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In America Cooks, Ann Marie McDonnell employs the symbol of the chef as a newly deified god via pop icons like "The Iron Chef" and superstar chef Bobby Flay, among others using this familiar imagery to comment on political and social life in America.
McDonnell will be presenting two series of small scale sculptures: America Cooks and Patron Saints of the Kitchen constructed of "model magic", a pliable, white, doughy product used primarily by children, thus lending itself to cartoon imagery and a tonue in cheek humor. Three of the sculptures are in painted bronze.
The Patron Saints of the Kitchen series is inspired by the artist's interest in storytelling and spirituality. McDonnell's research becomes an integral part of her artistic process, and her discovery of at least seven different patron saints dealing primarily with cooking stimulated this series. St. Martha, Patron Saint of the Kitchen does not refer to Martha Stewart, but her predecessor - Martha, sister of Mary of Bethany. Most people remember the story of Jesus' visit with the two sisters. Martha is busy in the kitchen and says something like, "Hey, I could use a little help in here." Jesus chastises her and suggests that Mary had chosen the better role. I am sure that went over big, which is why we see forlorn Martha with her dirty dishes. Other saints include St. Anthony of Egypt. A series of collagraph prints, etchings and photographs, which complement the sculptures, complete this exhibition.
Anne Marie McDonnell has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in New York. She currently has a studio at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island. Ms. McDonnell is a six time recipient of individual artist awards and grants sponsored by the New York Council on the Arts and the Council of Arts and Humanities for Staten Island. She is the 1994 winner of a New York Public Arts Grant placing her bronze sculpture, A Bird Named Goldilocks, on permanent display at Clove Lakes Park in Staten Island. She is currently the president of SOHO20 Chelsea Gallery.
November's Featured Flat File Artist is Mary Campbell in PIECES OF MARY. |
