The Palm Springs Art Museum has welcomed sillmangreen, a striking work by contemporary artist Kim Manfredi, into its permanent collection. Cataloged as object T2024.67, the acquisition was made possible through the generosity of Nicole Panter-Dailey in memory of William (Bill) Dailey, underscoring the profound belief in Manfredi’s artistry.
Currently on view in the museum’s New Acquisitions Hall, sillmangreen exemplifies Manfredi’s ability to traverse the boundaries of classical and contemporary art. By blending the raw immediacy of spray paint with the rich history of traditional oils, she creates a visual language that is at once modern and timeless. Her work balances abstraction and representation, street art and surrealism, while exploring tensions between the spiritual and the concrete.
“sillmangreen is a pivotal work in my practice. Its title pays homage to the great abstractionist Amy Sillman, whose innovative use of color and unwavering dedication to painting have been a long-standing inspiration. The piece combines the fluid unpredictability of poured oil paint with the deliberate application of rattle-can aerosol. This interplay of media reflects my passion for materiality and my commitment to an abstract language that navigates the boundary between the spiritual and the tangible.”
Manfredi, an alumna of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), has built an impressive career rooted in experimentation and artistic exploration. After earning her MFA in painting under the mentorship of Grace Hartigan and Joyce Kozloff, she embarked on a path marked by critical acclaim and diverse exhibitions. She has been represented by the C. Grimaldis Gallery and participated in esteemed artist residencies such as RUC, Vermont Studio Center, VCCA, and Maryland Art Place.
Recent career highlights include her solo exhibition Lady Lazarus at Royale Projects in Los Angeles, participation in Tutto a Tempo at the Camus Museum in Breno, Italy, and a full fellowship from the Torrance Art Museum for the Cycladic Arts Residency in Paros, Greece.
Manfredi’s ties to the desert are equally significant. As a founder of the annual Desert Open Studios Tour, she has helped create a platform for the vibrant local art community to flourish. Her connection to the region and its creative pulse is deeply embedded in her practice, lending an intimate perspective to her work.
The acquisition of sillmangreen by the Palm Springs Art Museum solidifies Manfredi’s place among the influential voices of contemporary art. For those in Palm Springs this month, this piece offers a chance to experience a vivid dialogue between tradition and innovation—a hallmark of Kim Manfredi’s unique artistic vision.
Visit her website: www.kimmanfredi.com
