Work samples

  • Kiss The Buddha
    Kiss The Buddha

    Acrylic, 24k gold leaf, eyelashes, terra cotta clay, found wood, door hinge, wood, paper, lights on canvas/masonite

    30x48in

    2023, 

    This painting is about Black men being intimate with one another. As a Black man, I have no shortage of maternal affection. What I believe we as a culture lack, is the masculine relationship with one another. We need love from our uncles, fathers, and grandfathers. That’s why only men are depicted in the painting being affectionate with each other. This painting represents myself and is for Black men from Baltimore. The angel sends love from the heavens and the man is on the roof praying and receiving love from God. The men embrace and kiss the forehead of the man who represents “Buddha”. The painting also features wood from Baltimore and a working street light activated by a sensor.

     

  • The Prodigal Son
    The Prodigal Son

    6ftx6ft

    lights, Acrylic, Gold, Wood, terracotta clay, metal , rubber bands,  varnish, paper bags, polyurethane, denim, buttons, shoe laces, spray paint on canvas


     

    This painting is inspired by the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son if the story took place on current-day North and Penn. The man in the center is surrounded by poverty, burning buildings, police presence, and glass bottle visuals, yet, God still provides an open door leading to something better. The man is standing on a golden path leading to golden steps which lead to an open door encouraging him to go through the doors that God provides. The hand covering him and the angel above the Chinese restaurant represents the protection and ordainment from heaven.  The blue light above the house places it in contemporary Baltimore.  The painting is a message to Black men in Baltimore to go towards the opportunities that the universe provides because it is our birthright to live abundantly as the moral in the prodigal son. This painting is a self-portrait and features faces made with terra cotta clay noses and real trees attached. For more insight, please read Luke 15: 11-32.

     

    Available for Purchase
  • Holy Jesus, Peace Be Upon Him
    Holy Jesus, Peace Be Upon Him

    5ft diameter

    Acrylic & Gold Leaf on wood hanging from the ceiling

    This piece was created to remind the viewer of the magnitude and heavenly nature of Jesus Christ. He appears larger than life with a bright smile as if to answer your prayers. The painting is meant to command your attention as if Jesus walked into the room. This painting is also intended to influence your perception of black face and jet black depiction. Jesus also has the Urna on his forehead because Jesus knew about Buddhism and his teachings were very similar to Buddha. The Urna stresses great wisdom.

     

  • Eve with Satan
    Eve with Satan

    Silk, lights, Acrylic, silver, plastic, sunflower seeds, terracotta clay, broken chair, patches, pearl, crown moulding, antique brass, buttons, eyelashes, paper, marker copper leaf, found wood, denim, crystals

    2023

    4ftx3.5ft

    This piece is about a dream Eve has with Satan before she eats the Image removed. apple. In my version, Eve is sitting in a chair in a cave at dawn and being visited by Satan. Satan rests on a ladder tempting Eve with the ability to go higher. The Butterfly wing and the ladder represent the ability to raise oneself up.

About Mark

Bio

Mark West is a Baltimore-Native assemblage artist, muralist, and historian. After receiving his BA in World History and Chinese from New York University Shangha and University of Paris, West relocated to NYC to create Mark West Center for the Arts, formerly known as the House of Mark West, his own 501 c3 Nonprofit cultural art center. Currently Mark West manages his own art space called Art Space Vidigal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and work between Baltimore and Rio.

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Heaven is in Baltimore Exhibition

Heaven is in Baltimore solo exhibition by Mark West

“Heaven is in Baltimore” Solo Exhibition by Mark West, Eubie Blake Center, 947 N. Howard ST, Baltimore, MD, Nov 6-Feb 28

A collection of Black Gods, Ancestors, and Dieties at the Eubie Blake Center

  • Black Supper
    Black Supper

    acrylic, gold leaf on wood panel, 8ftx4ft, 2021

    This painting is inspired by the Last Supper Scene in the Bible, with Jesus standing, Mary by his side, and the 12 disciples. In this scene, Jesus tells his disciples of his upcoming crucifixion. 

     

    Available for Purchase
  • Pomba Gira installation, Shrine, & Terracotta Sculpture
    Pomba Gira installation, Shrine, & Terracotta Sculpture

    acrylic, terra cotta, wood, paper, caulk, gold, resin, nails

    2022

    shrine: cigarillos, berry wine, red and white candles, and frankincense

    Pombagira is the consort of Exu, who is a messenger of the Orixas in Candomblé. Also known as mistress of the night, Pomba Gira is venerated throughout Rio de Janeiro, most popular in the poor and working class communities in the hillside communities. She is invoked by individuals seeking aid in the matters of heart and love. She is respected by transgender and effeminate male worshippers and reputed to possess both.

     

    Available for Purchase

Opening Refocused Space Group Exhibition

Group Exhibition curated by Mya Lewis, Refocused Space, 429 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD, Aug 18-Sept. 15

  • Splash
    Splash

    acrylic, fabric, spray paint, paper bags 30x30in, 2022  

     

    This painting provides a peaceful moment between two women lounging by the pool, enjoying each other. This was painted during my travels to Brazil and influenced in part by the many Black people you see enjoying life.

     

    Available for Purchase