MARC
ARONSON

Marc Aronson, born in Seattle, Washington, is a distinguished abstract artist currently residing on Orcas Island in the Salish Sea, about 90 miles from Seattle. His early exposure to the arts began in the museums of Seattle, with a particular fascination for the Asian art collection at the Seattle Art Museum. These formative experiences were further enriched by private art lessons with a Chinese calligraphy teacher during his childhood, from the ages of nine to eleven. These early artistic encounters shaped Marc’s aesthetic sensibility and laid the foundation for his later exploration of the abstract.

As Marc progressed through high school and college, his passion for art deepened, leading him to study art history, painting, printmaking, and drawing. His educational journey culminated in a move to New York City, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene for the next 43 years. Settling in the SoHo area, Marc found himself surrounded by fellow artists, including one of his influential college professors, Brian Kazlov. This community of creatives profoundly impacted his work, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual influence that has continued to inform his artistic practice.

Over the years, Marc has developed a unique approach to painting, characterized by a deep engagement with the history of art and a commitment to exploring the complexities of visual expression. His work is marked by a continual process of reimagining and refining, reflecting his belief in the importance of artistic evolution. Today, Marc continues to create on Orcas Island, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and unique light of the Pacific Northwest.

Art, for me, is a continuous dialogue between reality and imagination. My creative process is deeply rooted in this interplay, as I seek to capture the essence of a place or moment without adhering to literal representation. Instead, I aim to evoke the felt experience of light, atmosphere, and memory. The landscapes of Orcas Island, where I currently reside, provide a constant source of inspiration, but my work is not a direct depiction of these scenes. Rather, it is an abstracted, layered interpretation of the light and emotions they evoke within me.

The concept of rephrasing plays a central role in my work. Each painting is an evolving narrative, where the image undergoes cycles of destruction and restoration. I scrape and sand the surface of a nearly completed work, stripping it back to its essence before rebuilding it layer by layer. This process mirrors the way memories are formed and reformed in our minds, with each iteration adding new depth and complexity. Through this technique, I aim to create a visual palimpsest, where the history of the painting’s creation is as much a part of the final work as the image itself.

The philosophy behind my work is also shaped by my study of other artists. I believe that artistic growth is often fostered through an affinity with the work of others. My own practice has been influenced by artists like Richard Diebenkorn, whose exploration of the boundary between reality and imagination resonates deeply with my own. This ongoing study and reinterpretation of the work of others is not about imitation, but about understanding and incorporating different perspectives into my own artistic journey. In this way, my work is a reflection of both my personal experiences and the broader artistic dialogues that continue to shape my practice.

Education:

• 2004: New York University, New York, NY; D.A.
• 1989: New York University, New York, NY; M.A.
• 1971: Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA; B.A.

Solo Exhibitions:

• 2020: I.E. Gallery, Edison, WA
• 2009: O.K. Harris Works of Art, New York, NY
• 2002: Synagogue for the Arts, New York, NY
• 1974: Warren Benedek Gallery, New York, NY

Group Exhibitions:

• 2023: I.E. Gallery, Edison, WA
• 2023: Mighty Tieton Warehouse, 10 x 10 x 10 show, Tieton, WA
• 2023: Collective Visions Gallery, CVG Juried Show, Bremerton, WA
• 2018: Las Laguna Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA, 6 x 6 show
• 2018: Fusion Art online exhibition, “4th Annual Colorful Abstractions Art Exhibition”
• 2018: The Art of Planetary Science, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
• 2017: London Pop Up Art Fair, Sunny Art Centre, London, UK
• 2012: 80 WSE, New York University, New York, NY
• 2008: Chung Ang University, Three Person Exhibition, Seoul, South Korea
• 2007: Naomi Silva Gallery, Two Person Exhibition, Atlanta, Georgia
• 2000: National Competition Finalists’ Exhibition, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Provincetown, MA
• 1994: National Midyear Exhibition, Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, OH
• 1985: Science Museum, Tokyo, Japan organized by Koren-Sha Co.

Grants and Fellowships:

• 1980: Fellowship, New York Foundation for the Arts
• 1976: Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts

Selected Collections:

• Time Warner Inc., New York, NY
• Norman Chan, Hong Kong
• Perry and Mary Walker, Memphis, TN
• King County Library System Foundation, Burien, WA
• Mikyeong Kim, Seoul, Korea

Bibliography:

• 2018: Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists, Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2004: Marquis Who’s Who in America 2005
• 1999: Marquis Who’s Who in America 2000
• 1975: Arts Magazine, Noel Frackman