Observer: Paola Mura Reflects On the Material Universality of Artist Maria Lai’s Work

The New York museum Magazzino Italian Art has just expanded its exhibition by the artist Maria Lai (1919-2013), “A Journey to America,” which represents the recently rediscovered artist’s first retrospective in the United States. Early impressions have been strong, with The Brooklyn Rail running two reviews (a rarity)—the first concluding that “her art is more topical than ever” while the other said the exhibition was “comprehensive and speaks to an idiosyncratic artist and ritualist who, in remaining tethered to the line, both culled and advanced Sardinia’s folkloric social history.” This is one not to miss if you find yourself spending some time upstate this summer. We caught up with Paola Mura, Magazzino’s artistic director and the show’s curator, to hear more about it.