Mariet Braakman (1944-2021) was indelibly influenced by the places she lived. Growing up in The Netherlands, known for its low lying and remarkably flat geography, Mariet became intrigued by mountainous landscapes from an early age. Her imaginary landscapes were inspired by authentic vistas, sometimes deconstructed or abstracted.

Her work evokes the majesty of the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the visceral graphic quality of land art. Her admiration for Cy Twombly, Agnes Martin and Sol LeWitt is evident in her work. Her dramatic color palette reminds us the earth is alive and survives cycles of drought, seismic shock, and wildfire continually. Mariet’s compositions can be read as topographical maps, vistas, or biographical symbolism reflecting her battle with cancer, and dismay with our increasingly divided society.

Mariet received a BA in education and a BA in fine arts. Professionally, Mariet served as a high school art teacher and art instructor for adults and children from 1979 until 1983 when she emigrated from The Netherlands. She was an active member of Berkeley Art Center Association and showed her work widely across the Bay Area for over a decade. Her work was recognized by influential curators and gallerists including Carin Adams, DeWitt Cheng, Catharine Clark, Aimee Freiberg, Jenny Gieth, Renee de Guzman, Stephanie Hanor, Carrie Lederer, Faith J. McKinnie, Lucia Sanroman, Thea Quiray Tagle, and Katrina Traywick in over a dozen juried shows.

M Stark Gallery in Half Moon Bay features Peninsula and Bay Area artists whose work evokes the spirit of the West Coast and is in dialogue with contemporary fine art movements.