Mark Dunst is a Portland, Oregon-based artist who specializes in improvisational, abstract painting. His "Affective Abstractions" allude to the ongoing changes and unseen processes that affect how individuals and communities connect and interact.
Mark's journey as an artist began as a child, as many do, when painting and drawing became his most loyal companions helping him to understand the world and at times to escape it (and himself). Years later, after a brief foray into Mathematics, he earned his BFA in Painting from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Prior to graduating, he started working as an illustrator for a successful advertising specialties startup. Mark spent the next three decades as an award-winning Art Director in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Portland. However, as time passed and the world around him became increasingly unhinged, he felt lost in his understanding of it all.
To move forward, Mark realized he needed to return to his roots as an artist. He slowly reconnected with painting and drawing, something he hadn't done in over 20 years. Today, Mark's artistic practice continues to challenge his habitual thinking, unlearn what he thought he knew and understand our relationship to the rapidly changing, post-normal world we share.
Mark's artwork can be found in public and private collections across the United States and abroad. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the recent Artworks Northwest Biennial. Additionally, his work has been featured on the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's social media as well as online publications and the internationally distributed ArtFolio annual book series. Mark has participated in residencies with Yellow Chair Salon and Artists Alliance.