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Marie Wilson: A Poet of Forms and Colors

By Tony Bravo

 

Marie Wilson at Gallery Wendi Norris

Bay Area artist Marie Wilson’s often surreal paintings and drawings of biomorphic and geometric forms are ripe for rediscovery. 

 

Gallery Wendi Norris is now representing Wilson’s estate, and is relaunching her with the exhibition “Marie Wilson: A Poet of Forms and Colors,” the first major solo show in San Francisco of her work since 1984, when Lawrence Ferlinghetti presented “Apparitions: The Mythical World of Marie Wilson” at City Lights Bookstore. 

 

Wilson’s spiritual themes and use of symmetry inspired by indigenous art feel especially worth a reevaluation. With Norris’ reputation for helping the art world recognize undersung female surrealists, including Leonora Carrington and Alice Rahon, Wilson’s legacy is in the right hands. 

December 26, 2025