Maria R. Schneider
FRACTURE VALLEY THREE, 2025
Plexiglass, acrylic paint, wood, paper LEDs
14 x 12 x 3"

Artist Statement

Using both natural and urban environments as points of departure, I embark on a creative process where captured essences transform into fractured, luminous narratives. Through laser-cutting and the strategic manipulation of layered plexiglass, I construct dynamic environments that fragment and reconstruct familiar landscapes, giving rise to prismatic visual experiences that transcend the original source.

Artist Bio

Maria R. Schneider is a Spanish-born, Philadelphia-based artist known for her innovative fusion of traditional drawing techniques with cutting-edge technology. Her work is characterized by graphic simplicity and conceptual depth, exploring the fragmentation and reconstruction of both urban landscapes and natural environments.

Schneider's unique artistic vision is shaped by her diverse background. After completing a Law Degree and an MBA, she pursued her passion for art, studying at The Art Student League in New York and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia. This multidisciplinary foundation informs her creative process, blending analytical thinking with artistic expression.

As a member of NextFab, a Philadelphia makers-space, Schneider incorporates lasers, LED lighting, and other advanced technologies into her practice. Her signature style marries traditional drawing methods with these modern elements, creating captivating works that range from urban cityscapes to fractured geological and botanical landscapes. Using laser-cut layered plexiglass, she constructs prismatic compositions that blur the lines between reality and imagination, whether depicting the angular geometry of city blocks or the organic chaos of natural forms.

Schneider's work has gained recognition in both corporate and private collections, including CubeSmart, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and AIR Communities. Her exhibitions span prestigious venues such as the Pennsylvania State Museum, Philadelphia City Hall, and ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Through her art, Schneider invites viewers to explore the hidden connections between urban environments and natural realms, challenging perceptions of space, light, and fragmentation. Her evolving practice continues to push boundaries, challenging societal perceptions.

mariarschneider.com

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