04 Jul ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS: MARK MAGGIORI

Mark Maggiori and Petecia Le Fawnhawk have immersed themselves in the West for several decades, ever since the couple came together on a movie set deep in the Mojave Desert outside of Chloride, Arizona. Since then, their Western odyssey has taken them to Los Angeles, Taos, and then back to Arizona — but this time with their young daughter and a variety of artistic mediums that pour from their respective studios, including painting, photography, music, and fashion.

Their journey continues this fall with Far West, a pop-up exhibition they curated on September 9 and 10 at Arcadia Contemporary in New York City. Along with Maggiori and Le Fawnhawk’s artworks, the show features work by 16 additional artists, including Timothy McOmber, Kevin Chupik, Glenn Dean, Jeremy Lipking, Sean Cheetham, Howard Post, Brian Smith, John Isaiah Pepion, Chloé Marie Burk, Jon Flaming, Sissòn, Sean Michael Chavez, Teal Blake, Tyana Arviso, David Kassan, and Steven Perlin. 

“As a daughter of the Southwest and having dedicated my life to art, it is a privilege to bring together an eclectic mix of contemporary Western artists and advocate for our ‘artists first’ commission model, which aims to strengthen and support the arts community,” says Le Fawnhawk. “We believe in creating a supportive platform that values creativity, diversity, and innovation.”

The idea for Far West began in Los Angeles in 2016, when Maggiori and Le Fawnhawk curated a show of artist friends that was hosted at Parachute Market. “Early this year, Petecia and I were discussing all the projects we would love to accomplish in 2024, and she brought back the idea of the Far West show.” Maggiori says. “And we thought it would be fun to pull it off again, but this time in New York City.”

Mark Maggiori, Shine Through

Oil on Linen | 45 x 45 inches

Originally from France, Maggiori fronted the metal band Pleymo while living in Europe. After meeting Petecia, they transitioned to California and began their creative journeys into the Southwestern deserts. They moved to Arizona after it became apparent that directing music videos was no longer sustaining them. The move allowed them to focus on their artwork.

Maggiori’s painting career took off. His exhibition last spring at Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, resulted in more than $3 million in sales for 19 paintings. A portion of the proceeds was donated to help artists from Taos Pueblo, as Mark maintains a home and studio in Taos and a close relationship with several Pueblo members.

Mark Maggiori, Mother

Oil on Linen | 20 x 30 inches

During Far West, artists will receive 95 percent of sales. Most of the work will be sold by draw on September 9, and then online after that. A suite of prints will also be available, with at least one work from every artist.

“At Far West, our mission is not just to exhibit art, but to catalyze positive change within the art community,” says Le Fawnhawk. “Join us in celebrating and supporting the dynamic spirit of the Southwest at our pop-up exhibit.”

— Joshua Rose