I've always had a strong, protective and spiritual connection with animals and nature. I practice compassion, kindness and love for everyone and I believe FREEDOM, LIBERTY, EQUALITY and JUSTICE need to be defended and preserved. These have always been the defining and driving forces of who I am, how I've lived my life and what I've expressed through my art. In the mid 1980's - 2001 I was immersed in the NYC art, punk and political activism scene. I resonated with this energy that was in alignment with my own. Through art, music, literature, and action we fought against government corruption, police brutality, racism, and abuse against women. We fed the homeless, fought for animal rights, human rights, protecting the environment and celebrated individuality.
Fast forward to 2020...
Today my beliefs and values are the same except I am wiser, a lot less naive and can detect the red flags of hypocrisy, corruption, bullshit and evil a mile away. Within our increasingly dark and oppressive culture, reason and common sense has turned on it's head. I don't believe in censorship - like banning free speech and erasing history - even if I don't like it. I don't think we should be forced to live in lockstep conformity over fear and threats of being falsely judged, labeled, silenced, canceled, ruined, jailed, or maybe even killed because we may have different views and beliefs. I don't appreciate or trust the deluded, self indulgent, individuals, organizations and corrupt politicians who censor, manipulate, lie, hate, bully and destroy property and lives for their own agendas. I believe WE THE PEOPLE have the GOD given right to protect ourselves, live peacefully, study our history, worship as we choose and think for and civilly express ourselves freely without fear of oppression or retaliation. It is crucial time for each of us to take off the blinders and see who the real oppressors are and ask what energies we are really supporting and following. It is for all these reasons and more that I PROUDLY and LOUDLY declare myself an AMERICAN PATRIOT and will always stand for our founding principles . My continuing series of artworks and projects reflects these beliefs and values.
In our current time, as we navigate on through this crazy and beautiful life together, my aim is to document ourselves and our history as it unfolds. My intent and hope with my work is to portray truth and shed light on the darkness. If we reflect, learn and choose to live in alignment with God and have courage to stand right, together, we will...MAKE AMERICA (and the world) GREAT AGAIN.
- LOREN MARKS
Fast forward to 2025...
ARTIST STATEMENT
