Mario Pikus

Biography

Mario Pikus, painter and sculptor, won his first Art Award at age 8 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. By his teen years, he was participating in group shows and painting commissioned murals. As a young man, Mario traveled to New York City to meet the only living Paris of the 20’s artist, the renowned Cubist sculptor, Jacques Lipchitz. Lipchitz believed Mario to be an artistic genius, and became his mentor. Lipchitz compared Mario to the expressionist painter Chaim Soutine. Through Lipchitz, Mario met his most significant collectors, Lester Avnet and William Mazer. Mario moved to Soho and later Tribeca in New York City, where he created in his artist’s studio. In the 1970’s and 80’s, Mario became an activist in fighting for the legal rights of artists to both work and live in their loft spaces. He was involved in court battles for many years, but victoriously was responsible for case law and legislation that protected thousands of artists in their lofts. This protracted struggle for the artists’ homes resulted in one of Mario’s largest exhibitions held in Soho, entitled “Pictures of an Eviction”. Currently residing in Rancho Mirage, CA, Mario brings to his work his unique bursts of color, emotion and intensity. His most recent oil paintings and sculptures combine with innovation, discipline and freedom the elements of Abstract Expressionism, Surrealism and Cubism. Mario has completed many commissioned artworks for collectors and celebrities. Mario's mediums include Oil Paintings, Pastel & Ink Drawings, and wood & metal Sculptures. Mario is the innovator of a new sculpture artform called “Harley-ism”. His unique metal sculptures are created from discarded Harley Davidson motorcycle parts. Each sculpture, rather than being welded, is bolted together by the artist to create perfect balance of weight and form. Finishing touches of colors – red, yellow, orange paints, are then applied. The final art is abstract versions of horses, musicians, dancers, & other persona. He is currently working on a new series of horse sculptures called “Sturgis Stampede”. In Spring, 2009, Mario was awarded Best of Show at the Palm Springs Art Museum for his sculpture entitled “The New Ride”. In Nov. 2009, Mario was the artist chosen for an amazing installation of his paintings & sculptures at the Dennis Lambert concert at the Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. The fund-raiser starred Lambert, Natalie Cole, The Commodores, Connie Stevens, The Players and many other legendary singers. Mario was the featured artist in April 2010 at Cabot Museum's Earth Day for his use of recycled materials, and the first One Man Exhibit (paintings, sculptures, & drawings) at the new David Blank Gallery in Palm Desert, CA in May 2010. “The same freedom that I feel when riding my Harley on the open road is what I want to convey in my sculptures & paintings – I want to represent freedom of form and movement.”

Artist Statement

I was born a painter & sculptor, and I will work until I die as a painter & sculptor. I did not choose Art -- it chose me. In this uncertain world we live in, Art can give comfort, courage, beauty & inspiration to all who view and experience it. All artists -- no matter what corner of the world -- who are living today are an "endangered species" -- and must be protected, nurtured, and encouraged -- for we breathe life into forms and images that carry on the human spirit and human experience.

Art Education

Although I received several scholarships, I followed my mentor Jacques Lipchitz's final advice to learn from the Masters -- so the Museums and Art Books & Films became my greatest teachers.

Awards

One of my proudest recent Awards was winning the highest honor, "Best in Show" at the Palm Springs Art Museum in 2009. In 1985 in New York City, I sat at the right hand side of then Governor Carey as he signed into law a bill to protect all artists living in lofts in NYC which was the result of my many years of activism for artists rights. I have fostered, taught, and encouraged many young artists over the years and continue until today. I also foster emerging musicians, and I have gatherings in my home of young classical and contemporary composers, pianists, saxophonists, guitarists, and singers to have exposure of their art and to network with each other. My other achievements have been my art showings: April, 2010 – Featured Sculptor, Cabot Pueblo Museum – Desert Hot Springs, CA;– Earth Day Celebration; May, 2010 – One Man Show, David Blank Gallery – Palm Desert, CA Other Selected Exhibitions 2009 Selected Artist – Lambert Concert, Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage, CA 2009 Winner Best of Show – Palm Springs Art Museum, CA 2008 Exhibition at Rancho Mirage Public Library, CA 2007 Project “Translate” – Rancho Mirage, CA 2006 Desert in Manhattan, Tribeca, New York City 2004 Make It a Better World, Palm Springs, CA 2004 Art in the Park, Palm Springs, CA 2001 Art in the Cave, Chumash Indian Rock Paintings, Malibu, CA 1997 The Art Bank Gallery, L.A. 1996 Bova Gallery, L.A. 1995 Trident Entertainment, L.A. 1994 Sherry Frumkin Gallery, Santa Monica 1993 The New Wilshire Art Exhibition, L.A. 1993 Weisenthal Museum, Los Angeles 1990 Art in the Villa, Los Feliz 1986 The Second Generation, L.A. 1985 The Museum of Hispanic Art, L.A. 1984 Office of Hon. Governor Mario Cuomo, N.Y. 1983 Lever House, National Council on Art, N.Y. 1982 The Artist’s Dilemma, N.Y. 1981 Cayman Gallery, Soho, N.Y.