In this discussion in conjunction with the exhibition Chiara Fumai: LESS LIGHT, Micki Pellerano will explain the meaning of various occult themes prevalent in Fumai’s work and will elaborate on the esoteric traditions from which she drew her inspiration and symbolism.

In 2015, Fumai was introduced to fellow artist and occultist Micki Pellerano during the Mycorial Theatre symposium in Rabka, Poland. The two established a relationship of collaboration and mutual esteem based on their shared interest in giving expression to the profundity of their esoteric studies in the fields of visual art and performance. A devoted interest in magic and the occult was a central focus of Fumai’s artistic practice. Her work consisted of performance of ritual magic as well as channeling—either by physical invocation of historical/mythological personages or automatic drawing.

Micki Pellerano is a Cuban-American artist based in New York City who works in draftsmanship, performance, film and video. His work is informed by his studies at New York University’s Experimental Theater Wing and his studies in Eastern and Western Esotericism. Pellerano’s work has been widely exhibited in institutions such as MoMA PS1, New York; Serpentine Sackler Gallery, London; ICA, Philadelphia; The Brooklyn Museum; Museum of Arts and Design, New York; Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach; and the Perth International Arts Festival.

LESS LIGHT is curated by Kari Conte, Director of Programs and Exhibitions, ISCP and Francesco Urbano Ragazzi, directors of the Chiara Fumai archive.

This program is supported, in part, by Greenwich Collection Ltd.; Hartfield Foundation; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF); The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; The Church of Chiara Fumai; and The Italian Academy for Advanced Studies, Columbia University.