NEW CANAAN, CT – Sorelle Gallery is excited to announce its first show of the fall season entitled “ART NOIR: Works by Stephen Ciuccoli and Mary Jo McGonagle”, featuring a designer vignette by Keri McKay interiors; on display at Sorelle’s New Canaan location from September 15th – October 17th. An opening reception will be held Thursday, September 15th from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

Within recognized local artist Mary Jo McGonagle’s layered paintings are witty contemporary phrases representing unspoken thoughts we all share. In Decisions, Decisions… the expression “Yes, no, maybe so” is densely stamped in blue, brown, pink and white. The colors and words converge, amplifying the uneasiness of the phrase while creating a beautiful composition. In The Word Slinger, white, blue, red and gold letters pose the question: “Why are you still talking?” The artist intentionally uses larger text in the final layers of the piece to ‘drown out’ the noise. Again, the result is a stunning, abstract artwork. It is not until a second glance that the words materialize. Essentially, the ‘thoughts’ become ‘afterthoughts’. McGonagle states, “ My art reflects my fascination how our relationships take place in our everyday life, hovering between humor and desperation.”

Stephen Ciuccoli is an internationally published advertising and fashion photographer working in the New York Metro area. In ART NOIR, he will display a collection of his independent, fine art photography for the first time. Ciuccoli says photography ‘is a way of making sense out of what I see and feel… Inspired by constantly looking at scenes and images, I am more picture-maker than picture-taker at heart.” This ‘picture-maker’ instinct is evident in his Dried Tarot series. Photographed close-up against a clean white background, the cocoa-brown, textured tarot leaves shimmer like bronze statues in the sun. In Haiku #42, striking domed architecture envelopes a wiry, empty chair. Ciuccoli’s title is appropriate. His photographs document a poetic, compelling view of common places.

East Coast Home + Design and Sorelle Gallery Designer Vignette Series:
NATURALLY LUXE: A DESIGNER VIGNETTE BY KERI MCKAY INTERIORS

Key Vignette Elements: Inspired by artwork of earthy hues and metallic mirror paintings, this vignette ties together organic colors and textures with luxurious details and design.  Contemporary, nature-inspired furnishings and accessories create a peaceful backdrop, setting the stage for the intricately detailed artworks of recycled aluminum, glass and silver.  This naturally luxe space is the perfect retreat for quiet reflection and inspiration.

Furniture and accessories provided by Wakefield Design Center. Artwork Provided by Sorelle Gallery.