Bluebird

An exhibition by Italian painter Margherita Manzelli at Lehmann Maupin’s 22nd street location, on view from January 24th – February 23rd, 2019.

“The Milan-based artist is known for her portraits of fictional women, which emote a deep psychological tension.” - Lehmann Maupin

I think this is why I am so drawn to the exhibit, in addition to the fact they remind me so much of work by Mark Ryden or Tim Burton. Apparently this show is also a rarity since according to Lehmann Maupin.

“She exhibits infrequently and does not produce her time-consuming paintings in great volume” - Lehmann Maupin

This was a very intriguing find, which leads me to believe she’s either meticulous and takes her time or is a part time artist.

Similar to Ryden or Burton, Lehmann Maupin maintains Manzelli’s works are of fictional characters. They’re dreamed up, and are at most nod to the artist herself and the role of femininity within society.

Margherita is Italian, and lives and works in Milan. She’s represented by Greengrassi Gallery in London, as well as Kimmerich Gallery in Berlin. It’s a no-brainer Manzelli would be represented by Greengrassi, since

“Cornelia Grassi is half American, half Italian, and worked in a gallery in Milan for seven years.” - The Independent

Her drawings sell for roughly $30k, while her paintings sell for roughly $80K (at auction).

She works in the permanent collections of MoMa, impressive considering her first solo show was in 1995 at Studio Guenzani in Milan.