ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Mara Devereux: The Unseen Abstract Artist

artist · 2026-04-24

Mara Devereux, a 90-year-old abstract painter, continues to create daily despite financial hardship and arthritic hands. Born in New York, she began her artistic journey at age eight when a Brooklyn Museum staff member invited her to join an adult art class in 1935. She later shifted from realism to abstraction, describing the process as a religious experience with God as her co-pilot. Devereux exhibited alongside Andy Warhol and Christo at the Museum of Merchandise in Philadelphia in 1967 and was recognized by Who's Who in American Art for three consecutive years. However, she remains largely unknown due to her lack of business acumen and social networking. Living in Los Angeles, she struggles to sell her work and relies on a social security pension. Despite these challenges, she finds joy in painting, which she calls an adventure. The article, written by Christina Dirkes, highlights Devereux's resilience and unwavering passion for art.

Key facts

  • Mara Devereux began art at age eight in a Brooklyn Museum class in 1935.
  • She exhibited with Andy Warhol and Christo in Philadelphia in 1967.
  • She was recognized by Who's Who in American Art for three years.
  • She describes her abstract painting as a religious experience.
  • She lives in Los Angeles and paints daily despite arthritis.
  • She struggles financially due to poor business skills.
  • She believes God is her co-pilot in the creative process.
  • The article was written by Christina Dirkes.

Entities

Artists

  • Mara Devereux
  • Andy Warhol
  • Christo
  • Christina Dirkes

Institutions

  • Brooklyn Museum
  • Museum of Merchandise
  • Who's Who in American Art

Locations

  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • Philadelphia

Sources