Peter Reginato, born on August 19, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, is a celebrated figure in American art, known for his innovative contributions to abstract sculpture and painting. Although he was born in Texas, Reginato's creative journey began in Oakland, California, where he spent his formative years. He honed his artistic skills at the San Francisco Art Institute from 1963 to 1966, laying the foundation for his unique artistic vision.
Peter Reginato, born on August 19, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, is a celebrated figure in American art, known for his innovative contributions to abstract sculpture and painting. Although he was born in Texas, Reginato’s creative journey began in Oakland, California, where he spent his formative years. He honed his artistic skills at the San Francisco Art Institute from 1963 to 1966, laying the foundation for his unique artistic vision.
Reginato’s work radiates a magnetic energy that defies conventional artistic boundaries. With an unwavering commitment to exploring the potential of color, form, and composition, he has built a career marked by prolific creation. His indomitable spirit has led to numerous solo and group exhibitions across the United States.
His artistic journey has included significant milestones such as participation in the Whitney Biennial in 1970 and 1973, solidifying his status as a distinguished artist contributing to contemporary art’s ever-evolving landscape.
Reginato’s artwork has found a place in prestigious public collections, including the Allen Art Center in Houston, Texas, Brown University, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. His creations have also resonated with institutions like IBM Corporation, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Mead Art Museum at Amherst College, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Mint Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts in both Boston and Houston.
Recent chapters in Reginato’s artistic narrative have seen him captivate audiences through solo exhibitions such as POLYCHROME in New York City’s vibrant Chelsea neighborhood and Peter Reginato: Seeing Things at the Butler Institute of American Art’s Trumbull branch in Ohio.
Reginato’s artistic philosophy can be summed up in his own words: “I want to make art as full as possible… I saw greater possibilities in abstraction.” His creations are envisioned as enduring legacies that transcend temporal trends, resonating with every generation.
Notably, Reginato’s work intersects with that of his contemporary, Fred Gutzeit. Together, their creations encompass a realm where painting and sculpture meld, defying traditional categorizations. Gutzeit’s vivid paintings, inspired by natural landscapes and mathematical objects, harmonize with Reginato’s sculptural innovations, often resembling three-dimensional paintings.
In the world of contemporary art, Peter Reginato stands as a dynamic force, his work a testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. With a legacy defined by colorful abstractions and a relentless artistic spirit, Reginato’s creations continue to inspire, challenge, and elevate the world of abstract art.
NOTABLE REVIEWS
Yau, John HYPERALLERGIC “Rowdy Celebrations” June 21st ,2015
The Hudson Review Autumn 2009 “At The Galleries” Karen Wilkin
Glueck, Grace, The New York Times, “Art in Review”, November 4, 2005
Wilken, Karen, Tibor de Nagy Gallery: The First Fifty Years, 2000, John Ashberry, Publisher.
Arts Magazine AD Feb.1985 Ratcliff, Carter, “Reginato’s Improvisations,” Art in America, December 1989, pp. 146-151
Firestone, Evan, “Three Musicians at the Harlequin’s Carnival: Peter Reginato’s New Sculpture,” Arts, February 1985, pp. 116-119
Raynor, Vivian, The New York Times, July 19, 1980
Carmean, Jr., E.A., Arts, June 1978, p.26
Kramer, Hilton, The New York Times, March 23, 1974
Canaday, John, The New York Times, February 17, 1972
