Interview With Mark Arminski
Detroit artist Mark Arminski has drawn, painted, and silkscreened incredible posters and handbills for music acts ranging from the Ventures to BB King (and everywhere else on the spectrum). This Saturday, a collection of his non-poster artwork is opening at the 323East gallery in Royal Oak. The exhibit is called “Processional of the Not So Ordinary” and begins with a reception at 6:00pm on May 15th. We decided to ask Mark to tell us a little more about the show.
MCR When did you start working on the pieces in “Processional”?
MA It actually started with a painting of a freakshow performer, Unzi, that I did maybe 10 years ago, The idea really solidified when I started this large piece, 8×6 feet, maybe 5 years ago. It’s these people, a camel, and japanese demon traveling to or from somewhere. There’s a lot of other symbolic stuff going on too.
MCR I was surprised to read the description of this show. Is it true that this is the first exhibit to solely showcase your paintings?
MA That I can remember in quite some time. I haven’t done any kind of shows in a few years. We’ve added a couple of sculptural-type pieces to this show just because they fit in.
MCR We’re used to seeing musicians and performers in your work. What made you choose Albert Hofmann as one of your painting subjects?
MA Most of the “real” portrait subjects I’ve painted have had some type of impact on culture or society, negative or positive. Albert Hofmann passed away recently, I’ve always had an interest in his contributions, I guess that it just seemed natural to paint him. I have an endless line of subjects that I would like to paint.
MCR What is your interest in the circus or sideshow scene in general? Is it strictly visual, or is it also an interest in the culture/history?
MA I think more than visual. I have a fascination with society’s general acceptance or non-acceptance, both past and present of this kind of thing.
MCR Are you planning on focusing your time on fine art portraits like these from now on, or will you continue doing the poster work you’re known for?
MA I think that I’m going to really slow down on my poster producing. There are a few things that I will continue to do if those that I do them for want me to continue but otherwise I plan on focusing and getting back to painting.
MCR Do you have a theme in mind for your next exhibition?
MA Wish I did… No maybe I’m glad I usually don’t think beyond tomorrow.
323East is a green building located on 323 E. Fourth St. in Royal Oak. The reception starts at 6:00pm, and the first 30 guests to ask for one get a 6×8″ signed and numbered print.
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