I’m super proud and excited about my next curatorial effort, “Inter | States” a group exhibition opening this Saturday September 20 at Craven Contemporary in Kent, CT. I’m honored to have the participation of each of these wonderful artists. See the link in my bio for a preview!

Something beautiful for the weekend! An extraordinary Acheulean handaxe knapped around a fossil shell c. 500,000-300,000 years ago! The shell’s central display has been described as an example of aesthetic intention by the toolmaker. West Tofts, Norfolk. 📷 MAA Cambridge University #Archaeology

Fascism is the small mind's fear of the myriad beauties of the world.

A very worthwhile and at times touching read about #GD60 from an astute participant: @passionweiss.bsky.social www.passionweiss.com/2025/08/12/y...

Windmill surfer during crescendo of Sugaree on night three of #GD60 What an epic weekend. Forever grateful.

Totally is the final day to visit the Aspen Art Fair. If you’re there, be sure to swing by Hexton Gallery to see my work alongside paintings by Alex Katz and others. I’m honored to be in such fine company and so grateful to the entire Hexton Gallery team for their support.

I’m pleased to report that Hexton Gallery will present my paintings at The Aspen Art Fair this week. Details in my current newsletter: mailchi.mp/mdefeo/the-a...

'Hello human, nice to meet you'

Newly arrived postcards for “Two Voices In Tandem” a two-person exhibition featuring paintings by Shira Toren and I, opening this Saturday July 19 at Craven Contemporary in Kent, CT. If you see me in Tribeca for tonight’s gallery walk, please say hello and I’ll give you a postcard! mdefeo.com

Bidding is now live for my painting, “Always Remembering” in support of LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, NY. www.artsy.net/artwork/mich... Thanks for your consideration!

A painting from a couple of years ago. Meandrina 2023 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 40 x 30 in 101.6 x 76.2 cm

I’m very excited to announce artist Shira Toren and I are teaming up for “Two Voices In Tandem” opening next month at Craven Contemporary. Reception: July 19, 4-6pm through Sept 14 Craven Contemporary 4 Fulling Lane Kent, CT (646) 355-8142 [email protected] Slide 1: Me Slide 2: Shira

New York, get out and vote today! findmypollsite.vote.nyc

I’m pleased to report that another one of my paintings has been placed in a collection in Honolulu, Hawaii. So grateful for the support I have there. Painting pictured here at my studio. Climb That Hill Again 2025 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 54 x 48 in 137.2 x 121.9 cm

34 years ago today, I got on the bus. My first Grateful Dead show. What a night! Changed my life. I’ve been forever grateful since that magical evening. Here’s their opener. youtu.be/kuSJ0djewQU?...

Happy to report that my painting, “I’ll Take You There” has be placed in a collection in Pennsylvania. Always grateful for the support of my collectors. 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 20 x 16 in

Listening to this gem of a show while I paint in my studio. Betty board from 48 years ago today in Hartford.

Bid on my painting, Bringing Up the Past, in support of NYC Culture Club, a non profit that gives artists and curators free exhibitions at the World Trade Center. For tickets to their 2nd annual gala and auction this Wednesday May 21, please visit www.nyccultureclub.com Thanks for checking it out!

I donated this painting to benefit NYC Culture Club, a nonprofit that offers opportunities for curators & artists to host exhibitions for free. The painting will be auctioned at their gala this Wed May 21 at the World Trade Center. Info and tix: www.nyccultureclub.com Hope to see you Wednesday!

Stella Blues Band yesterday at the bandshell in Central Park.

@karinarykman.bsky.social crushed it last night at Webster Hall! Love her energy.

Folded Landscape 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 60 x 48 in 152. 4 x 121.9 cm

Friends Until the End 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 48 x 40 in 121.9 x 101.6 cm

Chelsea sunset shining through a piece by Spencer Finch at the Hill Art Foundation on the first evening of May.

Today’s listening is just exactly perfect.

Painting from the end of last year made in my last studio. Letting the Hammer Do All the Work 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 60 x 48 in 152.4 x 121.9 cm

I love springtime in New York.

Picture a bright blue ball just spinning, spinning free Happy Earth Day, all. I’m hoping we can do a better job of taking good care of our home.

Happy #BicycleDay

I’m pleased to announce that NY Mag, New Era Japan, and I, have teamed up for a release employing my ‘love’ text originally from the cover of the Reasons to Love NY Issue in 2007. ‘Love’ was enlarged to 90 ft & placed on the Bryant Park ice rink for the cover! Details: mailchi.mp/mdefeo/new-y...

Happy Friday from my new studio! Working on some fresh canvases today.

I’m pleased to announce that my painting, “I Was Born with Light in My Veins” has been placed in a prominent collection in Hawaii. Big love to my supporters there. I’m most grateful. I Was Born with Light in My Veins 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 60 x 48 in 152.4 x 121.9 cm

Part of today’s listening.

Oil on paper rubbing from the surface of a painting on canvas in progress. I feel like this piece unfolds in reverse my usual approach to painting. This is the full painting and three detail photos.

Three of three. Acrylic on French bus stop advertisement.

I made another one. Acrylic on French bus-stop shelter fashion advertisement. Full painting and a few details. 68.5 x 47 in. Keira Knightly for Chanel.

New painting atop a street-sourced fashion ad campaign. Haven’t done these in about three years.

To my fellow heads that haven’t yet seen David’s post: I’m now about 12 minutes into this interview between Candace Brightman and @dgans.bsky.social and it’s wonderful.

One the last paintings I made in my previous studio on East 80th Street along with some close up photos. El Greco Ganja, 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 48 x 40 in 121.9 x 101.6 cm

There are less than 24 hours to bid on my painting, “Put it in your pipe and smoke it” in support of those impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Bid now here: www.artsy.net/artwork/mich... Put it in your pipe and smoke it. 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 30 x 24 in 76.2 x 61 cm

Today is the last day of Last Days Gallery! See work by @geabea.bsky.social Katherine Bradford Deborah Brown Federico de Francesco Maureen Dougherty Erika Ranee Jane Swavely @richardtinkler.bsky.social Liliane Tomasko Kevin Umaña & me! Poem: @josephfasano.bsky.social Until 6pm lastdaysgallery.com

Just three days left of our group exhibition, “Just a Song Before I Go.” Come in from the cold and warm up with this very special show. 10am - 6pm through Saturday February 22. lastdaysgallery.com 11 East 80th Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10075

An honor to have writer and educator @josephfasano.bsky.social at the opening of our show, Just a Song Before I Go where he read his poem, Van Gogh’s Last Letter. Pick up a postcard copy of his poem when you visit. This is the final week of the show! www.lastdaysgallery.com www.josephfasano.net

I’m at lastdaysgallery.com today until 6pm. Visit our exhibition, “Just a Song Before I Go” before it closes on the 22nd! Last Days Gallery is located in my former art studio at 11 East 80th Street, 4th floor. I’m looking forward to welcoming you!

20 yrs ago today, I was at the unfurling of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s monumental installation, The Gates in Central Park. There were 7,503 saffron fabric panels suspended over 23 miles of paths throughout the park. Epic, joyous, ephemeral art. A magical & moving experience. Some of my photos.

Katherine Bradford painting, “Beach Hike” in my exhibition, “Just a song Before I Go” at Last Days Gallery (located in my former art studio.) Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm, up through February 22nd. Come say hello and view the show! 11 East 80th Street, 4th fl lastdaysgallery.com

Walking to Last Days Gallery. Come visit, have an espresso, and enjoy the work in our show. We’re open until 6 pm! Exhibition includes Katherine Bradford, Gina Beavers, Richard Tinkler, Jane Swavely, Liliane Tomasko, Deborah Brown, and more! 11 East 80th Street, 4th floor www.lastdaysgallery.com

It Took 1344 Years for this Light to Hit My Yard, a title I borrowed from a post by part-time astrophotographer and all-around good dude @luckybudd.bsky.social 2024 Acrylic, oil, and oil stick on canvas. 48 x 40 in 121.9 x 101.6 cm #michaeldefeo #contemporaryart #contemporarypainting

Due to rent hikes I decided to leave my art studio. I transformed my Upper East Side space into a gallery for the last weeks of my lease to mount “Just a Song Before I Go” a group exhibition that includes Katherine Bradford, Gina Beavers, Richard Tinkler and others. Come visit! lastdaysgallery.com

We’re honored to welcome poet and novelist @josephfasano.bsky.social at this evening’s reception of “Just a Song Before I Go” where he will read a poem he contributed to the show. Last Days Gallery, 11 East 80th Street, opening today, January 22 from 6-8 pm. Full details: lastdaysgallery.com