BIO




Mark Dunst is a Portland, Oregon-based artist who specializes in improvisational, abstract painting. His "Affective Abstractions" articulate layered complexities of connection and subtleties of change.

Growing up, Mark found solace in losing himself in the act of making art. Painting and drawing became Mark's most loyal companions helping him to understand the world and at times to escape it (and himself). Years later, after a brief foray into Mathematics, he earned his BFA in Painting from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Prior to graduating, he started working as an illustrator for a successful advertising specialties startup. Mark spent the next three decades as an award-winning Art Director in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Portland. However, as he grew older and the world around him became increasingly unhinged, he felt lost in his understanding of it all.

To move forward, Mark realized he needed to return to his roots as an artist. He slowly reconnected with painting and drawing, something he hadn't done in over 20 years. Today, Mark's artistic practice continues to help him challenge his habitual thinking, unlearn what he thought he knew and understand his relationship to the rapidly changing, post-normal world we share.

Mark's artwork is in public and private collections across the United States and abroad. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions in the Pacific Northwest, including the recent Artworks Northwest Biennial. He was selected by Saatchi Art as one of the "24 Artists to Collect in 2024." Additionally, his work has been featured on the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art's social media as well as online publications and the internationally distributed ArtFolio annual book series showcasing "the best in abstract and contemporary work as decided by a jury of professional artists, museum curators, gallery owners, art consultants, and collectors." Mark has participated in residencies with Yellow Chair Salon and Artists Alliance.