
Created By
Maria Marshall
Acrylic on canvas performance painting

Curator
Artbridger Curator
Marshall's "Blindfolded Series" captivates with its fusion of ancient symbolism and contemporary vigor. The rich terracotta palette and rhythmic composition draw viewers into a world where human forms are distilled to their essence through dynamic marks and scratches. The interplay of oxidized surfaces and scattered indentations creates a visual symphony that challenges us to contemplate the unseen forces guiding our movements through both physical and metaphysical realms. Marshall's work is a testament to the enduring power of primal expression and the transformative possibilities of artistic innovation.
In Marshall's "Blindfolded Series," we encounter a copper-toned tableau that pulses with raw, kinetic energy. The work, etched into what appears to be a metallic surface, presents a fascinating interplay of figures caught in various states of motion and contemplation. The piece strikes an immediate chord with its rich terracotta palette, reminiscent of ancient cave paintings yet thoroughly contemporary in its execution. Marshall has created a rhythmic composition through scattered dot-like indentations that punctuate the space, creating a grid-like structure that both contains and liberates the gestural figures within. What's particularly compelling is Marshall's use of linear scratches and etchings to capture human forms in their most essential state. These figures, rendered with a spontaneous, almost jazz-like improvisation, seem to dance across the oxidized surface. The central figure strides purposefully through the space, while others appear to float in various states of observation or dialogue, their faces reduced to primitive yet expressive marks. The work's surface treatment is particularly striking – the varying intensities of the orange-red patina create an atmospheric depth that seems to both emerge from and recede into the metallic plane. This technical mastery serves Marshall's conceptual exploration of perception and movement beautifully. Drawing from both modernist traditions and contemporary mark-making techniques, Marshall has created a work that speaks to both primal human expression and sophisticated artistic discourse. The "Blindfold Series" challenges us to consider how we navigate space, both physical and metaphysical, while being guided by unseen forces – a theme that resonates deeply in our current moment.

Created By
Maria Marshall
185 cm | 73 in
2024