MARC DE JONG Flock work

Surprisingly it’s de Jong’s first Melbourne solo exhibition in six years given his fifteen solo and numerous group exhibitions over the last two decades. It is an exciting progression from the vibrant stencil street art that initially brought him to public attention under his tag name Marcsta.

In this body of work de Jong has virtually reinvented the process of screen-printing. The works are distinguished by the utilization of materials rarely applied in this or indeed any high art.

Far removed from the standard approach of ink on paper, de Jong’s unique prints are created in oil, enamel or phosphorescent paints on canvas before hand applying industrial strength flock to distinctive and striking effect.

Depth and texture; unachievable by other means are characterised by this process, and whether on a modest scale or a 2.5 meter canvas de Jong imbues his works with a sense of intimacy.

He employs a pixilated technique akin to newsprint, depicting subjects from found images of current events, such as the global disruption of recent volcanic activity, climate change and questions of our place in the universe.

Beyond the purely visual de Jong uniquely invites the viewer to delight in the sensory pleasure of touching these tactile and resilient works.

De Jong’s works are in the collections of The National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, Monash University as well as numerous corporate and private collections throughout Australia and internationally.