BIO

Marne Lucas uses photography and installation art to investigate nature, society, pop-culture and perceived gender roles- individually and in context to each other, creating imagery that comments on social perceptions about nature and the self. Using the camera to intimately explore her subjects, merging visual beauty and abstract yet positional narrative through artist portraits and self-portraits, ‘the body’ is a palette and canvas to explore the subtle nuances of identity, persona, our collective fragile existence, and how our culture responds with changing and conflicting social attitudes. Interested in sexuality and relationship, she has collaborated extensively both behind and in front of the camera, celebrating the eroticism of the body, most notably with Jacob Pander on the award-winning, infrared erotic short film 'The Operation' (1995). ‘MLSP’ (Marne Lucas Self Portrait) is a decade long photo series of ever-evolving parade of characters, of all genders, in urban locales and in nature, making commentary about social roles.

The invented genre of Eco-Baroque thoughtfully and humorously expresses her own particular brand of 'nature-based mythology' and began as a concept for the collaborative work made with installation artist Bruce Conkle. The first installment of this style was “Warlord Sun King: The Genesis of Eco-Baroque” which was exhibited at The Art Gym at Marylhurst University (2009) and included sculpture, photography, drawings, video and sound. Met with critical success and a positive response to the concept of ‘Eco-Baroque’ has led to further development of the genre and contributes a new approach to the current social concept of ‘Eco’ where art is related.

She has worked as a visual artist, in film & video production, performance, curatorial projects, and in health and arts related non-profit organizations. In 2009 she made a public art commission for the PSU Smith Memorial Student Union, 'Public Art + Residency Projects: State of Oregon Percent for Art Program', a RACC grant recipient (2006) for her photographic series of artist portraits and is a co-founder of the artist collective Blinglab.
Also a harm reduction activist, she co-curated the 'Danzine Retrospective' (NYC) with Teresa Dulce, the founding director of the non-profit organization Danzine as part of 'At The Mercy Of Others: The Politics of Care', which was organized by the 2004-05 Whitney Museum ISP Fellows. She served as co-curator to the 'Sex By Sex Worker Film + Video Festivals', which were created (1998) to provide exposure for sex-working artists, support freedom of speech, and advocate female health and safety.

Currently, Lucas is developing an ‘Eco-Baroque’ related book project. She loves heavy metal music and surfing, and divides her time between Portland, Oregon and New York City.

MLSP Henk Pander
'MLSP Posing for Henk Pander' 2008


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