Retrospective Show Unveils 30 Years of Art By Maria Lago

Beacon-based, international painter/sculptor, artist, Maria Lago (left), interacts with guests at her opening reception, titled “Retrospective,” a culmination of her 30 years of artistic creations. The opening was part of Beacon’s monthly “Second Saturday” event, and was well-attended throughout the four hours at a new, impressive space, located across the street from her One East Main Street studio. Lago’s lifetime of awe-inspiring work, delving into life’s deeper meanings while inciting countless questions, will be on display through July 22, 2017.

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – It’s hard not to get lost looking at a painting by Maria Lago. It’s perhaps even more difficult to want to escape its magnetic appeal.

Enveloped by a mystical, hypnotic world, the viewer of a Lago piece of art is often compelled to question everything, delve deeper, and walk away somehow changed by the experience.

Whether it’s viewing an ensemble of trees, much like a maze or a seemingly disparate group of people dispersed among a foreign, confusing land of hidden crevices, vast valleys and lofty mountains, Lago’s pieces propel us into infinite terrain that seems to rattle at our core, awaken our senses, and all the while press us to confront life’s bigger questions.

One of Beacon artist Maria Lago’s mesmerizing paintings on display at her current exhibit, “Retrospective,” capturing 30 years of her lifetime of art creations. With a unique flair of pulling her viewer right into her works, while inciting countless, deeper questions, Lago is able to capture multiple levels of attention through her riveting art. It will be on display through July 22, 2017 at the new, impressive space, located directly across from her One East Main Street studio in Beacon.

A lifetime compilation of those very artistic creations can all be found at Lago’s current exhibit, “Retrospective,” on display at the newly renovated space across from her One East Main Street studio in Beacon. The impressive building, a converted hat factory, complete with high ceilings and multiple windows allows for ample light, ideal to showcase the lifetime ensemble of Lago’s paintings and sculptures. A large crowd was on hand Saturday night, as Lago’s opening was part of Beacon’s popular “Second Saturday” series, featuring an assortment of studio openings as well as the late night hours of restaurant and other shops  dotting the busy Main Street locale. Among the many guests at Lago’s event was Beacon resident, Nicki Meehan.

“I think her (Lago’s) art stimulates conversation, arouses dialogue about where you are exactly,” pointed out Meehan, as she sipped some wine and admired a nearby painting. “It’s very hypnotic, like a daydream, just very, very powerful stuff that brings out some important dialogue.”

Those conversations could be heard all over the place Saturday night, as attendees could be spotted having “aha moments,” as they would continually discover new  images, insights, revelations even, into the creative, colorful and unique images that held their attention. It’s those very reactions that Lago is intent on creating each and every time she sets out to create a piece.

Born in Asturias, Spain, the international painter and sculptor, spent much of her life in the busy art districts of New York City.

However, recently relocating to Beacon, Lago discovered a whole new home, one she has warmly embraced ever since her arrival. Her personal journey, one from immigrant to citizen, from outcast to member, is  reflected in her art. Many of her pieces center upon themes of loneliness, belonging, acceptance and purpose; they are lifelong queries whose very evolution can be spotted in the 30 year collection, housed under one roof in the form of

“Retrospective.” For the artist herself, viewing it is similar to taking a glimpse into her very life.

“It’s very emotional looking at all of my art here in this beautiful space; I look at all of it, and I see all of my dreams and what I still want to accomplish, as well as the struggle itself of life and the very reasons why I paint,” explained Lago, as she took a rare break from interacting with guests. “It’s about the meaning of life, love, and religion; I also see myself growing as both an artist and a person as I look at this work all here together.” She added, “I’m just so super happy to have all of these people here to share this moment in this beautiful space; it’s absolutely wonderful.”

Both Lago’s son and daughter were on hand to share in their mother’s opening. Her son, Aaron Straus Garcia, also felt the emotional potency of the evening.

“This is so deeply meaningful, and for her to be able to see all of her work together in this one beautiful spot in a City that means so much to her,” said Straus Garcia.

“I’ve been seeing her art my entire life; however, this is different, very special, viewing it all together in one spot.”

If you missed the Opening, there is still plenty of time to appreciate Lago’s authentic, riveting artwork. Her “Retrospective” exhibit will run through July 22, 2017. To learn more about gallery days and times of operation, call (914) 844-8739 or log onto: www.marialago.com.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email