Giants of the Fields 2023, photographed by Melody Timothee

It's rigged, I told you, photographed by Melody Timothee

by Mark Delmont

Mark Delmont, born in 1990 to Jamaican and Haitian parents, is a dynamic multidisciplinary artist known for his innovative mixed-media creations. Hailing from the vibrant heart of Miami Gardens, more formally recognized as Carol City, Mark's artistic journey has been shaped by his diverse cultural heritage and rich life experiences.

From a young age, Mark found solace in the world of music and film, where he felt seen and heard. These mediums, ranging from the evocative sounds of Outkast, Curtis Mayfield, Kendrick Lamar, to thought-provoking films like "Equilibrium," "Boyz n the Hood," "Memento," and epic sagas like "Lord of the Rings," became his companions in exploring the complexities of identity, blackness, and masculinity. Through these art forms, he discovered an escape from forced archetypes in a world that often felt antagonistic. Art provided an opportunity for otherworldly uniqueness.

Mark's artistic journey was further enriched by his father, a mechanical contractor and fabricator. Their backyard wasn't your typical playground; it was a treasure trove of tools, hydraulics, pumps, motors, steel pipes, and electrical components. While it may have posed hazards for most kids, it was an intriguing playground for Mark. He'd take things apart to understand how they worked, quietly observe his father, and occasionally break things out of sheer curiosity. As a teenager, he began working alongside his father, learning the intricacies of the trade. Yet, Mark chose to channel this mechanical expertise into the arts, transforming warehouses into performance venues, working on construction, stages, lighting, and sound equipment.

Around the age of 25, Mark decided to take a profound leap into the world of art. He became a self-taught artist, weaving together his experiences, influences, and skills into creations that are a testament to his mastery of construction. His works encompass dramatic portraiture and expansive imagery of black iconography, utilizing paints, construction materials, and fabrics meticulously set on wooden frames.

Mark Delmont's art is more than a mere creative expression; it is a reflection of a lifelong quest for self-discovery and an exploration of the intricate layers that define us. Through his art, he invites us to join him on this journey, where construction, deconstruction, and rebirth coexist, creating a space where belonging and uniqueness thrive.

Host: Rosie Gordon-Wallace Links: markdelmont, harpofoundation, miaminewtimes, miamitimesonline

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