Gabrielle Yi-Wen Mar

Artist Statement

My imaginative universe of art is inspired by nature, music and eastern spiritual concepts. The art forms of abstract expression I create in my paintings are unique and alive, full of bursting and positive energy. I try to capture the moments from memories and emotions for my creation. I hope my abstract paintings can invoke dialogues and stretch the imagination. My intention is to actively create positivity and transcend beyond ordinary life in an upright and bright manner.

My art is aimed to condense the elements in life and essence of the universe onto canvas. Dripping, dropping, swiping are usually the beginning of my practice and I let colors mix organically within brush strokes. I especially apply brush techniques I have learned from calligraphy to create the dynamic feelings in my painting. My practice is very intuitive, liberating, and personal, with the intention to create a play of colors and forms that invite open discussion and interpretation. It's also a way of expressing my gratitude for every moment, living and breathing, as well as my love and respect for the world.

Biography

Gabrielle Mar

Known for creating mesmerizing abstract expressionist paintings inspired by nature, music, and Eastern spirituality, Gabrielle Mar is a multilingual Taiwanese-American artist with Vietnamese and French cultural backgrounds. Currently based in TriBeCa, New York, she holds an M.A. degree in East Asian Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara, focusing on Japanese modern art history. She also studied in the Visual Arts Ph.D. program at the University of California at San Diego. Trained in traditional Chinese calligraphy from a young age by her grandfather who was a politician, philanthrophist, author and collector, Gabrielle is also a piano player. She recently received a highly coveted scholarship to pursue the Certificate of Fine Arts at the New York Academy of Art.

A member of the National Arts Club and the National Association of Women Artists, Gabrielle has been invited to showcase her artworks both domestically and internationally, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum with awards, the Focus Art Fair at the Carrousel du Louvre, the National Arts Club, the Salmagundi Art Club, and Hollis Taggart gallery in New York. In Taiwan, she is represented by Be Fine Art Gallery to show at several exhibitions, including the Art Taipei Fair and the Taipei 101 gallery, the landmark building of Taiwan. Her works are held in public and private collections in Asia, America and Europe, mostly notably at the Taipei Representative Office in Paris and the Point 72 Office.

Besides her art, Gabrielle is active in charitable efforts advocating education, health and wellness in the US and Taiwan.

Gabrielle Yi-Wen Mar