The Artistic Medium Defines the Message in Maureen McCabe’s Work

**Exploring the Mystical World of Maureen McCabe: A Journey Through Art and Magic**

STORRS, Connecticut — In a world overly reliant on technology and digital screens, a trip back to the mystical origins that once captivated humanity offers a refreshing perspective. Maureen McCabe, an artist rooted in Connecticut, has spent much of her 79 years delving into the enchanting realms of tarot card readers, carnival barkers, and voodoo priests. Her eloquent exploration of mysticism is highlighted in the retrospective exhibition *Fate and Magic: The Art of Maureen McCabe,* held at the William Benton Museum of Art, University of Connecticut, until December 14.

McCabe’s artistic journey began in Quincy, Massachusetts, ignited by regular visits to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston with her mother. The medieval collection struck a chord with her, sparking an enduring fascination with the confluence of art and mysticism. Recalling her childhood experiences, McCabe noted, “We were given paper and pencil and told to find something to draw… I was drawn to the magical, the myth sculptures, and medieval relics. It all made sense to me.”

Her enthrallment with the mystical intensified during a sabbatical in Paris in 1978 when she encountered Jean-Paul Sartre’s screenplay *Les jeux sont faits* (The Chips are Down), which inspired her assemblages on fate and free will. Amanda Douberly, the curator at Benton Museum, highlights McCabe’s focus on positivity and protection, ensuring her work resonates safety and benevolence.

Influenced by sculptors like Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson, as well as artists Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington, McCabe crafted intricate artworks combining drawings, toys, and found objects on vintage school slate chalkboards, each a narrative journey in mysticism. Her Quaker Hill studio is a treasure trove of vintage games, charms, and crystals, emphasizing McCabe’s commitment to weaving historical consciousness into her art.

Among her captivating collections, McCabe’s exploration of Ireland’s pre-Christian history and a vintage Australian game board stand out. Her assemblage, “VOUDOU,” pays homage to New Orleans’s voodoo traditions, reflecting her meticulous approach to powerful symbols and cultural narratives.

Adding an interactive element to the exhibition, McCabe features an Irish Wishing Tree, allowing visitors to make wishes with green ribbons. Complementing the display are museum programs where McCabe engages in tarot card creation, discusses object performance, and shares insights on constellations.

Douberly emphasizes the significance of showcasing McCabe’s lifetime achievements, recognizing the challenges female artists of her generation faced in gaining career-long acclaim. As Maureen McCabe’s art unravels the mysteries of fate and magic, it bridges ancient traditions with contemporary creativity, offering a contemplative escape and appreciation for the mystical artistry within us all.