Gallery 851 Exhibits Rare Hildy Maze Paintings
The East Hampton gallery showcases nine works created by the late artist during the mid-1980s.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Fine Art
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Gallery 851 in East Hampton is hosting a special exhibition featuring nine large paintings by Hildy Maze. The works, which the late artist created between 1985 and 1987, are displayed on newly painted black walls.
Why it matters
The gallery director curated the exhibition to isolate these powerful works from other art. By painting the interior walls black, the gallery aims to create an immersive environment that honors the spiritual depth of Maze's creative process.
The exhibition features nine large works crafted from oil on burlap and cheesecloth. These pieces represent a fraction of the artist's total collection of 60 paintings.
The players
Hildy Maze
An artist known for her deep engagement with Vajrayana Buddhist practices and tactile use of materials.
Gallery 851
An art exhibition space located at 851 Springs-Fireplace Road in East Hampton.
The details
The paintings are mounted in solid wood frames and hung against a dramatic black backdrop. These specific works were produced during a period when Maze was deeply involved in the study of Vajrayana practices.
Timeline
1970s: Maze joined the New York Buddhist community.
1982: Maze attended the Vajradhatu Seminary in Boulder, Colorado.
1985-1987: Maze created the nine exhibition paintings.
2020: Hildy Maze died.
Nov. 29, 2026: The exhibition at Gallery 851 closes.
Industry Dynamics
This exhibition highlights how institutional galleries increasingly curate thematic shows to contextualize the spiritual background of artists. It marks a departure from traditional white-cube gallery standards by using color-coded environments to frame legacy works.
Local art enthusiasts and visitors can view the exhibition at the gallery's Springs-Fireplace Road location through the end of November. The immersive design offers a unique way to experience the artist's historical work before the show closes.
The takeaway
Visitors to the gallery can observe how Maze utilized unconventional materials like burlap and cheesecloth to communicate spiritual themes. These nine works offer a specific window into the artist's creative development during the mid-1980s.
Further reading
Explore more local creative events on the Fine Art page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by East Hampton Star.
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