BRICE MARDEN ON VIEW AT THE MUSEUM OF CYCLADIC ART
Brice Marden, a renowned American artist, has a profound and long-standing connection with Greece, particularly the enchanting island of Hydra.
“If I Make A Painting In Greece, It Looks Like It Was Made In Greece […] The Characteristics Of The Place Just Somehow Get Into The Painting, Or Get Into My Painting, Because I Want It There […] If I’m In That Place, I’m Responding To That Place.”
This relationship, which began in 1971, has significantly influenced his artistic journey.
Brice Marden + Greek Antiquity -> Museum of Cycladic Art
For over five decades, Marden's fascination with Hydra's natural light and timeless beauty has been a continual source of inspiration.
In 1971, Marden and his wife Helen Marden, also an artist, first visited Hydra.
Captivated by its serene environment and cultural richness, they bought a house there in 1973.
Since then, the couple has spent nearly every summer on the island, drawing inspiration from its tranquil setting.
Brice Marden and Greek Antiquity Installation View. This exhibition at the Museum of Cycladic Art showcases Marden’s works alongside ancient Greek artifacts, emphasizing the interplay between modern art and historical influences. The serene and minimalist installation underscores the timeless beauty and cultural dialogue between contemporary and ancient art. -> Photo: Paris Tavitian © Museum of Cycladic Art.
Hydra's rugged beauty, devoid of cars and modern distractions, provides a perfect backdrop for Marden's minimalist and abstract expressionist works
Brice Marden's Exhibition in Athens curated by Dimitrios Antonitsis
Dimitrios Antonitsis, a well-known curator, has organized the exhibition "Brice Marden and Greek Antiquity" at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens.
This exhibition features 44 works, including paintings, drawings, and notebooks, highlighting Marden's artistic evolution and connection to Greek antiquity.
The exhibition also includes 16 carefully selected antiquities, creating a dialogue between ancient artifacts and Marden's contemporary works.
This mix shows Marden's ability to connect the past and present, emphasizing the timeless nature of art.
"I Focused On Tuning In To This Esoteric Game That Marden Has Set Up, Fifty Years Now, On Hydra. My Litmus Test For Selecting These Antiquities Was For Them To Serve Marden’s Balance Act Regarding Surface, Drawing And Light. I Am Convinced That The Ancient Craftsmen Of The Exhibited Art Objects Were In Touch With The Invisible And The Transcendental – Which Is Precisely How Marden Works Too: By Creating A Syntax Of Thought Forms Through Astute Observation And Painting-- Dimitrios Antonitsis Curator
Divided into sections based on the medium, the exhibition includes notable works such as "Hydra View," a large marble diptych that once adorned the walls of Hydra's historic Boudouris Mansion.
Dialogue Series by Brice Marden
Brice Marden's "Hydra Group II" (1979-1981), an oil on paper from the collection of Helen Harrington Marden, paired with an Early Cycladic II marble spouted bowl with azurite inside (2700 – 2400/2300 BC). This exhibit highlights the harmonious interplay between Marden’s modern compositions and ancient Greek artifacts, emphasizing the timeless influence of Cycladic art on contemporary practices. -> Photo: Alan Zindman © 2022 Brice Marden / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Marble bowl photograph: Irini Miari © Museum of Cycladic Art.
Brice Marden's "Souvenir de Grece 8" (1974/96), a graphite, beeswax, and collage on paper from the collection of Helen Harrington Marden, alongside an Early Cycladic II marble female figurine (2700 – 2400/2300 BC). This juxtaposition exemplifies the rich dialogue between Marden’s contemporary art and ancient Greek artifacts, highlighting the continuous interplay of history and modernity in his work. -> Photo: Bill Jacobson © 2022 Brice Marden / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Marble figurine photograph: Irini Miari © Museum of Cycladic Art.
Brice Marden Cisterna, 1971-198155 x 64 cmOil on woodCollection of the artistPhotograph: Irini Miari © Museum of Cycladic Art +Clay basket-shaped vessel with two goat heads modelled in the round and incised linear decoration.Early Cypriot I period (2500-2300 BC).Photograph: Irini Miari © Museum of Cycladic Art
Marden's workbooks from the 1970s, filled with sketches and notes from his travels in Greece, offer a glimpse into his creative process and the profound impact of the Greek landscape on his art
Hydra: A Haven for Artists and Dreamers
Hydra is a haven for artists and dreamers.
Nestled in the Aegean Sea, just a one-and-a-half-hour boat ride from Piraeus, this enchanting island is known for its pristine beauty, tranquil lifestyle, and preservation of local traditions amidst the influx of tourism.
Dominique Catherina Foertig
The island's allure lies in its rocky terrain and the endless blue of the Aegean, which has attracted creatives from all corners of the globe.
Over the years, Hydra has become a vibrant artistic hub, attracting many artists like Leonard Cohen and Axel Jensen.
The island's unique charm and the Mardens' enduring presence have significantly contributed to its cultural fabric.
Hydra fosters connections that withstand the test of time, with its small harbor, beautiful beaches, and beloved tavernas creating a perfect environment for artists to translate the island's essence into masterpieces.
Brice Marden's Hydra: A Legacy of Artistic Inspiration
Brice Marden's work on Hydra provides a compelling narrative of artistic exploration and the continuous dialogue between history and contemporary practice.
“I’m Sure That If I Wasn’t Living In A City, I Wouldn’t Be Using So Much Verticals And Horizontals. But Then, Living In Greece, It’s The Whole Light. There’s A Kind Of Clarity, Plus It Has Pulled Me Closer To Older Art.” – Brice Marden
His ability to draw inspiration from the purity of Hydra’s landscape and its ancient heritage showcases his unique artistic vision.
“If I Make A Painting In Greece, It Looks Like It Was Made In Greece […] The Characteristics Of The Place Just Somehow Get Into The Painting, Or Get Into My Painting, Because I Want It There […] If I’m In That Place, I’m Responding To That Place.” Brice Marden
For those intrigued by the intersection of modern art and ancient traditions, Marden's works offer an insightful and captivating experience.
Experience the timeless beauty of Hydra through the eyes of Brice Marden, and discover how this enchanting island inspired one of the greatest artists of our time.
Exhibition Sponsor:
Brice Marden at Gagosian Gallery
