Victor Liguori
Victor Liguori, professor emeritus of art, died January 21, 2018, at age 86.
The Brooklyn native received a certificate in art from the Cooper Union Art School in 1951 and B.F.A. (1953) and M.F.A. (1956) degrees from Yale University in painting. He instructed at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio before joining the Skidmore faculty in 1963. He retired in 1989.
At Skidmore Liguori served on faculty committees, received several faculty research grants and taught courses in a variety of artistic disciplines including painting, silkscreen printing, painting collages, typography and poster art.
He designed logos and brochures and did graphic design work for local businesses as well as college offices and departments. His work was exhibited in group and one-man shows in various cities during the 1960s and at Skidmore and its surrounding area throughout the 1970s and '80s.
In a 1974 interview, Liguori spoke of his artistic philosophy: "No attempt is made to press my shape and color relationships to the service of any message, story, or other cognitive concept." He added, "The concept of color as a medium of interaction ... is somewhat analogous to the way words exist and behave in poetry as opposed to prose."
David Miller, professor emeritus of art, said Liguori's students "had the highest respect for him, and many had furthered their education due to his encouragement. His contributions to the department, and the College at large, made a very positive impact."
John Cunningham, professor emeritus of art, calling him "a specially gifted and dedicated artist," recalled that Liguori was naturally left handed, "but, as a student at Yale, he discovered it a hindrance when teaching himself calligraphy. So he taught himself how to do calligraphy with his right hand. I would not have thought such a thing possible ... he was the best."
In addition to his parents, Liguori was predeceased by his wife Jondra Nolan Liguori and a brother, Richard Liguori. Survivors include his brother Joseph J. Liguori of Lynbrook and many nieces and nephews.