William C. Maggio (b. 1939)

"The current series, titled Paint as Presence, is inspired by On Presence, Ralph Harper’s mystical existential exploration of the mysteries of the human imagination. The paintings are black and white paint (acrylic, oil, latex) on canvas stretched over wood panels. Light and dark, heavily textured, layered, scarred and sculptural surfaces present an imposing, reverberating, pulsating, and rhythmic Presence that triggers a chain of metaphoric associations. The aura is both mystical and spiritual. Viewing encourages a meditative, prayerful state of mind." -William Maggio