This Abstract Expressionist collage painting is a gorgeous example of Mark's deft manipulation of materials. Here she created a unique texture, not achievable with paint alone. Mark utilized the physical, three-dimensional properties of crumpled tissue paper, imbedding it into the paint, to build up an intricate surface. This is unlike many other artists' collage methods that took advantage of paper's other potential visual qualities, such as the flat shape of a cut-out or the color of the paper itself.

Mark was also a talented colorist, with an unexpected instinct for unusual combinations that achieved visual effects. Sometimes these effects were subtle, but most of the time, such as in this work, she played with the bold and exhilarating contrast of bright red with complementary green brushstrokes. The vertical composition - most of Mark's paintings are verticals - also creates movement and dynamism throughout.

Collage Painting #62-73 was included in Mark's first posthumous gallery exhibition, Libbie Mark: Collage Paintings (1950s–1960s), May 23–June 22, 2024 at Berry Campbell, New York, NY. It is also featured on the cover of the exhibition catalogue, which contains 9 vivid full-color reproductions. The catalogue is available online, and at Berry Campbell.

Berry Campbell Inv. no. MARK-00014
Inquire