Gís Marí | Nature Is My Greatest Muse

Nature Is My Greatest Muse
by Gís Marí

“I strive to express through my paintings a palpable sense of energy—an invigorating force that stirs something deep within the beholder.”

For me, art serves as a catalyst, an invitation to evoke a full spectrum of emotions. Whether it is the overwhelming release of tears, the triumphant scream of joy, or a spontaneous eruption of laughter, if my work can elicit a subtle shift in a person’s emotional landscape, I feel a profound sense of fulfillment.

I perceive myself as a messenger traversing the delicate boundary between my unique inner world and the vast common world surrounding us. Much like Hermes from Greek mythology, I embark on this journey, gathering the vibrant blossoms of inspiration from my soul and translating them into a tangible form that resonates with others. The longer I travel on this artistic pilgrimage, the more extraordinary the flower—my artwork—becomes.
This prolonged journey of creation allows me to work on a painting with deep, lucid concentration, often enveloped in solitude where I can delve into the depths of my inspiration.

“In an age where quantity and efficiency often precede quality, Gís Marí upholds traditional values. He commits himself to a painting for many months or even years, constantly engaging in dialogue with the artwork. Only after this process does he sign what he considers his best pieces, choosing to destroy the rest.“

Nature is, without a doubt, my greatest muse. It beckons me with its boundless beauty, alongside the insights I gain from reading, meaningful interactions with fellow humans, and keen observations of society. I fondly recall the entrance of the Amsterdam Zoo from my childhood, adorned with the large, bold words “Natura Artis Magistra.” This Latin phrase translates to “nature is the teacher of art,” a sentiment that resonates with me profoundly.
As an artist, I walk in the footsteps of the unparalleled masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature herself. Consider the intricate symmetry of a snail’s shell—an exquisite design surpassing even Mondrian’s most celebrated works. Observe the raw power displayed in an eagle’s talons, a tension reminiscent of the bold strokes characteristic of Franz Kline. Marvel at the striking contrast of a brilliant red berry nestled against lush green leaves—two vibrant, complementary colors conceived by nature long before Goethe or Johannes Itten explored their significance. The examples are endless, each a testament to the artistry inherent in the natural world.

Signing a painting is akin to severing the umbilical cord; the artwork comes to life at that moment, born into the world. My role as a creator is that of a nurturing parent: I care for this new entity by bestowing it with a meaningful title, writing heartfelt poems on its backside, selecting only the finest materials, and ensuring its conservation diligently. Yet, despite the intrinsic value of my identity as a painter, I realize it holds secondary importance—much like parental influence is but a part of a child’s identity.
Now, my painting must navigate the world’s complexities and engage with its spectators, embarking on its own journey. I have poured my heart and soul into this creation, and now it stands ready to face the world in all its beauty and vulnerability.”

• Gís Marí

“I walk in the footsteps of the unparalleled masterpiece crafted by Mother Nature herself. Consider the intricate symmetry of a snail’s shell—an exquisite design surpassing even Mondrian’s most celebrated works. Observe the raw power displayed in an eagle’s talons, a tension reminiscent of the bold strokes characteristic of Franz Kline.”
– Gís Marí

Gís Marí

Gís Marí, born Gijs Maris in Haarlem in 1991, is a painter from the Netherlands who currently resides in Portugal. He is known for his large-scale, abstract, expressionistic oil paintings.

His artistic journey began during his psychology studies in Leiden. As he immersed himself in art, his apartment with its white walls became an informal studio, and he found himself focused more on painting than on preparing for exams.

In his early twenties, he boldly decided to leave university and dedicate his life entirely to painting.
Gís Marí rented his first studio at NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam, where he worked for two years. However, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with Amsterdam’s rapid gentrification and commercialization, he relocated to southern Europe and fell in love with the city of Porto. He found an abandoned industrial space in central Porto, which served as both his studio and home, and he worked there for four intense years. In 2019, Gís moved to an old rice warehouse in the port town of Figueira da Foz, where he lives and works today.

In an age where quantity and efficiency often precede quality, Gís Marí upholds traditional values. He commits himself to a painting for many months or even years, constantly engaging in dialogue with the artwork. Only after this process does he sign what he considers his best pieces, choosing to destroy the rest.

Visit: gismari.com
Instagram: @gismariart