Robert Mars - Americana cityscapes

Robert Mars’ work is an evolving chronicle of Americana. He is determined to capture the independent aesthetic of the not-so-distant past that has been replaced by homogenized corporate culture and standardized cityscapes. Industrial design, graphic design, architecture, collage, and vintage neon all render important roles in his work. Mars‘ paintings employ layers of color, collaged mid-century printed matter, and stark, black imagery.

His eye for a distinct facet of American history is impeccable and precise, with hints of whimsy and an ability to manipulate the wordplay of vintage advertisements. Mars’ work is exhibited with the likes of Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Robert Rauschenberg, and has been shown worldwide including galleries in Munich, Tokyo, Amsterdam, London, Australia, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, Atlanta, Aspen, and Naples.

"My paintings employ layers of color, subtly collaged printed matter from the 1950’s and 1960’s, and stark, black imagery. Remote, indistinct landscapes capture the once poetic, and now nearly lost highway strips of the American past. Formerly the promise of hope and prosperity; these icons are now a sign of desperation and ruin."

I love the texture and colour of these works and the layering is very well done. I am particularly interested in the old American signage. The retro typography is fantastic and I love the contrast created between the black photocopied images and the bright colours and textures used in the background.

Check out his blog here http://robertmars.blogspot.com/