Marcus Leslie Singleton

During his time working at La Fourchette de Roze Residency this year in Côte d’Ivoire, Singleton was inspired by the warm, rich hues of the evening light. 

“Most of the paintings have a fuchsia undertone because of the sunsets there, I spent a month paying attention to the way the light hits the landscape. Being there changed how I thought about color theory.” 

This body of work reflects Singleton's new language of color emphasizes the emotional, atmospheric conditions of an experience rather than the physical context.

Marcus Leslie Singleton (b. 1990) is a Seattle born self-taught artist best known for his distinct figurative paintings that cite pointed yet subtle observations. 

Singleton’s practice offers implicit critiques of contemporary social and political issues while simultaneously inviting viewers to engage in a visceral discourse examining the dialogue around queerness, spirituality and social constructs. Through natural, carefree, and playful strokes, his work depicts narrative scenes highlighting the trials of reality and it's nonphysical components; "I'm interested in creating new paths that aim to contextualize aesthetic beliefs and inspire people to unlearn and humanize us presently and in the future," Singleton explains. His paintings aptly explore the intersections of queer identity, spirituality, and contemporary social realities. His presentation of these timelines both highlight and celebrate the multiplicity in society detailing the parallel realities of joy and hardship in a figurative language. Using spontaneity, scale, and expressive placement of color Singletons paintings offer a jovial perspective that is both poignant and bold.

Oil and spray paint on panel

48 x 60 inches 

121.9 x 152.4 cm

Courtesy of the Artist and The Journal Gallery.