David Kordansky Gallery, a prominent fixture in the art world with spaces in both Los Angeles and New York, announces its representation of rising painter Maia Cruz Palileo. This exciting collaboration will see Palileo’s vibrant and multi-layered works featured prominently, marking a significant milestone in the artist’s burgeoning career.
Maia Cruz Palileo, a New York-based artist acclaimed for their distinctive style, will continue to be represented by Monique Meloche in Chicago, solidifying their presence across key art markets. The forthcoming partnership with David Kordansky Gallery promises to elevate Palileo’s profile further, showcasing its artistic vision to a global audience.
Renowned for paintings characterized by lush colours and electric compositions, Palileo’s oeuvre delves into themes of identity, memory, and diaspora. With a keen focus on their Filipino heritage and familial history, Palileo’s work serves as a poignant exploration of personal and collective narratives. Reflecting on their artistic journey, Palileo shared, “I have a very deep curiosity about my family because I was born here [in the US] and they came from the Philippines.”
Central to Palileo’s creative process is a profound engagement with their familial lineage, spurred by the loss of their mother during adolescence. Through meticulous archival research and introspection, Palileo navigates the complexities of grief and cultural identity, weaving together threads of personal history and collective memory. This journey of self-discovery forms the foundation of Palileo’s artistic practice, imbuing their works with depth and resonance.
The upcoming showcase at Art Basel Hong Kong will offer a tantalizing glimpse into Palileo’s evolving artistic vocabulary. Titled “The Water Between Them (2024),” the featured painting encapsulates Palileo’s recent sojourn to the Philippines, where they immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of familial history and cultural heritage. Palileo’s intricate collages, informed by archival imagery and familial anecdotes, serve as poignant reflections on the interplay between past and present, memory and myth.
David Kordansky, founder of the eponymous gallery, lauds Palileo’s ability to infuse their works with layers of meaning and nuance. “Maia is able to infuse rich colors, textures, and personal and broader histories onto the canvas, which is a testament to their deftness of both hand and mind,” remarked Kordansky. Palileo’s art transcends mere visual aesthetics, offering profound insights into the human experience and the interconnectedness of cultural narratives.
Palileo’s artistic repertoire extends beyond painting, encompassing sculpture as an integral component of their practice. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including Catholic iconography and personal recollections, Palileo’s sculptures evoke a sense of tactile intimacy and spiritual resonance. Through their interdisciplinary approach, Palileo seeks to challenge conventional notions of artistry, reimagining landscapes and narratives in a dynamic and evocative manner.
As Palileo continues to carve out a distinctive niche within the contemporary art scene, its partnership with David Kordansky Gallery heralds a new chapter of creative exploration and innovation. With a solo exhibition slated for early 2025, Palileo’s visionary artworks are poised to captivate audiences worldwide, inviting viewers on a transformative journey through the intersection of history, memory, and imagination.