Madeline Weinrib is pleased to present “The Color of Sacred,” a series of six large scale oil paintings from New York artist Mark Wilson. Each captivating masterpiece brilliantly exemplifies the incomparable beauty and soul of the oriental carpet through a visually stimulating journey of depth and color. The exhibition will be on view from Tuesday, June 21st through Thursday July 14th in the Antique Rug Gallery at ABC Carpet & Home. A private reception for the artist will be held on Wednesday, June 8.

Madeline first discovered these paintings in his Amagansett store. “When I encountered Mark’s paintings, I was mesmerized by the sheer beauty and how brilliantly he translates the Persian rug’s magnificence to a fresh visual plane. By exploring traditional textile design in a new medium, he has elevated this ancestral art to a contemporary perspective, “said Madeline.

Magnificent and mystical, Mark Wilson’s work re-interprets traditional seventeenth century Persian carpets, long treasured by both Eastern and Western cultures. These paintings share the same reverence and exquisite detailing as the handwoven originals. With paint and brush, Wilson mirrors the opulent natural palette of indigo, madder, pomegranate rind and walnut husk dyes, the beautifully mellow colors that are characteristic of antique Persian carpets. This particular series was begun as a creative response to the events of 9/11 when Wilson was living close to the World Trade Center. ” There’s something hypnotic about gazing into a carpet, that enables mystical thoughts to flow, “said Wilson.

Born in Australia, Mark Wilson studied at the Sydney School of Arts. His arrival in NYC in the early eighties coincided with a time of great artistic energy which continues to be a source of vitalization in his work. A consummate traveler, the artist has been inspired by his recent trips to the Middle East.  His paintings are in the collections of Julian Schnabel, Cy Twombly, Barbet Schroeder, and Roman Polanski.  Now living in Amagansett, Mark recently opened a pop up shop “Lazypoint” on Main Street, which highlights eclectic treasures gathered on his travels. Wilson’s creative repertoire has expanded to making driftwood furniture, which is in the collections of David Zwirner and Marion Boesky.

About Madeline Weinrib

Painter and designer Madeline Weinrib lives and works in New York City.  Her innovative collection of artisanally-crafted carpets, pillows and textiles are renowned for their lush color and opulent pattern.  Weinrib’s designs draw on a wealth of sources gleaned from her travels and reflect her interest in reinterpreting traditional forms. Her chicly-appointed atelier is located on the 6th floor of ABC Carpet & Home at 888 Broadway in New York City. http://www.madelineweinrib.com/