Maureen McCabe, a 79-year-old artist from Connecticut, has always been fascinated by the mystical world of tarot card readers, carnival barkers, and voodoo priests. Her mixed-media installations and collages exploring the origins of mysticism are currently on display at the University of Connecticut’s William Benton Museum of Art in an exhibition titled “Fate and Magic: The Art of Maureen McCabe” until December 14.
McCabe’s journey into art began in her childhood when her mother took her to art classes at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. She was drawn to the museum’s medieval section, where she found inspiration in magical and mythical sculptures. This early exposure to art laid the foundation for her later exploration of mysticism in her work.
In 1978, while on sabbatical in Paris, McCabe came across Jean-Paul Sartre’s screenplay “Les jeux sont faits” (The Chips are Down), which delved into themes of fate and free will. This discovery sparked a series of assemblages exploring these concepts, setting her on a path to delve deeper into the occult.
Her art, influenced by artists like Joseph Cornell, Louise Nevelson, Remedios Varo, and Leonora Carrington, incorporates intricate drawings, vintage objects, and found items to create narrative compartments that tell stories of ancient myths and mystical realms. McCabe’s studio in Quaker Hill, Connecticut, is filled with a vast collection of vintage games, charms, crystals, feathers, and other esoteric objects that inspire her work.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a series of works inspired by Ireland’s pre-Christian past, where McCabe draws on her visit to prehistoric sites to create haunting pieces that capture the essence of ancient myths. Another notable piece is “VOUDOU” (1993), dedicated to New Orleans’s Queen of Voodoo and the King of Voodoo, showcasing her meticulous research and respect for spiritual symbols.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is an Irish Wishing Tree, where visitors can make a wish by tying a green ribbon to its branches. McCabe has also participated in various programs at the museum, engaging with students and discussing topics like tarot cards, object performance, and constellations.
Overall, Maureen McCabe’s retrospective at the William Benton Museum of Art is a testament to her lifelong dedication to exploring the mystical and magical in art. Her work is a blend of creativity, research, and reverence for ancient traditions, creating a captivating experience for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of fate and magic.
