“Body Language” at Hamilton Square is the eighteenth exhibition that curator Kristin J. DeAngelis has organized for SILVERMAN. For additional information on the curator, please visit: deangelisart.com. For additional information on the artist, please visit her website occipitalnyc.com or Instagram @occipitalnyc for more details about the paintings.

More About The Exhibit and Artist

Occipital grew up in Rhode Island.  She then moved to New York City, studied at Parsons: The New School for Design, and graduated with a BFA in Fashion Design.  She worked as a shoe designer for three years after college.

Occipital’s work features expressive lines in high contrast to spark the visual processing center of the brain: the occipital lobe.   The name she gave herself, Occipital, is not only connected with her art because of its visual nature, but also because the word itself is strong and accurately represents her personal muse.

Initially, creating art was an outlet to express emotion and honor her aunt. Her Aunt took the older sister role at times and they were inseparable.  A friend found her sketchbook and knew Occipital’s work needed to become public.  Her Aunt lived a vibrant life—and it is Occipital’s aim to ensure her presence lives on through a venue as meaningful as art.

The abstract figures Occipital paints capture many facets of her personality and her journey: her confidence, her wit, her darkness, her light, her freedom, and her elegance.  With her aunt as Occipital’s muse, it has allowed her to soak up the world around her and have it spill out of her hand.  She has evolved and uses the same technique and thought process when she creates collaborations and commissions for specific clients, themes, or companies.

Most of Occipital’s work is done in watercolor, playing with the transparency of the paint to create texture within the bold lines.  She also uses acrylic paint, chalk, and metal. In each medium, Occipital tries to minimize the lines and shape used in each piece to create a simplistic look.  The pieces range in size and scale—from paper and canvas to large wall murals.

“An overarching theme in my artwork is body language.  I find this universal language very interesting and a great way to express emotion.  Instead of using color I use the pose of the figure to evoke emotion or feeling.”  Says Occipital.

Occipital first reached out to Curator, Kristin J. DeAngelis in 2019.  “Occipital was intriguing to me.  The person, the story behind the art  – this individual built an aura of mystery.  To the point, I was thinking perhaps we could create a show together and I never know more about this person, but the figures that I see.”  The initial exhibition date was for 2020, but COVID forced the show to be postponed.  “I am so pleased that we were able to keep our connection and not only reschedule – but celebrate in person!”

Occipital’s first show was in 2015.  She painted a mural on the building that hosted the event (right outside the Bedford Ave stop on the L).  During the event collectors could buy the paintings right off the wall. As people bought, the wall was rearranged drawing more people to view her art.  She has had nearly 20 shows to date.

“I am excited to be showing in Jersey City.  I started my business in the Greenpoint area of Brooklyn, NY.  I was introduced to Jersey City by a patron of the arts and it has been a favorite area for many New Yorkers and I am grateful to be able to share my work with this community.”

Occipital’s artwork can be found in private collections around the world including in Los Angeles, Toronto, North Carolina, Miami, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Prague, Milan, and Providence, RI.