Profile of the Month | Marcus Mann
He is humble and reserved and if not spotted at high profile charity events he is probably with his paint and brush. Marcus Mann will be generously showcasing his artwork at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man/Woman of the Year event ‘Art Meets Fashion’. Ruchi Mukherjee speaks to the contemporary artist Marcus Mann.
Inspired by life, the people, places and the experiences around him, Marcus Mann is an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, world renowned for his abstract and impressionistic paintings. Many of Mann’s paintings have traveled the world as they have been showcased in private collections in Geneva, Paris, London, Singapore, and Israel.
A passionate philanthropist, Mann generously donates his time and work to numerous charities and foundations. The recent buzz is about the upcoming charity event ‘Art Meets Fashion’ which is also ‘East Meets West’ as Marcus will be introduced to a houseful audience of Indian Americans. “I have always been so excited to learn more about Indian artists and Indian art,” said Mann at a recent event. “I am most impressed by the style of dance in India. It is intriguing, colorful and exotic. The dance conveys so much passion and emotion. The colors of the dance, the costumes are vibrant, alive, and full of expression,” added Mann.
In the words of Marcus, contemporary art is the foundation of all new ‘isms” or movements or new art styles. “Contemporary art is the period beginning in 1970 – typically considered Post Modern art. It’s the art of our lifetime,” says Mann.
I have often spotted Marcus at many social events and what set him apart was his humble and generous attitude and the curiosity of a child. After several conversations and meetings I found out that a number of Mann’s pieces are purchased by some of the world’s most passionate art enthusiasts and currently housed in prestigious galleries and multi-million dollar homes and corporate offices such as the Plaza Hilton Hotel in the Texas Medical Center. One of his largest works is displayed at 6655 Travis in one of the original buildings of the Texas Medical Center – it is called “The Gathering” and depicts the fallen astronauts from the two shuttles.
The artist received his education at the University of Houston School of Art trying to expand his artistic perspective and refine his technique as he examined works of artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Mike Kelley and Derek Boshier. Mann’s repertoire includes and transcends an incredible spectrum of style and genre.
The majority of Mann’s masterpieces are created and are available in a studio housed within his own M. C. Kelley Galleries, located in downtown Houston’s prestigious Lyric Center (440 Louisiana). Prior to opening M. C. Kelley Galleries in 2000, Mann worked out of the Meredith Long Gallery in Houston. Images of his work can be found at www.MarcusMann.com.
