Statement

Mark Sengbusch
Artist Statement
Tile Paintings 2023

The tiled works are a return to painting after 3-4 years of making sculptures. The wood tiles are painted and placed by hand in a specific pattern and color arrangement. The tactile connection by sanding and staining the tiles is a way to understand closer the literal shape of the pattern as it is transformed into the pictorial or depicted shape. (See Michael Fried’s “Art and Objecthood” on Stella and Noland shaped canvases)

The tiles also reference the display method of ancient ceramic tiles and stone work in museums and at Art Fairs. Specifically 700 year old yellow and blue Iranian Tiles I saw and handled at the Abu Dhabi Louvre a few years ago. I love seeing mosaics and heavy ancient stones displayed on the wall.

Ceramic glazes, as well as fashion, graffiti and video game colors are more influential to my pallet than any traditional painting sources or out-dated color theory. The patterns reference Math (Penrose tiles) and maps. I remember a wooden puzzle of the USA in the 80’s.

It’s the colors and patterns of the old and new fused. Old faded vinyl record covers from the 70’s. 90’s Videogames, 90’s neon. Faded medieval tapestries, bright flowers and bright graffiti on box trucks in Bushwick. My color sensibility is Pop meets Folk.