Art That Thinks
About Mark Hopkins.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, Mark discovered his passion for art early in life, leading him to graduate with a BA from St. Olaf College in 1981. His journey as an artist has taken him across the globe, from Asia to Europe, where he explored diverse cultures and perspectives, integrating them into his work. Over the decades, he has painted murals, created illustrations, and worked in theater, film, and graphic design.
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Now based in Rhinebeck, NY, he focuses on studio work that reflects a lifetime of travel and creative exploration. His art blends realism with abstraction, influenced by everything from Thai and Balinese culture to modern American life, seeking to capture the essence of human connection and spirit.
Journey
1981-1992
I studied art in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Burma, and Mainland China.
1982-1987
Minneapolis, MN
Scene painter for Minnesota Opera, The Tyrone Guthrie Theater, Sesame Street Live, Etc. Worked in graphic arts, film (Notably Bruce Springstien’s Dancin’ in the Dark); and restoring Victorian houses.
1987-1995
Thailand
Adjunct Professor at Chiang Mai University.
Owner/Director of 6-Pole House cultural cabaret in Chiang Mai.
Engaged in acting and continued portrait painting and studio work.
Travel to Java, Bali, Singapore, Burma, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, and Egypt.
1995-1997
Bali
Freelance watercolor illustration, graphic designer, and advertising director. Studio work on Great Atomic Chedi series.
1997-1999
Singapore
CEO of Spikeart Productions providing graphic design, mural and theatrical arts services to international clients and the government of Singapore. Continued painting portraits and restoring artwork for the top galleries around Asia.
1999-Present
Poughkeepsie, NY
Founded Mark Hopkins Murals and Faux Finishes, art services and portraiture in the Hudson valley.
Showings
1982: 301 Gallery, Minneapolis, MN.
1989: Six Pole House group show, Chiang Mai Thailand. Solo show - Hotel Chiang Mai, Thailand
1990: Armory Show Poughkeepsie, NY
1992: Assistant Art Director - Studio Satu Mata- Denpasar, Bali
2017: Regal Bag exhibition, Newburgh, NY
2018, 2019: Betsy Jacaruso Gallery Rhinebeck, NY
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020: Art Studio Views Group show, Rhinebeck, NY
2019: Art Juxtapose in Rosendale NY. Limner Gallery in Hudson NY. Pleiades Gallery Invitational Show in New York, New York. Solo show at Enchanted cafe in Red Hook, NY.
2019: Pleiades Eyes Wide Open- Juried Group Show in Chelsea, NY
2020: Queen city group show in Poughkeepsie, NY
2020: Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coop - Juried Group Show in Brooklyn, NY
2021: The Other Art Fair in Brooklyn, NY
Publications: https://www.thebestaddress.co/in-conversation-with-mark-hopkins/