Alley Idols

Opening Reception    January 17th, 2026    4pm-6pm
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Show runs from -
January 17th, 2026 - February 28th, 2026
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​​​​(Click above image for press kit)​

(These 6 pieces represent the entire exhibit of 23 pieces. Visit or email the gallery to see the entire exhibit.)

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Biography

(photo credit - Media Service Studio)

Markus is a self-taught artist who creates sculptures and mixed media paintings from personal items collected since childhood, and objects scavenged from the alleys of his
home city of Baltimore.
As an artist for 35 years, Markus has worked in numerous aspects of creative art, including poetry, music, acting, graphic design and animation. In 2014 he turned his attention to 3D work, and focused on abstract assemblage in metal, wood, concrete and glass. In 2022 he began also working in abstract painting, with both 2D and mixed media styles.
Markus often creates works in series of 4, 8, 12 or more, that share a related style or visual language, though he pursues no statements or social commentary. He is known for his strong sense of composition and his unique way of combining textures within a piece.
His works have been purchased by collectors across the United States and in countries as far flung as Australia. He creates commissioned works in a wide range of styles and materials, notably a 10-foot tall outdoor installation of copper and steel for an East Coast collector in 2021.
Markus has worked as a curator and juror for numerous art shows, and a private curator and artist-on-retainer for private collectors. He shows his work in galleries throughout the mid-Atlantic and is available for private commissions.

Statement

Alley Idols features abstract 3D and 2D works by sculptor, painter and poet Markus.  The sculptures are comprised of objects found in the alleys of Baltimore and the paintings were influenced by graffiti seen in those same backstreets. The artist sees this show as a collaborative effort between himself and his fellow Baltimoreans, who unknowingly contributed to the sculptures with their discarded items and helped inspire the paintings with their street art. Alley Idols makes no intentional social commentary, and represents the artist's desire to communicate with the viewer on a purely emotional level.​

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Website - www.rustynailworks.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rustynailworks/
Facebook - ​https://www.facebook.com/mark.s.sanders.5