anna membrino in conversation
with curatorial associate emily edwards
What inspires your work?
Light and nature are the main sources of inspiration in my work. I'm interested in the power of light to create a sense of time and familiarity. I use light to illuminate or hide natural objects such as rocks and plants. I have a rotating list of artists that inspire me. Right now I'm closely looking at the work of Giorgio DeChirico, as well as the work of Etel Adnan.
Has living in Dallas influenced your work?
Definitely, nature plays a large role in my work and Dallas's moderate climate allows me to be outside walking around the city's numerous trails almost all year round. Dallas has a huge array of plants and rocks ,so I am constantly finding new subjects here. The artists and the art community in Dallas influence me; having gone to grad school at Southern Methodist University many years ago,I was able to meet so many artists. The art community here is collaborative and inviting.
What are you currently working on?
Pre-coronavirus I was preparing for a May exhibition in New York City at Morgan Lehman Gallery and a summer group exhibition at Erin Cluley Gallery here in Dallas. The New York show has been postponed so while I'm still working on the pieces, I am working at a slower pace and allowing more time for experimentation in my studio practice. I keep a running list of different techniques and material explorations that I would like to try. When I'm producing a show , there is less time for such experiments and failures. I've been enjoying going through my list of "what ifs" in my studio.
about anna membrino
Anna Membrino was born in Maryland in 1986. She lives and works in Dallas, Texas. Membrino holds an MFA from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, and a BA and BFA from University of North Florida, Jacksonville. Membrino has also studied at The Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, and Parsons School of Design, New York. She has been awarded residencies at Can Serrat in El Bruc, Spain; Sanskriti Foundation in New Delhi, India; and Radius Workshops in Grambois, France. Membrino’s work has been featured in publications including: New American Paintings, Patron Magazine, Paper City Magazine, Juxtapose, and D Magazine. Her work is included in various private and public collections.