"Stirrings" Opening Reception

Soft Machine Gallery is thrilled to present the work of Anthony Viscardi and Maggie Avolio in the exhibit, "Stirrings". Although their end results are almost opposites in form, both artists create work that is ambiguous in nature with subtle moments that launch more narrative, subjective experiences for the viewer.

"My current work involves collaging 3D and 2D fragments from previous models into new three-dimensional constructs that combine drawing, painting, and airbrush with wood elements to create intriguing interplays of geometric forms and structures. These layers invite the viewer to explore their architectural qualities more deeply. I blend mechanical and artistic elements in precise and orderly arrangements while simultaneously adding depth and complexity through the use of varied textures and patterns."-Anthony Viscardi
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"My sculptures begin with play. I work with a wide range of materials—whatever sparks curiosity—and engage them through folding, bending, and manipulating until something unexpected happens. That moment of discovery becomes the anchor for the piece. I never start with a fixed idea; instead, the final form reveals itself through an open, tactile dialogue with material.

I’m drawn to qualities like light, reflection, transparency, and space—elements that shift and transform depending on the viewer’s position. Geometry, especially curved folding and minimal interventions that lead to complex forms, is central to my process. What begins as abstraction often drifts toward associations with clothing, architecture, or the body, shaped by the viewer's perspective." - Maggie Avolio