Artist Statement

I want to jar people’s expectations that trees are “the other,” because they’re not. Like us they are living beings on this earth, who need air and water to sustain their lives. I want to paint the trees to look so human that people will grieve when a tree dies as much as they would grieve for a friend. When I moved back from Sweden, I lost everything I loved and I never got it back. I grew up in a family that gave no support; they never even spoke to me. I was bullied and harassed, not accepted, but my love of art has been the refuge that sustains my life.

Mary Hrbacek, Observant, acrylic, gesso on canvas, 4 x 6,' 2019 Mary Hrbacek, Enclosed Torso, acrylic on linen, 24 x 36," 2018

Mary Hrbacek - Daylight Savings
Mary Hrbacek, Daylight Savings, acrylic on canvas, 6 x 8,' 2021

The trees I have painted and drawn while working outdoors in Riverside Park, NYC have revealed an elusive human presence that is not realistic but evocative in the subtle similarities that link tree-forms and people. At first I became attracted by the textural patterns and peeling bark of the sycamore trees, but in time, possibly because I was also drawing from the live model, my vision changed. The figure (especially female) and tree limbs fused in my psyche transforming them into a hybrid structure. Since then, I have been inspired by the symbols of transformation in Roman poet Ovid’s work, The Metamorphosis, that has sustained my efforts to convey awareness of the human interconnection with nature to the public through my art.

..."here is an emphasis on the female body as an icon, and by extension, a surrogate for women�s collective experience. Allegory is inherent in Hrbacek�s approach, a kind of extended metaphor, in which a psychological drama is performed at a symbolic remove. A case of possession strongly comes to mind: a human captured by a tree or turning into one, like Daphne in Greek mythology, becoming a laurel tree to escape the god Apollo�s lustful pursuit. As a source of the Daphne image, Hrbacek cites Ovid�s Metamorphosis, the Roman poet�s mock-epic of love and transformation. The self, capable of concealing and dramatizing its mutable identity, is central to these paintings. Hrbacek�s Light Search is prime example of this tendency to create from the natural a theater of the self, making a character out of a tree, with hand-like branches extending beyond the frame."

John Mendelsohn

" Ms. Hrbacek has put together an important array of acrylic paintings�the emphasis on subtle yet discernible anatomy and the emergence of ambiguous images with echoes of human bits. In her hybrid tree creations Hrbacek fuses male and female traits, which stretch the boundaries of conventional thought about nature, to forge images imbued with a mysterious aura of optimism that encourages viewer engagement and conjecture on the fantasy realm that extends beyond ordinary experience."

Walter Idlewild

Painting

Explore the artistic world of Mary Hrbacek, a respected name in the world of fine art. Here, you'll find a fascinating exploration of Hrbacek's creative paintings on canvas. Journey through a landscape where allegory meets vibrant imagination and where each brushstroke tells a story of transformation and symbolism.

Exploring the Essence of Art

Step into the realm of allegory, where Hrbacek's Art Gallery in New York unfolds like a delicate flower. Allegory, akin to an extended metaphor, dances gracefully through her canvases, weaving a psychological drama at a symbolic level. Delve into the depths of her work, where human forms entwine with nature, reminiscent of the timeless tales of Greek mythology.

In Hrbacek's hands, the ordinary transcends into the extraordinary. Take, for instance, her rendition of Daphne from Ovid's Metamorphosis, where a human captured by a tree evokes a sense of haunting beauty. Here, the self becomes a canvas for metamorphosis, concealing and dramatizing its mutable identity, inviting viewers to ponder upon the enigmatic dance of existence.

A Glimpse into Hrbacek's World

At the heart of Hrbacek's painting oeuvre lies Light Search, a prime example of this tendency to create from the natural a theater of the self, making a character out of a tree with hand-like branches extending beyond the frame. Hrbacek has put together an essential array of acrylic paintings featured in notable art galleries in NYC with an emphasis on subtle yet discernible anatomy and the emergence of ambiguous images with echoes of human bits. Her hybrid tree creations, a fusion of male and female traits, challenge conventional perceptions of nature, inviting viewers to explore the boundaries of imagination.

Journey Through Time and Space

Embark on a journey through Hrbacek's artistic evolution, where drawings metamorphose into paintings, and mental images materialize into tangible form. Witness the transformative power of Fine arts in New York as it transcends natural experience, breathing life into ethereal figments of imagination.

Reflections of Ambiguity

In Hrbacek's world, ambiguity reigns supreme, inviting viewers to question the very essence of reality. Famous art in New York, like Francis Bacon's enigmatic windows, her paintings blur the lines between certainty and uncertainty, freedom and limitation. Wander through the blue stucco walls of her courtyard, where the distinction between inside and outside dissolves into a playful dance of perception.

Continuing the Journey

As you navigate through the virtual halls of Mary Hrbacek's Modern Art Gallery in New York, you'll bear witness to an artist's unwavering dedication to her craft. This digital sanctuary at maryhrbacek.com stands as a testament to her ceaseless pursuit of artistic excellence, a beacon guiding enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike into the mesmerizing realm of modern art.

Experience the allure of Hrbacek's creations firsthand by visiting our top galleries in NYC. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of allegory and symbolism, where each painting tells a story waiting to be discovered.

Join the Conversation with Mary Hrbacek

Stay updated on the most recent news and events by following Hrbacek on social media like Facebook (facebook.com/maryhrbacek) and Instagram (@ maryhrbacek_trees). Become a part of her community of art enthusiasts and engage in thought-provoking discussions with Mary about the transformative power of art. Explore her website to discover more about Mary Hrbacek’s artistic journey and the captivating world of modern art. Unlock the secrets hidden within each brushstroke and embark on a voyage of artistic discovery unlike any other.