Marsfeld XCVIII, 2019

Mark Hellbusch  

A vibrant microcosm rendered in pigment and history, invites close contemplation. At first glance, it resembles a stretch of sandy terrain — yet upon deeper inspection, every grain reveals itself to be a miniature relic: a fragment of dried paint, a leftover of artistic process, reimagined into new meaning. Like many works in the Marsfeld series, this piece is a testament to transformation — of medium, of perception, and of memory.

The surface is rich in complexity: thousands of tiny particles, each a distinct hue and texture, come together to form a radiant and cohesive field. There is no singular focal point — instead, the painting functions as a continuum, encouraging the eye to wander and the mind to drift. The density of material seems almost geological, evoking sediment, coral, or minerals viewed under magnification. And yet, this landscape is entirely synthetic — human-made from start to finish.

What makes particularly compelling is its soft chromatic balance. Yellows, blues, pinks, and reds are dispersed in a way that avoids dominance — the colors coexist, creating a subtle shimmer that changes with distance and light. The piece rewards both macro and micro viewing: from afar, it hums with quiet intensity; up close, it bursts into a chaotic yet delicate explosion of painterly leftovers.

The Marsfeld series — developed in Atelier Hellbusch — is defined by its commitment to sustainability and re-use. Rather than discard excess paint, the artist gathers, sorts, and layers it to produce new compositions. In doing so, the works become both archive and artifact: preserving the gestures of past artworks while asserting a fresh and singular presence.

is perfect for collectors who value the tactile and the conceptual — a painting that holds the tension between randomness and order, the ephemeral and the enduring.