About the artist:

Renowned for his groundbreaking work in Abstract Illusionism, Michael Gallagher stands as a testament to artistic innovation and dedication. Born in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Michael’s early life was steeped in creativity, with influences ranging from the dynamic landscapes of the Californian coast to the masterful works of Picasso, Matisse, and van Gogh. This diverse exposure, coupled with his passion for surfing, shaped his unique perspective on art and life.

Michael’s artistic journey flourished through formal education at UCLA and USC, culminating in a prestigious Yale Fellowship. Under the tutelage of luminaries like David Hockney, Robert Motherwell, and Joseph Albers, he honed a distinctive style that blends abstract expressionism with a deep understanding of color and form. His work, which explores 3D illusionistic space, challenges traditional perceptions and invites viewers into a world of abstract beauty and infinite possibilities.

Professional Evolution and Contributions to the Art World

After receiving his MFA from Yale, Michael Gallagher commenced his artistic career, painting his first one-man show in his self-built studio in Westport, Connecticut. Alongside fellow Yale graduates, he founded Razor Gallery in Soho, which hosted his debut exhibition in 1974, along with guest readings by notable authors, Kurt Vonnegut and Norman Mailer, New York’s first graffiti exhibit. Michael’s distinctive style, blending influences of various abstract expressionists, won acclaim and resulted in his work being added to the Jewish Museum’s collection.

As a founding member of the Abstract Illusionism school, Michael’s innovative artwork focuses on new perceptions and 3D illusionistic space. His work is featured in numerous esteemed national museum collections, and he has held over seventy national and international exhibitions, with acknowledgments spanning various media outlets.

In addition to his personal artistic endeavors, Michael has significantly contributed to the New York art scene. He was a pioneering artist in Soho, New York, helping to transform the neighborhood into the internationally reknowned center for contemporary art that it is today. The Razor Gallery, founded and managed by Michael and his Yale colleagues, played a crucial role in this transformation, acting as a hub for exhibitions and cultural events in the heart of Soho.

Michael Gallagher’s artistry emphasizes authentic expression and profound perception exploration. He asserts that true art seeks truth beyond factual representation, enabling fresh perspectives that invoke our inner child’s innocence and imagination.

As a key contributor to Abstract Illusionism, Michael’s work produces an intriguing effect, where painted images seem to extend or recede from the canvas, providing depth and dimension. This method, while primarily abstract, challenges the realistic portrayal of traditional trompe l’oeil, offering a unique and engaging interaction with art.

Fuelled by an intense yearning to reveal truths surpassing conventional understanding, Michael’s art aims to reawaken viewers’ sense of wonder and imagination. His work transmutes life’s complexities, ambiguities, and paradoxes into visually harmonious, insightful experiences, promoting positivity amid chaos. His art sends a potent message about a realm of boundless possibilities and choices. By ingeniously blending illusions with abstract forms, Michael bridges reality and the abstract, inviting viewers to delve into perception’s mysteries and appreciate abstract beauty’s depth and magnificence.