Biography: Angelo Segarra

Segarra Contemporary, a Taos art gallery houses the exceptional work of artist, Angelo Segarra, whose sensitivity towards and deep awareness of the human spirit and it’s emotional complexity is magically captured in his paintings and sculpture. His work is contemporary, figurative, emotional and expressionistic.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Angelo’s passion for music as a child was his first introduction to art. Later, his fascination with Eastern mysticism and philosophy led him to study Comparative Religion at the University of Vermont where he obtained a bachelors degree in 1980. During this time, he worked with a sculpture professor Paul Ashenback and created sculptures out of stone, marble and dolomite. He attended live model classes every week for a period of three years, sketching and learning the figure though watercolor. During this period he was highly influenced by Japanese art and literature and this continues to be an inspiration in his current work.

In 1987, he moved to an island off the coast of Puerto Rico where he focused extensively on watercolor painting, inspired by Tieno Indian relics he found on the beach. After Hurricane Hugo destroyed his home in 1989, he went through a long period of introspection and artistic suicide where he worked for the next four years as a solar engineer while rebuilding his life.

In 1993 he began graduate studies at Antioch University in Seattle, Washington. He obtained an MA in Whole Systems Design. He explored the subject of creativity and found very little was understood about designing a context in which people could have a creative experience. He designed a workshop on creativity, called ‘Painting As Listening’, which he later offered and delivered to individuals and institutions, including a group of people with cerebral palsy and Lou Gehrig’s disease. The group later exhibited at the Community Center in Seattle.

As part of his graduate studies he went to Bali, Indonesia to study art and culture. He painted prolifically during this time and exhibited his work in the Nusa Dua Hotel in Denpasar. Upon his return, Antioch University hosted a solo exhibition of his work.

He returned to Bali in 1999 and created the first bronze sculpture ever cast on the island through the lost wax process. He worked with Wayan Sutra, the dean of sculpture at the University of Denpasar, at a gong foundry in Klung Klung, using primitive technology. This sculpture can be viewed, and limited edition casts are for sale, at Segarra Contemporary, 4155 State Road 68, Unit 1, Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. 505-737-0160.

In 2000, Angelo moved to Taos NM, where he wrote, illustrated and published a children’s book entitled “Coca Finds a Shell”. The book was written for a pre-school audience with the premise that children can find solutions to aid nature. At the same time he opened an art gallery called ‘Artbugs.com’ in Arroyo Seco.

As an Avatar master, he has been actively involved in exploring consciousness and inspiring others to live without limitation by learning the tools to help them awaken and create the life they prefer. He offers Avatar Resurfacing® workshops at his gallery in Ranchos de Taos. Call 505-737-0160 for more information. www.avatarepc.com

In 2005, Segarra Contemporary art gallery opened in Ranchos de Taos and is now in a newly renovated space that markets and sells his work exclusively. He accepts corporate and private commissions and delivers creativity and art workshops on request. The gallery offers interior design consultations for businesses and private collectors who require advice on the placement of his artwork.

Angelo’s artwork invites the viewer to interact emotionally. From this emotional experience, the viewer is engaged in a personal dialogue and self-exploration that transcends time and place. This quality is found only in truly great works of art.

The Taos gallery and website exhibit works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, encaustic, mixed media and bronze. www.segarracontemporary.com. 4155 State Road 68, Unit 1, Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, 87557. Tel: 505-737-0160.

“My art deals with the realm of possibility and potential, of limitlessness – a world without boundaries, of hope”. - Angelo Segarra, 2005