Park West Gallery Presents the Art of
Marcus Glenn

 Marcus Glenn is one of the most exciting and distinctive young African-American artists to emerge in recent years. His work deals with imagery and subjects which continue to fascinate him. His thematic visual dialogues consistently revolve around the creative process of making art; the solitary experience of the artist; the relationship between art and the viewer; music (almost always jazz); and musicians.

Marcus is known for his use of vibrant colors, his expressive use of exotic papers and fabrics, and his ability to create a masterful textured collage effect. His figures are animated and mannerist in approach, often stretching and twisting into impossible but highly expressive positions. He also has created a unique form of combining painting with sculpture to create a bas-relief effect. He has called this approach ‘Flat Life’ and has been developing the approach for more than a decade.

While the use of his imagination is clearly evident, each artwork is intensely personal to Marcus in that he draws upon his own experiences and the experiences of people around him for inspiration. Marcus explained, “I try to leave a piece of myself in each composition or each canvas – my heart and soul.”

Meaning is woven throughout all of his artwork, even down to the signature floorboards that appear in nearly all of Marcus’ interior or abstract compositions. According to Marcus, the floorboards are multi-colored because “that is how life is – there is a variety in nature and in mankind.” He goes on to say that he considers the floorboards to be the foundation of his works and that they represent “the palette of God” which to him, is love.

Marcus Glenn continues to evolve as an artist. While he goes through periods of work when he favors one subject or approach over another, one thing remains constant; Marcus’ passion for what his does. Of his success as an artist, Marcus said, “I always tell people that what I do is a labor of love and to be able to share it with the world, the masses, is a blessing.”

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