Ann Strassman
About | I am a contemporary representational painter. My work concentrates on figurative subjects and, in recent years, has focused on urban street life. I work in the portrait and genre tradition but as part of the current art scene, pushing this traditional discipline into the new century and endowing it with contemporary relevance. My art training was at the School of the Museum of Fine Art, Boston, where I completed the studio art diploma program in 1995. City streets of the Northeast provide the inspiration for work in my studio in Boston. My paintings have been widely exhibited in New England, and I have been represented by art galleries from coast to coast; my work is owned in private and corporate collections. My most recent solo exhibition (2018) was at Gallery Kayafas in Boston. In 2016, I was awarded a Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship, and in 2017, I received Best of Show in the Cambridge Art Association National Prize Show. Since 2018, I have been represented by George Berges Gallery in New York where I have participated in several group shows—I look forward to a solo show at Berges Gallery in 2021.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? Finger painting at the kitchen table when I was very young, graduating to lanyard-making at camp.
When did art become a pursuit? When I entered the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston in 1989. I signed up for a summer workshop, knew nothing about the school, and was in love with the school and art by the time I walked past the rhinoceros in front of the doors.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am a graduate of the Museum School.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I entered the National Prize Show and was rejected for several years before finally having a piece accepted.
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I work in an artist building in Boston and participate in the Open Studios. I am represented by a Boston Gallery, Kayafas. On a day to day basis, I work alone in my studio with very little interaction.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I really don’t know. I think it is very dependent on the interests of the individual artists and how they see themselves.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work in oils on canvas and acrylics on cardboard. In addition, I continue to find interesting ways to use these materials and push boundaries. I think the mediums chose me—I work every day and one thing leads to another—some things work out and others fall by the way.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? Being completely involved in making art and constantly thinking about it leads to a lot of ideas.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? My subject matter has always been living things—plants, animals, people. I have been painting people on the street for over ten years and still find it engaging.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? The one in my head that has not been painted yet.
What is one of your artistic goals? Keep improving!
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? Mass MOCA— they have some great Kiefers, quality work, very quiet and empty.
What living artists are you inspired by? Anselm Kiefer, British portrait painters, Lucien Freud—I know he’s not alive, but no one comes close to him.
Do you have any shows coming up? I hope to have a show in New York in the fall.
See more from Ann
Website: annstrassmanart.com