“IN THE LAND OF SILHOUETTES ”

Solo exhibition by Marcus Jansen. March 17 through April 29, 2023.

The first solo exhibition of artist Marcus Jansen’s work in China, “In the Land of Silhouettes” showcases a new series of works in the artist’s unique hybrid style, which fuses aspects of gestural abstraction and graffiti writing into dynamic and surreal narratives.

According to John Seed, writer and curator, “Jansen’s “Silhouette” paintings, which feature semi-abstract imagery suggesting social and environment turmoil, are peopled by anonymous figures that engage with ominous situations.

Confidently painted and activated by formal contrasts, the “Silhouette” series will stimulate the imaginations of its viewers and illuminate universal human struggles. These struggles, which take place in the face of chaos and the aftermath of tumultuous events are meant to capture and stimulate viewers. As Jansen explains, “The human silhouettes serve objectively and allow space to challenge emotions, intellect, and imagination of the inner self without filters.” Looking at a few key works in this series offers clues as to how the paintings and their implied narratives might be best understood.

The works presented “In the Land of the Silhouettes” offer glimpses into the fluid and uncensored imagination of one of the most exciting artists at work today. Jansen’s challenging and paradoxical silhouette paintings take us into worlds of power and possibility that transcend time and place and ask us to recognize aspects of our own experiences. His works are full of perceptions—not judgements—that offer opportunities to think freely and deeply about the forces that surround our lives and actions.”

Jansen’s solo museum exhibitions include the La Triennale di Milano Museum in Milan, Italy, Rollins Museum of Art in Orlando, Florida, the Kallmann Museum in Ismaning, Germany, and The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples in Naples, Florida. Other museum highlights include a spotlight exhibition at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, “Deconstructing Marcus Jansen.”

His permanent collections reside at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples, The University of Michigan Museum of Art, Rollins Museum of Art, the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, the New Britain Museum of American Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art,, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, PERMM Museum of Contemporary Art, Housatonic Museum of Art, Foundation Calosa and the Smithsonian Institution. ww.marcusjansen.com

PASSION,

Oil

1. WHEN WATER RISES, (2022) 50” x 74”

Oil enamel, oil stick, spray paint, cardboard on canvas.

2. COLONIALIST WARRIOR WITH MASK, (2022) 30” x 22.5”

Oil enamel, Pastels, spray paint on arches paper

3. MYSTERIOUS, (2022) 30” x 40”

Oil enamel, oil stick, spray paint on canvas.

4. UNKNOWN FORCES, (2022) 84” x 72”

Oil enamel, oil stick, spray paint on canvas.

5. THE CAUSEWAY, (2022) 24” x 18”

Oil enamel, spray paint on paper.

6. AMERICAN IMMIGRANT, (2022) 108” x 88”

Oil enamel, oil stick, spray paint on canvas.