The John D. Calandra Italian American Institute is set to present Edward E. Boccia: Postwar American Expressionism, an exhibition featuring over two dozen works by the late artist Edward E. Boccia (1921-2012). This showcase includes paintings and drawings created between 1958 and 1995, along with previously unseen diaries. It marks the first time these pieces have been displayed in New York City, providing fresh insights into the evolution of Italian American modernism.
Curated by Rosa Berland, Director Emeritus of the Edward E. Boccia Artist Trust, the exhibition will run from October 29, 2024, to February 21, 2025.
Throughout his extensive yet often overlooked career, Boccia developed a unique genre of contemporary large-scale panel painting that blends religious themes with inquiries into ethical, philosophical, and stylistic challenges in twentieth-century America. Among the featured works is a significant piece from his acclaimed triptych series, The Flesh Eaters (1996), which combines neo-expressionist religious storytelling with Cubist and Surrealist influences, revealing a complex and often dark portrayal of the human experience.
Boccia’s artistry reflects a deep exploration of “the lyricism that sang through every light and gesture from Venice to Sorrento,” as he sought to address the moral crises faced by America during times of war and consumerism. His bold compositions resonate with themes of longing, desire, loss, grief, and spirituality, while remaining rooted in the rich legacy of historic Italian art.
“Although Boccia was rarely in the public eye, his recruitment to Washington University in St. Louis post-war by Ken Hudson—alongside notable predecessors like Stephen Greene, Max Beckmann, and Philip Guston—indicates that he was viewed as an important innovator in the mid-twentieth century,” stated curator Rosa Berland. “This exhibition aims to reconnect audiences with Boccia’s experimental work and foster a renewed dialogue about this significant Italian-American artist.”
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