Though the exhibition has passed, you can view a full gallery walkthrough
at the link below.
We are excited to announce our next exhibition! Mark Oldland’s solo exhibition, Puddle Jumping, seeks to expand the public’s perception of what it means to be autistic.
Exhibition Runs: June 2, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Opening Reception: Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 1pm-3pm
Artist Talk with Q&A: Friday, July 19, 2024 from 6pm-7pm
(In-Person or Live on YouTube @frontlinearts)
This reception and talk are open to all, and we suggest wearing a face mask. We will be running air purifiers.
Hours to see the exhibition:
Tuesdays 10am-3pm
Wednesdays 10am-3pm
Thursdays 10am-3pm
Fridays 10am-3pm
Saturdays during classes & events
Sundays 12-4pm During Open Workshops for Veterans
If you’d like to see the exhibition, we suggest that you email us to book an appointment.
*Please note, the upstairs gallery is currently only accessible by 2 flights of stairs. For more information about our accessibility services please click here: frontlinearts.org/accessibility-services
Mark Oldland’s Artist Statement
As an autistic adult, I use my paintings and drawings as an illustration of my social range. On one end there are the most abstract works where the brush strokes and colors are aggressive and bold. In these works, there is a dichotomy between my analytical observations and my overwhelming sensory response towards my subject matter. When I create in this way the logic and reason is more attributable to me and how I understand and see the world.
Being autistic also influences all aspects of me as an individual, not just my artwork. I cannot simply separate myself from my autism to create artwork. Whether or not I choose to make it a focal point of what I’m doing, it’s always going to be there and resonate within the imagery. Additionally, I cannot simply decide not to exist in neurotypical society. Because of this there are times when working in and around social norms (or neurotypical society) I see and create more traditionally representational paintings and drawings.
It is my intent by working within this range, abstract to representational/representational to abstract, to provide a positive social commentary for autistic individuals and promote inclusion for anyone who may be perceived as being different.
About the Puddle Jumping Series
Puddle Jumping is an illustration of my personal journey and development as an autistic individual and it is meant to demonstrate how I utilize my familiarity and personal connection with water to better adjust and connect with neurotypical society.
Puddles
Jump and Stomp
Splish and Splash
Playing in puddles
is such a blast!!!
Big ones, small ones,
Muddy ones too.
I love puddles,
How about you?
-Anonymous “source – teacherspayteachers.com”
About the Artist
Mark Oldland is an autistic adult who resides in Hillsborough, NJ with his wife and son, who also has autism spectrum disorder. As an artist, he strives to positively promote the abilities of autistic individuals by providing a window into their uniquely shared father/son perspective of the world. In doing so, his artwork is meant to encourage inclusion and educate the public about living life as an autistic person.
Mark began his art education at the Pennsylvania School of Art and Design in Lancaster, PA. Following two years of Fine Art Studies, he transferred to Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD, where he completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in General Fine Art in the Spring of 2000. Mark’s early works were heavily influenced by his fascination and interaction with moving water. As a result, his art career took a non-traditional turn when he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in order to further his understanding of moving water. His service time included patrols on the Bering Sea and South Pacific while he continued to paint and draw the impacts of the environment he was observing. His experiences in the Coast Guard then unexpectedly led him to pursue a career with the Environmental Protection Agency in Emergency Response. This atypical path has pushed his artwork outward from his early comfort zone of analytical abstraction to explore his relationship with the representational world which, as an autistic individual, Mark finds abstract. This newfound range from one extreme to the other is the basis for his current art exploration, wherein he creates artwork to illustrate his “Spectrum” to the world. Through this work, he hopes to enlighten the public about the many abilities autistic people have to offer.
Accessibility: The exhibition is held in our Main Gallery on the upper level of the studios, accessible only by stairs located inside of the building. There are two flights of seven stairs to access the upper level. Staff will accompany any individual through gallery exhibits or a tour of the facilities if assistance or accommodation services are requested. There is seating available in the gallery.
Large print materials may be requested within the same day and can be printed, emailed, or direct mailed prior to your visit. Digital media alternate formats can be requested with three days advanced notice. Please allow two weeks advanced notice for requests for other accommodations.
Service animals are always welcome.
For more information on our accessibility services and gallery access, please call us at (908) 725-2110 or visit our accessibility webpage.