During the 1990s and 2000s, Mark Tansey continued to develop and refine his unique approach to creating complex narratives within his paintings. His work from this period is characterized by a deep exploration of representational expression viewed through a postmodern lens, which had been a consistent theme since his graduate work at Hunter College in the late 1970s. Tansey's paintings from these decades are known for their dense, layered compositions that draw upon a wide range of sources across art history, critical theory, and philosophy, forming a conceptual framework that underpins his images. His technique involves detailed preparatory work, including the use of appropriated photographic imagery, which is then carefully manipulated and collaged to create studies for his monumental paintings. These collages are photocopied, allowing Tansey to unify disparate elements into coherent compositions that serve as the basis for his final paintings (Sothebys.com) (Sothebys.com).
Tansey's work is particularly noted for its engagement with philosophical themes and narratives, often incorporating allegorical references to explore the nature of perception, reality, and the limitations of knowledge. His painting "Veil" (1987), for instance, presents a dramatic tableau that can be seen as engaging with Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, suggesting deep reflections on human perception and the nature of truth. The paintings from this period envelop the viewer in intricately constructed scenes that, while rooted in recognizable settings, transcend simple representation to engage with broader intellectual and cultural discourses (Sothebys.com).
In creating these works, Tansey employs a meticulous process that begins with the application of a heavily gessoed ground to the canvas, followed by the successive layering of paint. This additive and reductive method, akin to fresco painting, allows him to carve and swipe away paint, taking on the roles of draughtsman, painter, and sculptor throughout his creative process. The monochromatic palette he employs serves not just as a stylistic choice but as a medium through which tonal values, shading, and texture are brought to the forefront, adding depth and complexity to the visual narrative (Sothebys.com).
Tansey's complex narratives from the 1990s and 2000s continue to captivate and challenge viewers, inviting them to engage with the paintings on multiple levels. Through his innovative use of imagery, technique, and thematic exploration, Tansey contributes significantly to the discourse of postmodern art, questioning and expanding the boundaries of representational painting (Sothebys.com).