Robert Mars
Celebrating the Golden Age of Americana with a Modern Twist
Robert Mars is an artist renowned for his evocative depictions of 1950s and 60s American iconography. His work pays homage to the classic figures and objects of a bygone era, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary artistry. Mars’ ability to manipulate colour and vintage materials places him among the ranks of Pop Art masters like Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg.
Artistic Vision
Mars’ artwork chronicles an evolving relationship with celebrity and American popular culture. By focusing on the Golden Age of Americana, his pieces reflect a time before the digital age, when iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Audrey Hepburn were larger-than-life personalities. His rich colour palette and playful approach evoke a sense of nostalgia for this idealised era.
Evolution of Style
Mars’ early works celebrate the architectural and mechanical forms of the 1950s and 60s, including muscle cars, motels, and kitschy logos. Recently, his focus has shifted towards the culture of celebrity, capturing the enduring appeal of these larger-than-life figures.
In 2014, Mars expanded his exploration of American culture by incorporating elements of Folk Art and Contemporary American Quiltmaking into his work. By blending vintage wallpapers with quilt patterns, he created a unique genre of folk-laced Pop Art. This innovative approach distinguished him from other artists working with similar themes.
Abstract Work
Mars has recently delved into abstract compositions, balancing chaos with control. Using multi-coloured layers of paint on vintage newspaper, he rebels against structure and order while anchoring his work in historical context. The interplay between layers of colour and the historical record of the newspaper informs the final composition.
Technique and Process
Mars employs precise cutting of painted newspaper into patterns based on traditional quilt designs. This process merges handcraft with abstract expressionism, echoing the backgrounds of his earlier representational work. The final compositions reflect a blend of structure, colour, and personal discovery.
Education and Exhibitions
A graduate of Parsons School of Design in New York, Mars often draws on his background as a graphic designer. His artwork is exhibited globally, including in museums, corporate, and private collections across cities such as Munich, Tokyo, Amsterdam, London, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Aspen, and Dallas.
Explore Robert Mars Art
To experience Robert Mars’ captivating fusion of vintage iconography and modern artistry, view the collection online at watergate.art and discover how his innovative approach to Pop Art and abstract compositions offer a fresh perspective on the Golden Age of American culture.
