A pioneering female sculptor and educator, known for blending abstract expressionism with figurative art, creating dynamic, emotive pieces that explored the human form.
Mary Callery, an American artist of unparalleled innovation, is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to Modern and Abstract Expressionist sculpture. Her remarkable body of work, characterized by linear figures of acrobats and dancers, has left an indelible mark on the art world.
Born on June 19, 1903, in New York City, Mary Callery was raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her father, James Dawson Callery, was the President of the Diamond National Bank and Chairman of Pittsburgh Railways Company. Callery's artistic inclinations were nurtured at the Art Students League of New York, where she studied from 1921 to 1925 under the tutelage of Edward McCartan.
In 1930, Callery embarked on a transformative journey to Paris, where she immersed herself in the city's vibrant artistic scene. During her decade-long stay, she forged lasting friendships with titans of modern art, including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Fernand Léger, Alexander Calder, and Aristide Maillol. This period also saw her develop her skills as a modern sculptor, studying privately under Jacques Loutchansky.
With Germany's occupation of Paris during World War II, Callery returned to the United States, bringing with her a treasure trove of Picassos – more than anyone else in America, according to Alfred Barr of the Museum of Modern Art. This marked the beginning of her instrumental role in shaping the American art landscape.
Upon her return, Callery played a pivotal role in the development and growth of ULAE (Universal Limited Art Editions, Inc.). Initially, ULAE focused on reproductions, but it is believed that Callery was the first artist to print original work at ULAE. Her debut edition, Sons of Morning, was completed in 1955, followed by Variations on a Theme of Callery-Léger, which introduced the "Callery gray" paper, later used by Mrs. Grosman.
Mary Callery's life and work are a testament to her fearlessness in the face of artistic convention. As a female artist in a male-dominated era, she carved out a niche for herself, inspiring generations of artists to come. Her legacy continues to influence contemporary sculpture, ensuring her place as a pioneering force in the history of Modern art.
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