Colette Calascione

Two Birds Sold for a Kiss
Colette Calascione
Oil on Wood, 1995

A few days ago, a friend complained to me that mythological and literary references have slipped out of mainstream culture. I think it’s often true of current art as well – historical or mythological motifs are shunned as stodgy, stale or a tad pretentious (oh no!). If so, someone didn’t tell Colette Calascione. Her portraiture ranges from vibrant pin-up interpretations of Leda and Persephone, to surreal reimaginings of old photographs and the Old Masters. A strong current of Victorian-style naturalism and the theme of gender identity unify her recent works.

Colette Calascione is represented by the Nancy Hoffman Gallery.