Marcus Aitken

Running (Abstract painting)

2025

Marcus is a contemporary British artist (b.1990) living and working in London. Known for his gestural paintings, Marcus uses a combination of layering, distressing and blending to present a multifaceted surface to his work. His background in design has developed his artistic style creating cutting-edge abstract works. He has shown in exhibitions internationally and has collectors around the globe. His work has been featured by various publications including Schön! Magazine, Condé Nast, Art Plugged, Saatchi Online, Soft Punk Magazine, High Snobiety, Trebuchet, Culture Trip and is part of the Soho House collection. “Marcus’ rigorous design background shines through in his creative process—building up and distressing multiple layers of pigment on canvas, and then applying expressive brushstrokes—ultimately yielding expertly balanced and dramatic compositions.” – Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator VP Saatchi Art "Aitken impulsively captures raw movements in his work in an exploratory style that dictates his tempo. He is also a drummer in a post-punk band and isn’t one to rest easily, embracing the constant energy that flows through him and feeding it into his art"." - Trebuchet Magazine "Produced on industrial plywood with the artist’s signature, probing style — using brighter tones to underscore more sinister, muted colours — Now + Never stands as a coherent body of work from one of London’s most promising young artists." - Jacob Barnes, Editor of Soft Punk Magazine "I suppose there is an element of performance when I work as the output is very raw, impulsive, and intuitive. These almost 'thrown on' brushstrokes are informed by the different genres of musical tempos I am listening to in the studio at any one time. For me, painting is a very physical process and this is something I hope the viewer is able to engage with when face to face with my work."