Immersion: Solo Exhibit by Grace Marquez
Grace blends abstraction and representation, capturing dynamic underwater details with vibrant color and intricate patterns. Her paintings celebrate optimism, exploration, and the joy of discovering both outer and inner worlds.
Overview
The public is invited to the opening reception on September 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM to meet the artist and experience her work firsthand. Artist's remarks will be delivered at 2:30 pm. This event is generously supported by Château des Charmes, providing an assortment of fine wines.
Artist's Statement
As a scuba diver, I'm drawn to the alternate world beneath the water's surface—the vivid colours, intricate patterns, and fluid movements of life. But my art isn't just for divers—it's for anyone who's ever felt the pull of the unknown, the curiosity of what lies just beyond reach. In my paintings, I capture that sense of wonder, along with the stories that unfold in the hidden corners of the underwater world.
Each piece explores different themes: shipwrecks as time capsules slowly reclaimed by nature, underwater caves revealing layers of history, and the vibrant, joyful life that flourishes on reefs. These scenes, though rooted in my own experiences, invite anyone who's ever wondered about the stories hidden beneath the surface of the world around us to find their own connections.
Using acrylic on canvas or paper, I build up layers of glazes to create depth and texture, much like the layers of experience and memory we all carry. Some parts of my paintings are detailed and realistic, others more abstract—reflecting the way our perceptions shift between clarity and mystery.
As you explore my work, consider: What draws you in? What do you see in these underwater landscapes that connects to your own experiences? Whether you've stood on a shore, looked out over a lake, or simply felt the power of water or the chaos of life, there's a connection here that transcends diving.
In the end, my art is about exploration—not just of the ocean, but of the emotions and stories we all carry with us. My paintings spark curiosity and wonder, inviting you to see the world, both above and below the surface, with fresh eyes.