From September 30 to December 16, 2023, Rule Marfa will be hosting an evocative exhibition entitled “Tangential,” showcasing the works of renowned artist Jason DeMarte. Living and working out of Ann Arbor, Michigan, DeMarte has carved a niche for himself with his distinct flora and fauna photo assemblages, captivating art enthusiasts around the world.
DeMarte’s extensive portfolio has been recognized and exhibited across the globe, with features in notable journals such as the British Journal of Photography, Huffington Post, and Hi-Fructose. His accolades are not limited to publications; his artworks have adorned the walls of prestigious spaces, from the Museum of Un-natural History at Clamp Art in New York City to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art in Colorado. A testament to his expertise and innovation, DeMarte also teaches the nuances of his craft as a tenured professor of art at Eastern Michigan University.
At the heart of “Tangential” is DeMarte’s critical examination of society’s paradoxical relationship with nature. While we romanticize the natural world, there’s an underlying urge to refine it, aligning it more with our materialistic desires. DeMarte masterfully highlights this dichotomy in his artworks. By embellishing natural elements with heightened lighting and meticulous post-processing, the inherent beauty of nature is transformed into a commercial commodity, echoing the hallmarks of consumerism.
But DeMarte’s pieces are more than just visual delights; they are profound commentaries. Beneath the layers of bright colors and enthralling compositions lies a profound disenchantment. His crafted tableaus articulate society’s fixation on beauty, perfection, and excess. By juxtaposing the natural with sugary additions and striking primary colors, DeMarte’s work blurs the line between what’s genuine and what’s manufactured. It presents a world where nature, rather than being revered, becomes a backdrop to our insatiable material desires.
Located at 204 E San Antonio St in Marfa, TX, Rule Marfa is the perfect venue for DeMarte’s thought-provoking pieces. Interested visitors can learn more and reach out via the gallery’s official website: Rule Gallery.
In essence, “Tangential” is more than just an exhibition; it’s a profound introspection into our society’s values and inclinations, wrapped up in the mesmerizing artistry of Jason DeMarte.
