Solo Exhibition
Artist Talk and Opening Reception Saturday, July 24, 2021 3-4pm PST
Zoom Link Passcode: 301494

Mixed Media Collage with paint, doll head, slide holders, game pieces, buttons and found objects
14×15 in
$600
“What We Hide: Exploring Hidden Disability and Identity” shines a light on what society often says should be kept secret. This series is working to eliminate the stigma and shame of what is invisible to an often ableist, cisgendered and unrelentingly discriminatory society. This subject is deeply personal; not only do I work in the field of mental health, but I have managed the challenges of mental illness my whole life. In my family, there exists not only emotional struggles, but also those of rare diseases, chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, eating disorders, autism, learning differences, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. At one point or another, all these identities were hidden from the public so that a person could pass as “normal” or “acceptable.” I am inspired by those who are unapologetically authentic and true to themselves in every aspect of their lives.
In using a combination of both found objects and sculpted materials, I fulfill my need to paint, draw, and sculpt, with my love of rusty materials and desire to repurpose cast off items. As an analog mixed-media artist, I love to experiment with materials and techniques. The masks in the exhibition represent our inner and outer personas; the person we are in the outside world and the person we keep hidden. In many pieces I use string to link elements together; the string reflects the connectedness and interaction of thoughts, of people, of ideas, and of memories and experiences. Often my art doesn’t feel complete until I weave it together at the very end.
The work I created for the exhibition will allow people to feel both seen and heard. This exhibition is a step in the direction of increasing honesty and empathy in our world.
Mixed Media Assemblage with clay, paint, wood, found objects, paper, and medicine vial
22x24x10
$800

Mixed Media Collage with clay figure, paint, paper and found objects
36x36x5 in
$1200

Mixed Media Collage with paper, paint, and rusted computer parts
12×12 in
$400
Imposter Syndrome (View 1,2,3,4), 2021
Mixed Media Assemblage with shoe form, paint, wood and found objects
18×7.5×13 in
$800

Mixed Media Collage with printed words, original photograph and found objects
12×12 in
$400

Mixed Media Collage with clay, paint, printed words and found objects
20x16x3 in
$700
Mixed Media Assemblage with clay, metal leaf, found objects, printed words and beer bottle caps
8×7.5×6 in
$300

Mixed Media Assemblage with cardboard, plaster, wooden skewers, wire, printed words and paint
10×4.5×4.75 in
$300

Mixed Media Collage with doll head, found objects, paint and drawing materials
12×12 in
$400

Mixed Media Collage with paint, can, clay, gold leaf and found objects
20x17x6 in
$700

Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, metallic pencil, paint, stencils and found objects
20×20 in
$800



Rare Diseases (View 1,2,3), 2021
Mixed Media Assemblage with paint and found objects
8x11x14 in
$400

Mixed Media Collage with self-portraits, printed words, and found objects
12×12 in
$400

Mixed Media Collage with game pieces, printed words, original photograph and found objects
12×12 in
$400


Just Keep Swimming (The Mask Series), 2021
Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, paint, found objects and labels
14×18 in plus frame
$600

Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, metallic pencil, paint, stencils and found objects
20×20 in
$800

Mixed Media Interactive Spinning Assemblage with clay, paint and found objects
39.5x22x22 in
$2021

Mixed Media Assemblage with doll parts, wires, paint, found objects and labels
12x6x6 in
$300

Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, metallic pencil, paint, stencils and found objects
20×20 in
$800

Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, paint, found objects and vintage magazines
14×18 in plus frame
$600

Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, pencil, paint, Mirror Paint, silver ribbon and found objects
20×20 in
$800


Shadow Self (The Mask Series), 2021
Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, pencil, acrylic and spray paint, Black 3.0 and found objects
20×20 in
$800

Mixed Media Collage with plaster mask, pencil, tree bark, paint and found objects
20×20 in
$800
Mixed Media Assemblage with clay, silver leaf and found objects
9.5×9.5×9.5 in
$1000

Mixed Media Assemblage with rusted allen wrench set, wood and labels
8×7 in
$280

Mixed Media Collage with doll arms, clock face, and rusted found objects
8×8 in
$300
A lifelong “Angelino,” Monica R. Marks is a mixed media collage/assemblage artist living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. She received her BA in Art from California State University, Northridge, and her MA in Clinical Art Therapy at Loyola Marymount College. Monica, a licensed Marital and Family Therapist, and a registered Art Therapist, believes strongly in the power of expressive arts to promote emotional growth and healing. Her pieces reflect emotional struggles that are both intimate and universal, using themes of personal identity as they relate to Judaism, parenting, feminism, and disabilities.
Monica’s recent exhibitions include the Lancaster Museum of Art and History, MOAH:CEDER, California (2021), Shoebox Projects (2021), TAG Gallery, California (2021), Gallery 825, California (2020-2021), ShockBoxx Gallery, California (2020-2021), The Art Effect, New York, (2021), View Center for Arts and Culture, New York (2021), and RealART, California (2020).