artist biography

Francis Palazzolo is an artist who brings awareness, critique and resistance to the many problems of polarization. His art practice alters the forms and formations that historically repress inclusion, diversity, equity and access. Within this reimagined space he cultivates opportunities for co-authorship, activates audiences, curates shows, and organizes solo exhibits.

Palazzolo's art practice is extensive. He presented his work at the New Museum, co-curated a show at the Museum of Modern Art and lectured at the Queens Museum. Reviews of note include Art Forum and the New York Times. Between 1994 and 2016, Palazzolo founded several New York City based art studios and galleries, where he also served as the Creative Director.

Currently in New York City, Palazzolo has several projects in-progress. He is implementing socially interdependent portraits, a hybridization of the portraitist drawing the subject with self-portraiture. In Manhattan he is engaging audiences live and remotely, under the title "Facing the Canon." “In Transition” is based in the Bronx at temporary emergency shelters. He and the residents co-create portraits aimed toward lifting visibility and destigmatizing homelessness. Also, Palazzolo recently founded Being Neighborly, socially engaged art projects and exhibitions that offer opportunities for adults confronting social marginalization in the Metropolitan area.

Palazzolo was born in New Jersey in 1960. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and sculpture at School of Visual Arts in 1984, and his Master of Arts at New York University’s Gallatin School of Independent Study in 2000, with a double major in Fine Art and Philosophy. His advisor was Bruce Ferguson, Dean of the School of Arts, Columbia University.