17 Old Beach Road, Newport, RI 02840 (401) 662-1321 KimQSalerno@cox.net
My work generally combines patterned, domestic interior imagery with a variety of printed papers, fabrics and other materials. The two-dimensional collages look like oversized, heavily textured Indian miniatures. These interior views include images of architectural interiors, decorative objects, vases, silhouetted figures, dogs and other stuff from houses.  In these paper/fabric works the images coexists in a flattened, patterned, fragmented scene, where color unifies the disparate elements.  Materials include plastic, fake fur, foam beads, crystals, holographic paper, tulle, fringe, fabric and tassels. Three-dimensional pieces build on the fabric store material idea and continue to explore domestic interior narratives.  Objects such as wooden finials, balusters and stools layer architectural meaning onto these objects.  The installation sketches synthesize themes from the two and three-dimensional works into a richly patterned, highly textured domestic interior landscape.  This is the work of a decorator without constraints. The paintings of Kim Salerno have been exhibited throughout the United States in galleries, cultural centers and museums. Kim’s work has won many awards including a fellowship from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.  Her work is included in several private and corporate collections including the Dana Farber collection in Boston.  Salerno earned a master of architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.  She also attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she earned a certificate in painting. As an undergraduate, she attended Smith College where she earned a bachelor of arts.  Kim has worked as an architect.  She has taught art and design at colleges and universities throughout the country including the School of the Art institute of Chicago.  She now teaches at the University of Rhode Island.  Her work draws from a broad, interdisciplinary and rich background.