William C. Maggio (b. 1939)

A classically trained pianist and art educator, William C. Maggio, has a Master of Science in Art Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. As Maggio’s art evolved from representational to metaphorical, he ceased using color and now works solely in black and white, in part reflecting his admiration for graphic arts and the look of an etching plate. “My work has gotten more and more minimalist as I’m searching for a purity.” Maggio describes both his contemplative approach and characteristics of his series, Paint as Presence, as being “inspired by On Presence, Ralph Harper’s mystical, existential exploration of the mysteries of the human imagination.” He continues:

The paintings are black and white paint (acrylic, oil, latex) on canvas stretched over wood panels. Light and dark, heavily textured, layered, scarred and sculptural surfaces present an imposing, reverberating, pulsating, and rhythmic Presence that triggers a chain of metaphoric associations. The aura is both mystical and spiritual. Viewing encourages a meditative, prayerful state of mind.

Maggio is a member of the Buffalo Society of Artists. His work has been shown in numerous solo exhibitions and juried regional, national, and international exhibitions, and is included in private and corporate collections in the United States and Canada. —NW