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Mary Spain Paintings

American, 1934-1983

Mary Spain was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1934. She studied art at Syracuse University and moved to Ohio in the 1960s to teach art at Chagrin Falls High School. She was a frequent exhibitor in the May Show at the Cleveland Museum of Art during the 1970s and early 1980s, where she won several Juror’s mentions for her paintings. Characteristic of her work is a flattened frontal gaze or a total profile view of her figures that recall Renaissance portraiture. Additionally, most of her characters are seen wearing odd or unusual hats. Spain believed that these hats identify the figures much like they do for professions such as chefs, clergy or law enforcement. The hats also act to contain the characters. While her figures often appear cute or innocent, Spain felt they were filled with mischief. Without their hats, she imagined that they might just explode. Spain’s interest in antique dolls and toys lends insight into the construction of her figures. Many figures have marionette-like qualities with blocky, out of proportion limbs, suggesting that perhaps they are not entirely in control of their actions. During her struggle with cancer, Spain used these figures to express her feelings of pain and sadness. While her deeply personal vocabulary and symbolism might be lost to the viewer, the narratives and embedded emotional substance remain.

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Artist: Mary Spain
The Happy Couple, Mid Century Surrealist Fantasy Landscape by Ohio artist
The Happy Couple, Mid Century Surrealist Fantasy Landscape by Ohio artist

The Happy Couple, Mid Century Surrealist Fantasy Landscape by Ohio artist

By Mary Spain

Located in Beachwood, OH

Mary Spain (American, 1934-1983) The Happy Couple Oil on canvas Signed middle right, signed and titled verso 22 x 26 inches Set in a realm of fantasy, Mary Spain’s work exhibits oddly distorted figures in a child-like manner with an underlying sense of absurdity. Through her toylike and primitive style, Spain created surrealistic dramas that puzzle and entrance the viewer. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mary Spain studied art at Syracuse University and moved to Ohio in the 1960s to teach art at Chagrin Falls...

Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Mary Spain Paintings

Materials

Oil

Janet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats
Janet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats

Janet and Bill, Surrealist Painting of Woman and Cat w/ Party Hats

By Mary Spain

Located in Beachwood, OH

Mary Spain (American, 1934–1983) Janet and Bill, 1970s Oil on canvas Signed middle right, titled verso 26 x 30 inches 32.5 x 36.5 inches, framed Set in a realm of fantasy, Mary Spai...

Category

1970s Surrealist Mary Spain Paintings

Materials

Oil

Surrealist Flying Fantasy Figure, Cleveland Woman Artist
Surrealist Flying Fantasy Figure, Cleveland Woman Artist

Surrealist Flying Fantasy Figure, Cleveland Woman Artist

By Mary Spain

Located in Beachwood, OH

Mary Spain (American, 1934–1983) Flying Figure, 1970s Oil on canvas Signed lower right 17.5. x 21.5. inches 22 x 26 inches, framed Set in a realm of fantasy, Mary Spain’s work exhib...

Category

1970s Surrealist Mary Spain Paintings

Materials

Oil

Woman with Bouquet (Lady Liberty by Moonlight)
Woman with Bouquet (Lady Liberty by Moonlight)

Woman with Bouquet (Lady Liberty by Moonlight)

By Mary Spain

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Woman with Bouquet (Lady Liberty by Moonlight) Oil on canvas, 1974 Signed and dated by the artist lower center (see photo) Titled in pencil on stretcher, verso Housed in the original...

Category

1970s Contemporary Mary Spain Paintings

Materials

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Previously Available Items
Pink Lady
Pink Lady

Mary SpainPink Lady, c. mid 1970's

Sold

H 21.75 in W 20.25 in

Pink Lady

By Mary Spain

Located in Fairlawn, OH

Pink Lady Oil on canvas, c. 1968 Signed upper right (see photo). Housed in the original frame made by the artist Titled on the reverse on the stretcher bar Inspired by DeKooning Prov...

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Mary Spain paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Mary Spain paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Mary Spain in oil paint, paint, canvas and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Surrealist style. Not every interior allows for large Mary Spain paintings, so small editions measuring 21 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jonah Kinigstein, Sarah Olson, and Frederick B. Serger. Mary Spain paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,500 and tops out at $4,500, while the average work can sell for $3,900.