Marlon Hunt, a native Bahamian born 4th, November 1971, has been painting since his early teen years. He completed studies in Architecture at College of the Bahamas and Construction Management at Florida International University, a far cry from his artistic talent. Although he has not received formal training in art, his unquenchable passion for expressing his thoughts on canvas, has driven him to develop his style over the years. Marlon currently resides in South Carolina, USA with his wife, Rachel, and their two children.
Marlon has received recognition over the years as he has participated in several art competitions and exhibitions. He participated in the Central Bank of the Bahamas Art Competition several times and won in 1992. In September 2001, Marlon presented his first solo exhibition “Thoughts, Spirits and Reflections “ at Atlantis Resort, Nassau, Bahamas, showcasing an intriguing and thought provoking collection which was well received. This accomplishment served as a launching pad for Marlon’s professional art career as well as introduced him to the Bahamian and international art community.
He has become well known for his distinctive images, as he continues to participate in reputed group art exhibitions and solo exhibitions in the Bahamas. His work has been acquired by some of the top Bahamian art collectors such as Vincent D’Aguilar and Dawn Davies. Marlon has exhibited in the USA and Trinidad; he continues to seek opportunities to exhibit internationally.
The paintings are an extension of who Marlon is, in terms of his character, inner spirit and voice. He defines his art as being simple in appearance and technique, yet each work shows great depth, always thought provoking and fresh.
Currently, Marlon’s work is primarily expressed through oil on canvas. The artist plans to diversify his art in the areas of metal sculpture and mosaic tiles in the near future. The world can await the future exploits of this young and insightful Bahamian artist.
"National Black Arts Festival," Greenbrier Mall, Atlanta, GA - July 20-24, 2007
Solo Exhibition, Oliver Yu Gallery, Greenville, SC - June 2007
"Artsplosure", Raleigh, NC - May 19-20, 2007
"Greer Octoberfest", Greer,SC - October 2006
"Art in the Park Member Show", Greenville, SC - September 2006
"Art A Must", Columbia, SC - August 2006
"State of the Arts Show", Spartanburg, SC - July 2006
"Fusion Art," Charleston, SC - July 2006
"Two Ways of Being", Marielle Studios, Port of Spain, Trinidad W.I. - November 2005
Wine & Arts Festival, The Bahamas National Trust - October 2005 (Group Exhibition)
"Talking Canvases Carolina 2005", Radbourne, North Carolina, USA - October 2005
"Talking Canvases II", Cajuste Residence Florida, USA - May 2005
"Talking Canvases" at The Central Bank of the Bahamas Art Gallery - April 2005
"Small Tings" at The Sanctuary - September 2004
"Visions & Meditations of Freedom" at The Central Bank of the Bahamas Art Gallery - April 2004
"Emerging Passion" at The Central Bank of the Bahamas Art Gallery - September 2002
"Briland & Brushstrokes" at the Kennedy Gallery - December 2001 (Group Exhibition)
Rotary Club of the Bahamas Exhibition at Government House - November 2001 (Group Exhibition)
Wine & Arts Festival at The Bahamas National Trust - October 2001 (Group Exhibition)
"Thoughts, Spirits & Reflections" at the Atlantis Resort - September 2001
“Talking Canvases” marked yet another turning point in my artistic journey. This exhibition challenged me to take hold of the freedom art can bring when I allow my mind to be renewed and expanded creatively. With each exhibition, I find myself evolving, becoming more mature in what and how I convey my ideas in my works of art. At times, the pieces that I consider most thought provoking appear to be the most simplistic in nature; to be honest, I am very comfortable with that because that is a realistic reflection of life.
I wish the subjects in my paintings to portray and capture the reflection which emanates from my own thought and spirit as the artist. Much of my time is spent contemplating human environments and how individuals react to them. I always ask myself the question: ‘what is going through the mind of an individual at a specific moment in time?’; hence, my work captures a photograph of the mood, thought or experience of an individual in their given environment, at a specific moment in time. I attempt, as much as possible, to step into the mind and soul of the individuals who appear in my work.
This collection introduced a new artistic instrument, the palette knife, to my work. In the past, I was afraid to use this instrument because I thought it would bring looseness to my work, not exemplifying the type of feel I desire to achieve. However, after working with the palette knife on “Reflective Son,” we fell in love with each other! This new relationship thereafter spawned a group of paintings titled “The Mother Series” [includes Oh Mother, Working Mother, Praying Mother, Mother’s Mourning , Mothers in Conversation, Journey to Homelessness]. I am excitedly anticipating future work with the palette knife.
I cannot believe the level of growth and maturing I have experienced as an artist over the past few years. I describe my present artistic existence as mentally enlightening, spiritually griping and positively loose. I attribute these changes to continuously embracing my passion and using my gifts to express my thoughts in artistic forms. I agree with Joseph Campbell who said, “When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there were doors...."
