1. “Alice Mackler, Artist Who Had a Late-Career Rise, Dies at 92 – ARTnews.com”
2. “Alice Mackler, Artist Who Had a Late-Career Rise, Dies at 92 – ARTnews.com, Alice Mackler artist”.
Alice Mackler: A Talented and Courageous Artist
Alice Mackler, a renowned artist known for her uniquely crafted ceramics, has passed away at the age of 92. She died on Sunday in a Brooklyn hospice due to Covid-related complications, according to her New York gallery, Kerry Schuss.
“She was an extraordinary and courageous person and artist, with an unwavering belief in her own talent,” Kerry Schuss Gallery stated in their announcement of her death.
Unique Sculptures and Paintings
Alice Mackler gained recognition in New York for her sculptures of lumpy female figures, primarily made from ceramics. These figures, adorned with dabs of paint, had gaping mouths and exuded a sense of individuality, each representing its own specific psychological state.
In addition to her sculptures, Mackler also created collages of magazine spreads and paintings of contorted women. However, it wasn’t until 2013 that these works gained attention in New York. Her ceramics were featured in a show at James Fuentes Gallery, curated by Adrienne Rubenstein and Joanne Greenbaum. At the time, Mackler was already 81 years old.
Critics took notice of her work, with Roberta Smith of The New York Times praising Mackler’s gift for color, texture, and conveying human pomposity. Dealer Kerry Schuss recognized her talent and began showcasing her work, leading to her first solo exhibition in New York in 2013.
A Life Devoted to Art
Born in 1931 in New York, Alice Mackler attended the Art Students League, where she studied with renowned painter Will Barnet in the 1950s. However, it wasn’t until later in life that she amassed a significant CV due to the lack of an art school degree. While working as an advertising manager during the day, she attended the School of Visual Arts in the 1980s, earning her BFA.
In an interview, Mackler shared, “I went to school at night and worked full time during the day. It took four years, and I had to take one day off from my job to go to school, but they let me get my BFA. I loved SVA.”
Despite being labeled an “outsider artist” by some critics due to her unconventional path, Mackler rejected the label, asserting that she had worked hard for her accomplishments. She often referred to herself as a painter who also dabbled in sculpture.
Recognition and Influence
After Kerry Schuss began showcasing her work, Alice Mackler’s art started appearing in institutional settings. The Whitney Museum acquired its first Mackler piece, an untitled ceramic sculpture, in 2022. Her work was also included in group shows at the Jewish Museum and received recognition from influential figures in the art world.
As the 2010s progressed, Mackler’s art garnered attention from various individuals. White Columns director Matthew Higgs and artist Rirkrit Tiravanija featured her work in group shows, and painter Emily Mae Smith included one of Mackler’s paintings from the 1960s in a Frieze portfolio.
Many critics noted that Mackler’s figures predominantly depicted females. Barry Schwabsky, in his Artforum review of her 2021 show at Kerry Schuss, highlighted the infinite malleability of form and meaning in Mackler’s work, praising her ability to convey a utopia where sexual difference subsides.
Alice Mackler leaves behind a rich artistic legacy, showcasing her talent and courage throughout her career. Her unique sculptures and paintings continue to captivate audiences and influence the art world.
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1. Alice Mackler, Artist Who Had a Late-Career Rise, Dies at 92 – ARTnews.com
2. Alice Mackler, Artist Who Had a Late-Career Rise, Dies at – ARTnews.com.
