Despite its diminutive size (Mark's earlier collage paintings were typically smaller than the later ones), we believe this to be a later 1960s work due to its canvas (instead of Masonite) substrate and restrained use of collage. Mark leaves significant painted areas to stand on their own, without the heavy emphasis on overall texture as seen in her early works. Here, she concentrates collaged paper elements mainly in the upper half. Demonstrating her great sense of color, Mark's intense primary red, blue and yellow are accentuated by thick, calligraphic black brushstrokes, while her wash of soft sage green gives the eye a resting place in the lower left. Two other collage paintings also have a similar central yellow form, Collage Painting #40 (LMPF Inv. no. 20J) and Collage Painting #63-5 (LMPF Inv. no. 25JM)

This Abstract Expressionist collage painting was exhibited in Mark's first posthumous group exhibition, Perseverance, January 4–February 3, 2024 at Berry Campbell in New York, NY. It was a curated show of 29 paintings and works on paper by cross-generational women artists reflecting the gallery's steadfast dedication to the rediscovery and advancement of women artists and centers on the ongoing aesthetic dialogues between contemporary artists and estates represented by the gallery. [Text adapted from Berry Campbell’s press release]

A memorable quote was written on a wall opposite the room with Libbie's painting:
"It is said that the future is female, and one can only hope. But it is important to remember that the past, through continuous excavation, is becoming more female all the time." –Roberta Smith, 2021

The painting was also included in Mark's first posthumous solo gallery exhibition at Berry Campbell: Libbie Mark: Collage Paintings (1950s–1960s), May 23–June 22, 2024. It was featured in the exhibition catalogue, which contains 9 vivid full-color reproductions. The catalogue is available online, and at Berry Campbell.

Berry Campbell Inv. no. MARK-00023
Inquire