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It’s no secret everyone in the TDF office is a big fan of Marc Martin, the fact this is his third exhibition with us says it all!
The celebrated illustrator and artist is widely known for igniting imaginations in his charming children’s books — and his watercolour paintings are no different! Marc brings imagined worlds to life through his painterly scenes; observing and re-interpreting antipodal scenarios — often in the company of a few animal friends.
Profound Optimism is Marc’s latest body of work, which explores the concept of public spaces and ‘space activation’.
‘A lot of these spaces have a specific intention to bring people together,’ explains Marc. ‘But there’s a sense of loneliness to them too, particularly when they’re not maintained or updated.’
The buildings and forms in this series of 13 watercolour paintings are based on the brutalist architecture of the 60s and 70s, which had strong utopian ideals.
‘There was a “profound optimism” to the spaces created during this time, and the idea they would improve people’s wellbeing and sense of community,’ he says.
Marc has tapped into this observation with playful irony, reimagining the quiet pensiveness of playgrounds, buildings, bridges and parks with unexpected — and optimistic — murals, occupied not by people, but cats and dogs.
‘I hope these paintings bring a bit of joy and brightness to people’s lives,’ he says.
Pre-sales for this show have officially opened! You can see a complete list of all available works at our TDF Collect website here — if a piece has caught your eye, get in quick and email art@thedesignfiles.net to secure it!
AND, please join us and Marc on Thursday September 7, 5.30pm – 7.30pm, for opening night drinks to see the incredible works in person!
TDF Collect
14 Little Oxford street,
Collingwood, VIC
Opening night:
Thursday September 7th, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Exhibition dates:
Friday, September 8th, 10am – 4pm
Saturday, September 9th, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, September 10th, 10am – 4pm
Monday, September 11th, 10am – 4pm
Tuesday, September 12th, 10am – 4pm
For all artwork sales and enquiries please contact art@thedesignfiles.net and we’ll get back to you ASAP. View all artworks and prices here.
TDF Collect exhibitions are generously supported by Dulux, Bodriggy, Minimum Wines and TINA.
