Mesmerized 2019

Mark Maggiori painted "Mesmerized" using traditional oil paints, but the effect he achieves is anything but conventional. Maggiori’s work is rooted in an almost nostalgic vision of the American West, and here he captures a sense of awe and respect for the natural world. The smooth, almost photographic finish of the painting belies the intense labor required to create such a monumental scene. The social context of the painting is interesting - while the subject matter evokes a romanticized past, the artist's technique and style are decidedly contemporary. The clouds above the cowboys seem to pulse with their own life force, reflecting a sky ablaze in an ethereal glow. The relationship between the cowboys and the forces of nature is carefully arranged, and the overall image suggests a world where the individual is dwarfed by their surroundings. Maggiori’s careful attention to detail and technical skill helps to emphasize the rich cultural significance of the cowboy, transforming him into something almost mythic.