In the late 1960s, Time-Life published a series of books focused on the lives of renowned artists, including Old Masters like Titian and modernists such as Pablo Picasso. A set was donated to NIAD and formed the basis for many of Mullen’s paintings. This work and the nearby painting created after The World of Van Gogh show how Mullen’s approach to a given source can take different directions. Whereas all the Time-Life books share the same vertical format, graphic design, and neutral-colored cover, Mullen varies the format and size of the canvases, redesigns each title, and provides an array of vibrant backgrounds.

Gallery label from

Projects: Marlon Mullen, December 14, 2024–April 20, 2025

Medium Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions 36 × 36" (91.4 × 91.4 cm)
Credit Gift of Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis in honor of Ann Temkin
Object number 178.2023
Department Painting & Sculpture

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Marlon Mullen

Marlon Mullen

American, born 1963 2 works online

Marlon Mullen uses text and images from art magazines and publications as points of departure for compositions that are entirely his own.

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