paint, wire, and painted acrylic pieces. Measuring 22 x 13 x 12 inches, this piece encapsulates Bocchino’s ongoing dialogue with music. The vibrant blue tones resonate with energy, capturing the essence of the bebop jazz movement—a genre known for its complexity and improvisation.
In Blue Bebop, Bocchino’s artistic vocabulary shines as she melds various materials to create a work that is as much about movement and rhythm as it is about form. The playful arrangement of elements reflects the spontaneity of jazz, inviting viewers to experience the fusion of sound and sight in a tangible form.
Conclusion
Serena Bocchino’s work invites us into a world where visual art and music converge. Through pieces like SEETHRU, Stay with Orange, SAXING, and Blue Bebop, she encourages an exploration of color, form, and sound that transcends traditional boundaries. Each artwork serves as a portal, drawing viewers into an immersive experience that resonates on multiple levels, showcasing Bocchino’s profound understanding of the interconnectedness of artistic disciplines. In an ever-evolving landscape, her contributions continue to challenge and inspire, affirming her place as a significant voice in contemporary art.
