Presence and absence have been two themes that have continuously appeared in Inliquid artist Matina Marki Tillman's work over the last 2 decades. Subdued (“Forgotten”), bold ("Absences"), or hinted ("Density"), or even as a force for creativity ("Ex Absentia"), presence and absence have been primary or secondary characters in the artist's portrayal of the human condition in both her prints and drawings.
One of her recent hand-pulled etchings, part of the "Humanography: Paramythia" series, highlights in juxtaposition and unification, absence and presence once again. “Fools’ Way” was included in the recent Maryland Federation of Arts “Imprint 2024” exhibition, where it was selected for an honorable mention award . Juror Elizabeth M. Rudy, Associate Curator of Prints at the Harvard Art Museums, opened the presentation of the awarded prints with comments about “Fools’ Way.” In her own words: “I was immediately struck by this print, and specifically by its combination of presence and absence. I loved how an ephemeral performance, that is the gestures and the dancers and the music, were there juxtaposed with solid, immovable stone architecture. I was also drawn to the incessant play of light and shadow throughout the composition. It’s as if there’s something haunting here, but it coexists with joy to my eye. I found the co-mingling of opposites to be evocative and thought provoking.”
The person most present in the artist's life, her beautiful, elegant and joyful mother and precious friend, Chrysavgi Marki, passed away suddenly during the closing days of the exhibition. This award is fully dedicated to her memory.
