Paintings by Mark England, exhibiting alongside Suzanne Storer at the Gallery at Library Square · Exhibit runs from Apr 25 - Jun 12
ARTIST STATEMENT:
In my paintings of ‘Utah’ (and any geographic location) I am far more concerned with representing and questioning cultural and visual expectations than with illustrating a scene. I am especially intrigued by events that tie seemingly unrelated people and experiences together in broad cycles. My paintings are anthropological histories that reference many aspects of art such as still life, portraiture, landscape, religious subject matter, and their perceptions. They often dwell on the values, memories, and activities of ancient and contemporary cultures, “tracing” the traces they left behind. They are records of how humans impact the earth and leave their mark. All of my work, in some way or another, is about landscape and how humankind views itself through it and imposes its values on it. I twist perspective, visually and historically, just like we all do with our own memories and perceptions. This juxtaposition means each scene could simultaneously be hundreds of years in the past, in process of being constructed, or well into the future where only erosion and destruction remain .
ARTIST BIO:
Mark England grew up in California and Minnesota and was later transplanted to Utah where he earned his M.F.A. in painting. Wandering among the redwoods, through the fields of Midwestern farmland, viewing surreal formations in Utah, along with spending hours pouring through the pages of Time Life art books, cemented Mark's love of all things landscape and art. This love manifested numerous drawings, collage pieces and oil paintings. Mark's works reveal his unique perspective on geography, society, history and humanity. Currently, he is emulating the craft of his hero, Sargent.
Mark raised four creative children in Alpine, Utah. He designed and built homes and started the successful Dolcetti Gelato shop located at 9th and 9th in Salt Lake City while pursuing his painting passion. His bad habits include cold cereal after 10 pm. and not enough exercise. Mark is married to Kari which makes him insanely happy.
markenglandart.com
NOTE: The Main Library's Rooftop Terrace is closed through 2020 for repairs and renovations.
Salt Lake City's Main Library, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie in conjunction with VCBO Architecture, opened in February 2003 and remains one of the most architecturally unique structures in Utah. This striking 240,000 square-foot structure houses more than 500,000 books and other materials, yet serves as more than just a repository of books and computers. It reflects and engages the city's imagination and aspirations. The structure embraces a public plaza, with shops and services at ground level, reading galleries above, and a 300-seat auditorium.
A multi-level reading area along the Glass Lens at the southern facade of the building looks out onto the plaza with stunning views of the city and Wasatch Mountains beyond. Spiraling fireplaces on four floors resemble a column of flame from the vantage of 200 East and 400 South. The Urban Room between the Library and the Crescent Wall is a space for all seasons, generously endowed with daylight and open to magnificent views.
