Phyllis Tracy Malinow’s work background was in theatre and entertainment. She worked with Broadway’s master set and lighting designer, the late Jo Mielziner. Mielziner’s classic, innovative images, colors and artistry were inspirational. Her father, Harry Malinow had been a W.P.A. artist on the Federal Art Project, Works Progress Administration. His imagery was strong with social commentary of that era. Her youth was spent in his studio. Her mentor, the late Anthony Palumbo was the greatest force guiding her to bring all these extraordinary influences in her life together. These three powerfully gifted and very different individuals propelled her to develop and experiment with visual expression.
Her art is a departure from tradition. It is very personal, from a mysterious, primitive place. The works of Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh, Ferdinand Leger, Marc Chagall, Henri Rousseau, William Blake, Francis Bacon and Mexican muralists like, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Jose Clemente Orozco are a unique group of artists whose imagination, compelling storytelling, humanity and spiritual touch conveyed in their own unique imagery have been stimulating influences.
Ms. Malinow had the privilege in 1993 of having a one-woman exhibition of oil paintings at the Poliforum Cultural Siqueiros in Mexico City. This museum was dedicated and named after Mexican muralist, David Alfaro Siqueiros. Her exhibit was well-received in the art community and media. Malinow’s art has been included in numerous group shows in New York and abroad.
On sharing thoughts regarding her work, Phyllis comments, “It is extremely rewarding to have my art exhibited in the United States and around the globe, as I did in Mexico, Africa and Japan. I am impassioned to paint, create mono print woodcuts, works on paper and masks. Allegoric Expression is how life translates. Texture, color, story, form and movement excite me as a painter, wood block printmaker and mask sculptor. I reach out through Art using it as a forum to communicate the human experience. Hopefully, my art will touch and stimulate the viewer.”
In 1999, Phyllis was invited to participate in an exhibition of American art through the Art in Embassies Program, c/o the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Ambassadorial Residence in Niamey, Niger, Africa for three years.