"piedra blanca" Painting

Thomas Mars, Gothenburg, Sweden, 1966.

Mars was born in Sweden, but spent most of his adult life in France. Art was important in Mars' early life as his father was a collector, and when he passed, he bequeathed his oldest son a small collection of paintings. Amongst the collection were lithographs from Antonio Tapies, something that left a profound impression on Mars´ later work as an artist.

Mars began working with thick impasto early on, using vintage burlap sacks as canvas that has today become a signature for Mars´ art works. Mars incorporates real objects into his works, such as metal, brass, and plastic PVC that he places in many layers and frequently burnt. The simple and often crude materials employed in his works contrast effectively with their delicate patterns, and the readily destroyed elements form a perforated network over an impinging backdrop field. Mars’ work has been influenced by Tapies, Alberto Burri and Mark Rothko, and the artists of the Arte Povera movement have had a strong impact on Mars works.


Mars soon began to develop a recognisable personal style associated with Matière painting, a movement that focused on the materials of art-making. The approach resulted in textual richness and the exploration of matters transformational powers. Mars' combination of materials, including burlap, oil, dirt, plastic, PVC, metals ( iron and brass ), and charred wood, evokes both solidity and mass. The works are bold, with dark and rich colours, scarlet red, deep blues and ( name white oil ) that demand attention, even among a sea of other artists with has become his supporters.