It might be argued that our consumer society is wasteful with too many commodities unfairly distributed and advertising feeding on our vulnerability and dissatisfaction. However, this material culture has provided many with a ‘quality of life’ that would not have been enjoyed in the recent past and is unobtainable in numerous parts of the world.
Marden’s current artwork celebrates some of the benefits we enjoy. His images are made by observing and recording the subject. There is no computer trickery or photographic technique involved. He works within these constraints, using a limited pallet and hard-edged shapes to depict these items. The images are exhibited, often much enlarged and cut out, to focus attention on the abstract quality of the elements of the drawing.
