Mark Tansey's early works and studies in the 1970s laid the foundational themes and techniques that would characterize his career. Born into an art-inclined family, Tansey was exposed to art history from a young age, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for art that would inform his later works. One of his significant early pieces, "The Last Judgement" (1971), exemplifies Tansey's experimental approach to traditional themes. Inspired by Michelangelo's fresco in the Sistine Chapel, Tansey recreated the piece in 32 rectangular sections, employing a monochromatic palette. This work was pivotal in developing Tansey's technique of using an 'unlimited brush,' where any object could be employed to apply paint, allowing for the subtraction of paint to reveal the canvas underneath—a method that became a staple in his later works (Wikipedia) (www.wikiart.org).
Tansey's academic pursuits further influenced his artistic development. After working as an assistant at the San Jose State University Gallery, Tansey moved to New York in 1974 to enroll in the graduate program at Hunter College. It was here that he delved deeper into the examination of historic art, modern painting, and sculpture techniques. His time at Hunter College, regarded as one of the top graduate art programs of its era, was crucial in shaping his approach to art. Tansey's work, even from these early years, is not just about the depiction of recognizable objects in a realistic manner but explores how different realities interact with each other, challenging the traditional role of realism in painting (www.wikiart.org).
Throughout his early career, Tansey was deeply engaged with the conceptual aspects of art. He believed in the potential of pictures to function across a broad spectrum of content, intertwining the conceptual with the formal and ensuring subject matter had intimate relations with both. This belief underpinned his work, leading to the creation of paintings that are adventures in perception, meaning, and subjectivity. His technique, characterized by monochromatic precision achieved through a subtractive painting process, layers literary, philosophical, and mathematical references, engaging with the traditions of figurative and landscape painting while embedding his extensive knowledge of history (Gagosian).
Tansey's early explorations and studies laid the groundwork for his career, allowing him to establish a unique voice within the art world. His early works are marked by a commitment to challenging perceptions and exploring the depths of art history, themes that would continue to resonate throughout his oeuvre (The Broad).