Inspirations, Influences, and Collaborations: Selections from the Museum’s Permanent Collection by Mark Sfirri

In this companion exhibition to Mark Sfirri: La Famiglia, Sfirri selected eight artists whose work has had an outsized impact on his process. Largely drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, Inspirations, Influences and Collaborations showcases a wellspring of creativity that has sustained and nurtured Sfirri’s artistic growth.

Noting the significance of this curated exhibition, Sfirri writes:

Change is at the core of my artistic pursuits. To me it is synonymous with creativity. It’s a constant challenge to move past territory you’ve already explored, but it is the most rewarding and exciting part of my studio work. Usually the result is successful, to my mind, because I experiment until I come up with an idea that pleases me. That doesn’t mean that it’s successful in terms of acceptance and sales, but that is not a deterrent. I move on. Creative inspiration is such a delicate thing; it must be seized when it presents itself. Failure to act can so easily result in a lost opportunity.

I have engaged in collaboration with other artists off and on for nearly 40 years. You have the chance, when the chemistry is right, to see into another person’s creative process when you are working with them, leading to a result which neither of you would have arrived at on your own. Collaboration can also lead to a new view of your own work. There are several pieces in this presented here that highlight some of my earlier collaborative efforts. I’ve also chosen the work of artists who have pursued their own paths, whose work has inspired and influenced me.