Palm Springs, CA
The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five in Palm Springs are pleased to announce the Opening Reception for Palm Springs for the Weekend, a Solo Exhibition of Selected Paintings by San Francisco artist, Mark D. Powers, curated by James Bacchi, on Saturday, December 14, Noon-3pm.
Mark D. Powers, Trixie’s Garden, 12”x10”, acrylic on panel
The artist’s Palm Springs paintings began a few years ago as part of an ongoing Riding Shotgun Series. His approach includes taking random snapshots, mostly from a passenger seat, while cruising through various neighborhoods.
“I study these images intently, selecting a rare few to serve as the basis of paintings. Everything is fair game: homes, window displays, hotels, people, the mountains, the trees. If it crosses my random path, it may just become a painting.”
Mark D. Powers, New Modernism – The Rowan, 55”x47”, acrylic on canvas
Mark D. Powers, Sunday Morning at the Temple, 30”x40”, acrylic on canvas
“I’ve been told that I paint cities with ‘a loving eye’ and in the case of Palm Springs I have to say, that rings very true. I am enamored with the early desert light, the unique architecture, and the funky vibe of Hollywood’s Playground. My eye is drawn toward images that already look like complete compositions. I love the complex light patterns found in breezeblock walls, iconic structures such as the Bank of America and Isaiah Temple buildings, and other simple desert scenes that shout, “That is sooo Palm Springs!”
Mark D. Powers, Committed to Parkview, 36”x36”, acrylic on canvas
“When I am lucky enough to be in the desert during a rainstorm, I take numerous images through the rain dappled car window. This effect creates a sort of “fourth wall” effect for the viewer, which can make something such as a modest trailer park dazzle with interest.”
Curator James Bacchi is a major collector of Powers San Francisco and Palm Springs paintings and exclusively represents the artist in Palm Springs at JAMES BACCHI CONTEMPORARY. “I find the artist’s unique brand of realism to be intoxicating. Bacchi is especially excited to unveil Powers’ latest painting, The Artist Norma Jeane, Forever Reflected.
Viewers seem to have so many mixed emotions regarding the sculpture as well as its placement, says Bacchi. Powers capture of the icon from the vantage point he chose is thoughtful, clever and unexpected.”
Mark D. Powers, The Artist Norma Jeane – Forever Reflected, 24”x20”, acrylic on canvas
According to the artist, “This painting, depicting the somewhat controversial sculpture by Steward Johnson which seems to be on the move, celebrates Marilyn the artist and bisexual. I chose to show Norma Jeane in an unsexualized way, obscuring her form with trees. I’d like to think this painting honors her underappreciated artistry above her sexuality.
Famously bisexual, I find it ironic that the image of Marilyn, and in turn this sculpture, has been labeled by critics as misogynistic and anti-queer. I disagree with that perspective.
I think we see what we want to see in such powerful symbols. For that reason, this painting is done in reverse as if the viewer is seeing her in a mirror. If you look closely, you might realize that the San Jacinto Mountains do not slope that way on the horizon…it’s backwards.
I invite viewers to look again at Ms. Monroe’s legacy, to reconsider the point of her sculpture, and to learn about how Marilyn used her notoriety to champion gay rights long before her industry was ready.”
Paintings by Mark D. Powers are featured in several collections and shown by STUDIO GALLERY and Arc Gallery in San Francisco and JAMES BACCHI CONTEMPORARY at The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five in Palm Springs.
Palm Springs for the Weekend opens Saturday, December 14, 2024, with a Reception for the Artist from Noon-3pm The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five are located at 1345 Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA. The Exhibition continues through January 15, 2025. Hours are Thursday-Monday, 11-5. For further information, contact James Bacchi. (415) 652-2915.