c marquez
440
tall-tumble-mustard
6’4” h x 11’ w x 12” d
2025
“440” is created with sticks, paper and cord, constructed solely from dried tall-tumble-mustard plant. the elements are held together and attached to the wall with only tension and gravity.
the title refrences the 440 tear shapes (5 tears x 88 strands), hung in a grid format. 2 strands (DNA structure) represent one chromosome, 4 strands make up a pair of chromosomes.
generally, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes in a typical human. 22 of the chromosome pairs are autosomes, and do not contain information to determine an individual’s sex. the 23rd chromosome has the biological XX or XY information. in this sculpture the 23rd chromosome information is stripped away, leaving the other 22 on view for us to focus our attention.
by removing the 23rd chromosome details, this piece offers viewers a chance to pay attention to the other details of our humanity, not biological markers (which can oppose an individual’s gender). the space still calls our attention... are we curious about what is missing?
as an AFAB, gender, non-conforming human, i resonate with releasing M or F labels, as well as investigation and assumptions about an individual’s gender. this sculpture is an invitation to embrace common humanity, without seeking to read information that determines gender.
as with all my sculptures, the title adds up to 8 (∞). “440” speaks to the duality of the impermanence of the human body
Artist Statement
“Is not impermanence the very fragrance of our days?”-Rainer Maria Rilke
Living nearly off-grid in northern New Mexico, my 3D biotic, grid installations are informed by cellular, landform, atmospheric, and celestial patterns. Using raw, natural, site-relevant material, i honor processes of deterioration, weathering, charring, soaking, staining, and intricate handwork to develop the pieces over time. the works are inherently impermanent, attached with only tension, gravity and levity (no glue, hardware, etc). They are an integration of my experience and surroundings into the work, and the work into the environment, as lightly and sensually as possible. The only intentional residues of these works are beauty and emotion.
Sculptural construction materials are derived from one plant, specific to the land with which i live: tall-tumble-mustard. Material tones are made by staining with tall-tumble-mustard pigment and/or smoke treating the dried plant parts. And paper is made exclusively from the tall-tumble-mustard plant. Pigments used in my sketchbook are derived from concentrated tall-tumble-mustard tea, and handmade tall-tumble-mustard charcoal.
In both my sculptural and sketchbook practices, i chronicle visual and sensual expressions of engagement with my physical, intellectual and emotional surroundings. This work is grounded in continuous research and experimentation and is supported by detailed documentation of my process. The mission of this work is to honor vulnerability, impermanence, and cycles of infinite life on earth while inspiring eternal love for the ephemeral.
Artist Bio
Born in Los Angeles, c marquez lives and works near Taos, NM. Their mission: to inspire eternal love for the ephemeral, working soley with one natural material: the tall tumble mustard plant. Education: BFA from The University of Kansas, MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. The only intentional residues of their works are beauty and emotion, with the purpose of honoring vulnerability, impermanence and cycles of infinite life on earth.
Artist-in-residence: Venice Printmaking Studio; visiting artist: “Beyond our Natural Borders” in Little Rock, AK; inclusion in “The Carved Line” exhibition and book: Albuquerque Museum; named one of the “12 Artists to Know Now in New Mexico”: Southwest Contemporary Magazine and inclusion in exhibition showcase of named artists. artist-in-residence: Dune Shack artist residency at Cape Cod National Seashore. selected grant recipient: The Virginia A. Groot Foundation. Material Exploration Artist-in Residence with the Virginia A. Groot Foundation at the Center for Craft in Asheville, NC.
Select exhibitions include: “161” Solo Exhibition: The Harwood Museum of Art, Taos NM; “Subscript”, ”Livewire”, and “Family Room”: Form & Concept Gallery, Santa Fe, NM; “Species in Peril Along the Rio Grande”: 516 Arts, Albuquerque, NM; “Ephemeral”: GVG Contemporary, Santa Fe NM; “998” Solo Exhibition: Axle Contemporary, Santa Fe NM; “Viewpoint: Abstract Minimalism in Taos, NM”: Taos Abstract Artist Collective and Taos Center for the Arts/Encore Gallery, Taos NM; “Channeling Luchita” Exhibition at Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos NM.