Marcus is a contemporary artist living and working in South 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, Art Plugged, Saatchi Online, Soft Punk Magazine, High Snobiety, Trebuchet, Condé Nast, and Culture Trip. He is part of the Soho House collection and was also named as one of Saatchi Art's top 20 emerging artists to watch in 2020.

“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

“For me, it’s all about the physicality of painting and connecting with my materials, tools and surfaces in different ways. I am interested in repurposing materials and recreating new narratives from old objects. I paint to capture precious moments and movements - I suppose there is an element of performance when I work as the output is very raw, impulsive and intuitive".

Marcus regularly exhibits his work and has commissioned works for commercial spaces and individual collectors. To keep up with the latest exhibitions, art fairs and news, follow Marcus on Instagram @marcusaitken_

Education:

2009-2012

UAL, London College of Communication, Illustration, London, UK

2008-2009

Camberwell College of Arts, Foundation Course, London, UK