Libbie Mark was a prominent Abstract Expressionist whose distinctive "collage paintings" emerged from her engagement with key artistic communities in New York and Provincetown.
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, she began her formal artistic training in the late 1940s at the Great Neck Adult Education fine arts program, studying under notable figures including Grace Hartigan and Larry Rivers. By the mid-1950s, Mark had embraced Abstract Expressionism, refining her approach to color and texture.
Mark’s artistic journey led her to the Art Students League, where she studied under Vaclav Vytlacil and later attended Hans Hofmann’s summer school in Provincetown. Her time at Hofmann’s school significantly influenced her work, contributing to her development of a distinctive style characterized by richly textured surfaces and vibrant colors. Mark's paintings from this period often carry "-HH" or "-L" suffixes, reflecting her connection to Hofmann and the League.
Throughout the 1960s, Mark participated in group exhibitions, including those with the Vectors artists group, which showcased her work at venues such as the 92nd Street Y and the New York Public Library’s Donnell Library Center. Despite only having one solo show during her lifetime, Mark’s work was noted for its dynamic and intricate use of collaged elements, setting her apart from other artists of her time.
Mark’s artistic career was supported by her husband, Edward Mark, who facilitated her transition to the New York art scene and encouraged her creative endeavors. Following her death in 1972, her work has gained renewed attention through the Libbie Mark Provincetown Fund, which aims to preserve and promote her legacy. Mark’s pieces are now held in significant collections, including the Addison Gallery of American Art and the Provincetown Art Association and Museum.
