Collection: Robert Mars

Introduction

In a groundbreaking fusion that birthed the genre of 'Folk-laced Pop', Robert Mars masterfully intertwines intricate quilt patterns with the bold, vibrant aesthetics of mid-century Americana, redefining nostalgia through richly layered collages that pulse with contemporary relevance and timeless charm. Often drawing from his childhood fascination with assembling sports memorabilia—particularly baseball artefacts—into early artistic expressions, each Robert Mars art piece becomes a vibrant dialogue between the golden icons of the past and the reflective questions of the present.

Masterfully blending historical ephemera with modern visual storytelling, his work evokes a distinctive sense of artificial realism and cultural introspection. Hailing from New Jersey and now firmly established in Connecticut, this visionary artist and Parsons School of Design alumnus channels his early graphic design roots, the rebellious spirit of 1980s and 1990s skate culture—which he embraced as a full lifestyle of creativity and innovation—and the enduring optimism of the 1950s and 1960s, eras celebrated for their cultural vibrancy, celebrity glamour, and forward-thinking spirit that continue to fuel his thematic explorations.

Robert Mars artwork draws powerful influences from Pop Art masters such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Richard Diebenkorn, seamlessly converging with Folk Art traditions. This unique combination allows him to remix political heroes, fashion legends, vintage logos, and everyday cultural artefacts into fresh, thought-provoking narratives that comment on fame, beauty, resilience, and societal evolution. Through meticulous mixed-media techniques, multilayered collages, and a pioneering integration of quilt motifs into pop aesthetics, his Robert Mars prints and originals immortalise the Golden Era's most recognisable figures and motifs, inviting viewers to ponder the lasting allure of American iconography in compositions that balance playful nostalgia with sophisticated introspection.

Biography

Born on 19 December 1969 in New Jersey, Robert Mars discovered his artistic calling at a tender age, beginning assemblages around seven years old with sports objects, particularly baseball memorabilia, which sparked his lifelong interest in iconic imagery and cultural artefacts. Influenced profoundly by the creative ethos of skateboarding in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which he regarded not merely as a sport but as a lifestyle fostering innovation, expression, and community, Mars pursued formal education at Parsons School of Design in New York, graduating with a solid foundation that merged fine art principles with practical graphic design skills.

Post-graduation, Robert Mars immersed himself in the dynamic world of graphic design in New York City, eventually ascending to the role of design director for prominent fashion brands, where he refined his expertise in manipulating visual elements, narratives, and compositions. His career trajectory led him across the United States: residing in Los Angeles from 1996 to 2001, where he worked for World Industries creating graphics, catalogues, and advertisements for Menace Skateboards and Axion Footwear under the mentorship of Kareem Campbell, blending his passions for illustration, graphic design, and skateboarding. From 2001 to 2005, he lived in Portland, further honing his skills before returning to the East Coast to commit fully to fine art by the late 1990s.

Settling in Connecticut, Robert Mars established his studio in Redding, where he continues to produce his signature Robert Mars art from a vast archive of vintage ephemera, constructing multilayered compositions that reflect his deep fascination with the 1950s and 1960s—eras he reveres for their optimism, cultural vibrancy, and iconic figures. His Robert Mars artwork often incorporates quilt patterns, positioning him as a pioneer in merging Folk Art sensibilities with Pop Art aesthetics in what he terms 'Folk-laced Pop'. This distinctive approach enables him to remix historical images—from political figures to fashion icons—into fresh narratives that comment on fame, beauty, societal obsessions, and resilience. Through relentless experimentation with mixed media, collage, and techniques evoking artificial realism, Mars has cultivated a body of Robert Mars prints and originals that not only preserve mid-century motifs but also infuse them with modern introspection, ensuring resonance across generations while drawing from personal experiences like his introduction to collage in late 1980s New York via influences such as Robert Rauschenberg and Joseph Cornell.

Achievements

• Campaign Recognition: Selected for the Absolut Vodka Blank campaign alongside Damien Hirst, showcasing the innovative edge of Robert Mars art in global advertising initiatives.
• Corporate Acquisitions: Largest piece acquired by Philip Morris/Altria for their Virginia headquarters, highlighting the collectible prestige of Robert Mars artwork in corporate environments.
• Prestigious Covers: Chosen for the cover of Neiman Marcus’ May Book in 2015, propelling Robert Mars art into the spotlight of luxury retail imagery.
• Brand Collaborations: Commissioned by Coca-Cola for their 100-year bottle anniversary world tour, with existing Robert Mars artwork purchased and new creations developed to commemorate iconic design heritage.
• Design Integrations: Featured as an artist for custom high-end wallpaper and tile series with Kari Whitman Interiors, broadening the reach of Robert Mars prints into sophisticated interior design applications.
• Museum Engagements: Held a solo exhibition at the Evansville Museum of Art in Indiana, serving as artist in residence and guest lecturer, reinforcing his educational influence through Robert Mars art.

Robert Mars Artwork & Prints

Robert Mars artwork captivates through its innovative remix of mid-century iconography, where multilayered collages transform vintage ephemera into vibrant commentaries on American culture. Featuring quilted abstractions and bold compositions, each Robert Mars artwork evokes nostalgia while addressing contemporary themes, from portrayals of political heroes reimagined as superhuman figures to fashion legends enshrined in graphic splendour. Utilising mixed media, these pieces create a powerful dialogue between past optimism and present introspection, making every Robert Mars artwork a compelling exploration of societal icons.

Robert Mars prints encapsulate the core of his original collages in limited editions, faithfully preserving the intricate layers of colour, texture, and historical allusions that define his 'Folk-laced Pop' approach. These Robert Mars prints—ranging from striking celebrity portraits to abstract designs—provide collectors with an approachable yet sophisticated means to engage with his insights on Americana. They uphold the refined structure and narrative profundity of the originals, offering versatile display options that bring the same cultural resonance and visual impact into homes and spaces worldwide.

• Iconic Remixes: Works like Martin Luther King Jr. as Superman illustrate the daring fusions in Robert Mars artwork, intertwining heroism with pop culture elements.
• Folk-Laced Innovations: Incorporation of quilt patterns into Pop aesthetics defines the distinctive genre within Robert Mars artwork, yielding richly textured stories.
• Edition Prestige: Limited runs amplify the exclusivity of Robert Mars prints, reflecting the recognition of his thematic collections and offering lasting investment value.

Brochures

Delve into curated brochures featuring Robert Mars art, where emblematic collages and mixed-media wonders reveal in striking detail, emphasising the artist's expert fusion of nostalgia and novelty in his acclaimed assemblages.

Robert Mars

An engaging presentation of Robert Mars artwork, exploring his 'Folk-laced Pop' innovations that rejuvenate mid-century Americana with modern nuances.