ON DISPLAY IN THE HALLWAY OF CENTRAL BANK OF BOONE COUNTY IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
JANUARY 7, 2025 - February 18, 2025
Joanne Zucco Berneche was a force of nature. She usually blew into a room clad in a vintage dress, fabulous costume jewelry, and her strong opinions. She was a Maximalist to beat all Maximalists, in her work, home, and personality.
Joanne was born in 1938 and began creating at a young age. Her work was influenced by ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and Modernist European artists. After marrying fellow artist Jerry Berneche in 1958, their work evolved side by side and created a beautiful visual conversation together. Though Joanne’s art materials tended to be limited in scope (acrylic, gouache, tempera, collage), her imaginative use of these media constructed fantastical spaces and eye-bending patterns. Her appropriated collaged images infused the work with comments on beauty, aging, temporality, and permanence.
In this exhibit, the viewer is greeted by stunning works of collage, abstract landscape paintings, and geometric studies. Throughout the works, recurring threads of color and pattern invite viewers to explore and discover the simple shapes and icons that were central to Joanne’s creative process.
All sales of Joanne’s work will be handled through the Columbia Art League, where Joanne regularly exhibited her work until her death. Sales of Joanne's work will be split, with a portion going to her estate and the remaining portion as commission to CAL.
