Mary Catherine
Daley
I am an Art Historian and aspiring curator with a focus on European and American Modernism, currently preparing to pursue an MA in Art History. This summer, I am working at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and interning at the Cape Cod Cultural Center, further deepening my experience in museum operations and public engagement.
I hold a B.S. in Advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and I recently completed a summer semester at Columbia University in the Art History Department, where I studied Italian, Spanish, and Dutch Baroque; American Art in a Global Context; and Museum Studies.
I am deeply interested in Modern and Contemporary Art, particularly the transatlantic exchange of ideas between Europe and the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries. My research focuses on Modernism and Surrealism, with a particular emphasis on the often-overlooked contributions of female Surrealists. I am fascinated by the ways these artists navigated creative expression, gender dynamics, and the art world at large. With a background in advertising, I bring a unique perspective on the intersection of culture and creativity in today’s society.
The contextualization of life's priorities and point of view that loss and life has provided me with has instilled a keen sense of determination to promote the authenticity and beauty of the human experience, as told through art.
New York, New York
Meet Mary -
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In New York, New York through the Spring of 2025, then trading cityscapes for sea light on Cape Cod.
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Before shifting my focus to museums and curation, I built a career crafting impactful brand narratives on a global scale.
From leading dynamic activations for Bumble—partnering with cultural icons like David Dobrik and The Chainsmokers—to shaping immersive brand experiences, including a Smirnoff collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, my background in advertising honed my ability to tell compelling stories, engage audiences, and bring creative visions to life.
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As I prepare to transition into the curatorial field, my focus is on exploring the intersection of art history, modernism, and design. With a deep passion for the contributions of female Surrealists and a growing interest in European and American Modernism, I aim to curate exhibitions that highlight the richness of these movements. I'm committed to publishing my research and pursuing a PhD, ultimately teaching and sharing my love for art history at the university level. This journey is driven by my ambition to contribute to the academic and curatorial landscape while continuously expanding my understanding of art and culture.
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Outside of my professional work, I draw inspiration from design, travel, and antiquing. Whether I’m collecting vintage treasures, exploring new cultures, or uncovering the artistic roots of cities, my personal interests feed into my professional practice. My travels shape how I see art, history, and design. From the rustic charm of local markets to the grand museums of the world, these experiences keep me grounded and creatively inspired. I aim to bring these influences into my curatorial work, drawing on both the historical and contemporary to inspire fresh perspectives.