Brice Marden, a renowned abstract painter who helped redefine the genre in the 1960s and 1970s, died on Saturday at his home in Tivoli, New York. He was 84.
Marden's work was characterized by its use of simple shapes and lines, as well as its focus on texture and color. He often employed a variety of materials in his paintings, including oil, wax, and encaustic. His paintings were often inspired by natural forms and landscapes, but they also had a strong abstract quality.
Marden was born in Albany, New York, in 1938. He studied at the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts and the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. In 1961, he moved to New York City, where he became involved in the city's vibrant art scene.
Marden's early work was influenced by Abstract Expressionism, but he soon developed his own unique style. His paintings were often characterized by their spare, minimalist aesthetic. He also experimented with a variety of materials and techniques, including encaustic, which is a type of painting that uses wax.
Brice Marden, Rocks, 2008/2017-21. © 2023 Brice Marden/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo: Rob McKeever. Courtesy Gagosian
Marden's work was exhibited in solo and group exhibitions around the world. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship in 1984 and the National Medal of Arts in 2013. His work is in the collections of major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Tate Modern.
Brice Marden, Thira, 1979-80. Centre Pompidou, Paris © 2023 Brice Marden/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy the artist and Gagosian
Marden's death is a major loss to the art world. He was a groundbreaking artist who helped to redefine abstract painting. His work will continue to be admired for generations to come.
In addition to his work as a painter, Marden was also a printmaker, sculptor, and photographer. He was a prolific artist who produced a wide range of work throughout his career. His work is characterized by its quiet beauty and its exploration of fundamental artistic questions.
Marden was a humble and private man who shied away from the spotlight. However, his work spoke for itself. He was a true master of abstraction, and his work will continue to inspire artists for years to come.