TOP ARTISTS FOR 2019 | KAT O'NEILL
www.katoneillgallery.com Tell us about where you are based. The cultural Mecca of the east end of Long Island known for its unique light and beauty. 2+ hours from Manhattan. East Hampton, specifically “The Springs” has been described as the cradle of the abstract expressionist movement. Home of the de Koonings, John Ferren, Krasner and Pollack. The east end was coined The Hamptons in 1879 as part of a destination campaign once the railroad was expanded. I live in East Hampton. Our gallery, as mentioned previously, is on Main Street in Bridgehampton. To pay homage to the iconic abstract expressionists of East Hampton the “Springs Invitational” was created where certain artists are invited to exhibit in the same gallery where the icons showed. I have been invited several times. I have also walked through Pollock’s studio, which is right down the road and created a drip painting on his lawn. Many writers also hail from The Hamptons. I got to write “Uncle Jack’s Steinbeck” in the writing shack that Steinbeck himself built. The piece was published in The East Hampton Star. How do you feel about art and its role in the world ? As an artist, gallery owner and mother I feel the role has never been more vital. Through the gallery and The Culture Club that my business partner and I created we are vigilant about expanding the arts. What was wonderful about the renaissance was that it celebrated all forms of cerebral exploration. Today, diversification is not as valued. Of course math and science have their place in history but, without art, who do you think would be looking up at the Sistine Chapel? How do you want your art to affect viewers? To add something. Humor. Compassion. Reflection. Intrigue. Rage. My plays were all sardonic comedies but if you looked closer there was always some form of suffering and loneliness. I suppose my desired affect is as eclectic as my work. I have no interest in pushing the boundaries to offend but if I can help portray that black lives matter and abuse is never to be tolerated I certainly will. And then we circle back to the word appreciation. Though beauty seems to be underrated in the world today sometimes just serving
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up artworks that are simply beautiful is its own statement.