Artwork copyright Marc Wenet. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

They rose above the mountains, destined for the sea, 1986

Marc Wenet
(American, born 1955)

Location: Centennial Middle School, Spokane

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

They rose above the mountains, destined for the sea is part of artist Marc Wenet's series of collages using collected photographs and found objects. This piece presents themes and images relating to World War II (1939 to 1945) and the Holocaust. He notes, "My process begins quite unconsciously as the various objects in my studio begin a dialogue between themselves. Imagery begins to develop without any pre-made plan so there is no attempt on my part to produce anything that amounts to literal storytelling. Sometimes lines of prose arise during the process, which I note beside the drawings in my sketchbook to help me later with a deeper understanding of the piece. In the end, the boxes always seem to hint at some story of their own making.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with West Valley School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist Marc Wenet creates assemblage paintings that combine and layer found objects and various materials in abstract and symbolic compositions. He notes that "Unconscious feeling and thought are a strong basis for my artwork. My images and constructions come about with little or no planning beforehand."
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Wenet earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle in 1978. He has lived in Seattle since 1980.