Featured image: Joker Card: Lizard Sportscasters in the Sky Box, Mary Wertsch, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
Mary Wertsch captivates with her playful and imaginative portrayal of animals in sporting scenarios, transforming the traditional depiction of playing cards into a vibrant gallery of painted canvases.
Mary Wertsch is an artist known for her unique and whimsical portrayal of animals in human-like scenarios, often using acrylics to blend elements of sport and culture. Her playful and imaginative approach transforms traditional themes into vibrant, engaging artworks.
Her series, including "Jack of Spades: Thorny Devil Lizard in Desert Race," "Queen of Spades: Lady Mandrill at the Races," and "King of Spades: Red Headed Rock Agama Tennis Star," reimagines wildlife in athletic and cultural contexts, blending humor with meticulous acrylic craftsmanship.
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Jack of Spades: Thorny Devil Lizard in Desert Race (2022):
Jack of Spades: Thorny Devil Lizard in Desert Race, Mary Wertsch, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
This piece humorously positions the thorny devil lizard, native to the Australian desert, in the midst of an intense race—a nod to the famous Tatts-Finke Desert Race. The detail in the lizard's textured skin and dynamic posture, against the backdrop of a fiery desert scene, vividly captures the spirit of competition. Wertsch's use of vibrant colors and motion in the composition brings an energetic realism to this fantastical scenario.
Queen of Spades: Lady Mandrill at the Races (2020):
QUEEN OF SPADES, LADY MANDRILL AT THE RACES, Mary Wertsch, 2020, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
Here, Wertsch presents a mandrill dressed in racing finery, playfully challenging our expectations of elegance and animal behavior. The intricate detailing in the mandrill's face and attire, against the simple, solid-colored background, focuses the viewer's attention on the character's expressive demeanor and stylish ensemble. This painting melds the worlds of fashion and nature, offering a whimsical take on cultural and social gatherings.
King of Spades: Red Headed Rock Agama Tennis Star (2022):
King of Spades: Red Headed Rock Agama Tennis Star, Mary Wertsch, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
This painting steals the show with its depiction of a red-headed rock agama, likened to a tennis superstar. Wertsch captures the intensity of athletic prowess through the lizard's focused gaze and poised racket. The bright red and blue hues not only reflect the agility and vibrancy of the subject but also enhance the playful yet competitive theme of the series.
Mary Wertsch’s artistic series turns the concept of playing cards on its head, inviting viewers into a delightful world where animals embody human roles and activities. Through her vibrant use of acrylics and a keen eye for detail, Wertsch celebrates the whimsical and the unexpected, making each canvas a unique story of its own. Her work not only entertains but also broadens our imagination about the roles animals could play in a more fantastical world.
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JOKER: Chimp Riding Armadillo, Mary Wertsch, 2019, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
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