Serena Bocchino is an American contemporary abstract artist known for her work in painting, sculpture, and installation. Her style is a fusion of influences from Abstract Expressionism, modern dance, jazz music, and the experimental Fluxus movement. Bocchino’s process is improvisational yet technically sophisticated, blending color, media, and technique to create a unique visual language. Her work investigates the intersection of visual art and music.
In April, Serena Bocchino had an experience collaborating with world-renowned musicians by painting their beautiful music on stage to opera and classical music. In the photos attached, you can see the setup of the stage with the musicians and Serena at the easel, the painting that was created, and Amy singing with Brad at the piano with Serena’s veil paintings as set design and one project’s painting behind them.
Click here to see the video of performance.
Serena recently came to realize that she has synesthesia. All her life, she has seen music as lines, shapes, and colors in space, and she did not realize that other people do not. It’s funny, really. This has been the impetus of her work for over 30 years. She realized just last year that this neurological condition, which she shares with 5% of the population, causes people to experience more than one sense at the same time. It was always so natural for her to paint and make sculpture as she saw the music and sounds so clearly and naturally painted them. Many artists have likely experienced this but never labeled it.
Basically, she set up a studio on the stage for the concert, using her “veils”—paintings printed on silk fabric—as the stage design. Her paintings were projected behind the musicians as they performed. When it was time to perform on stage, she painted live and responded to the music featuring opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, pianist Bradley Moore, violinist Eric Silberger, and violinist and composer Mann-Wen Lo.
Serena Bocchino is an award-winning visual artist whose work explores the intersection of music and painting. With over 30 years of experience, her unique approach to art is driven by her synesthesia—a condition that allows her to see music as lines, shapes, and colors. This neurological condition has been the foundation of her creative process, inspiring her to translate auditory experiences into visual forms.
On April 28, 2024, Serena Bocchino participated in an event titled “Intersection: Painting and Music” at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center. This experience featured opera singer Amy Shoremount-Obra, pianist Bradley Moore, violinist Eric Silberger, and violinist Mann-Wen Lo.
For the performance, Serena set up a studio on stage, incorporating her “veils”—silk fabric printed with her paintings—as part of the stage design. Her paintings were also projected behind the musicians, creating an immersive environment that enhanced the musical experience. As the musicians performed, Serena painted live on stage, responding to the music in real-time.
One of the highlights of the evening was the creation of “Sonic Strokes in Three Miniatures,” a painting that embodies Serena’s synesthetic perception of music. This piece, made with enamel paint and graphite on canvas, measures 38 x 48 inches and is now part of the collection at the Pompano Beach Center for the Performing Arts in Florida.
The event was a visual and auditory feast, with the audience witnessing the dynamic interplay between music and painting. Serena’s live painting performance added a layer of spontaneity and creativity, making the experience truly unique. The collaboration with Amy Shoremount-Obra, Bradley Moore, Eric Silberger, and Mann-Wen Lo brought out the best in each artist, resulting in a harmonious blend of art forms.
Serena’s journey as an artist has always been influenced by her synesthesia. From a young age, she saw music as a vivid array of colors and shapes, which naturally translated into her artwork. This condition, though not widely understood, has been a source of inspiration and creativity for her. By embracing her unique perception, Serena has developed a distinctive style that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Her work is not just about visual representation but also about capturing the essence of the musical experience. Each brushstroke, color choice, and composition in her paintings reflects the rhythm, melody, and emotion of the music she hears. This deep connection between sound and sight allows her to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally evocative.
In addition to her live performances, Serena’s art has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. Her ability to convey the sensory experience of music through her paintings has garnered her acclaim and admiration from art lovers and critics alike. She continues to push the boundaries of her craft, exploring new ways to merge visual and auditory art.
The “Intersection: Painting and Music” event was a testament to Serena’s vision. It demonstrated how art can transcend traditional boundaries and create new forms of expression. By bringing together music and painting, Serena offered the audience a multi-sensory experience that was both captivating and inspiring.
Serena Bocchino’s work is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Through her art, she invites viewers to see the world through her eyes, where music and color intertwine in a dance of creativity and emotion. Her unique perspective continues to inspire and challenge the way we think about art and its role in our lives.
