Brice Marden Gets It Done

Brice Mardin

Mathew Marks Gallery

October 29^th 2010, January 22, 2011

The paintings of Brice Mardin are certainly enjoying their current place on the walls of the Mathew Marks Gallery on 22^nd St. The spacious atmosphere lends itself well to these large paintings. There is a nice selection of drawings in the back room of the exhibition which is a nice place to contemplate the impetus of these monumental paintings. The inspiration of these paintings are from manuscripts in the National Palace Museum by Sung dynasty poet Huang T'ing-chien. The back room of drawings shows more in depth how the artist gains his inspiration from Chinese calligraphy. However, his paintings are defiantly removed from this inspiration and is more inspired by American painting techniques in the 20th century. Mardin is taking these influences and reforming them thus creating himself to be the prime abstract painter of the 21st century. His paintings look as though they were created with ease. Compositions seems to be exhibited with ease. The quality of his work shows a mature refinement as they envelop the viewer with calming effect that is felt from the color quality and the respect left for space. Each painting is bordered by two grayish columns which give the effect of centering the compositions. This helps illuminate the center, where most of the quality and composition is perceived. But we see illusions to the under-painting throughout the work which creates a subtle feeling of harmony. In order to pull off painting like these, which are very simple in their composition, the artist must get every part of the painting correct. And Brice gets it done in a masterful way.