Marks of Intention

Marks of Intention celebrates the innovative ways contemporary artists use mark making—lines, dots, patterns, and textures—to create dynamic works of art. While art movements like Impressionism, Expressionism, and Abstract Expressionism brought mark making into the spotlight, today’s artists expand the possibilities beyond these traditions, infusing their artworks with energy and intent.

The exhibition unfolds through three central themes. The body and portraiture section explores how mark making brings figures to life, emphasizing the artist’s hand in shaping form, emotion, and identity. Text and storytelling highlights how written words and visual elements intertwine, revealing how stories are embedded in the creation and meaning of each piece. The section dedicated to patterning and technique showcases the intricate designs and craftsmanship that define each artist’s unique approach to mark making, celebrating the diversity of styles and methods on display.

Together, these themes illustrate the potential of mark making as a tool for artistic expression. By focusing on these marks—each deliberate, each meaningful—Marks of Intention invites viewers to consider not only the finished works but also the processes, techniques, and narratives that bring them to life.

Image Credit: Joan Mitchell, American, 1925 – 1992, Bonjour Julie, 1971, oil on canvas; Collection of the Art Fund, Inc. at the Birmingham Museum of Art; Purchase with funds provided by the Merton Brown Estate and the Thelma Brown Trust, AFI.13.2001, image © Estate of Joan Mitchell