John Marx's watercolors, first published in the Architectural Review,
are a captivating example of an architect's way of thinking. Subtle and
quiet they are nonetheless compelling works in how they tackle a sense
of place, of inhabiting space and time all the while resonating with the
core of one's inner being. There is an existential quality to these
watercolors that is rare to be found in this medium. Something akin to
the psychologically piercing observational quality of artists like De
Chirico or Hopper. As architects strive to communicate their ideas, it
is interesting to explore the world of Marx's watercolors as an example
of a humane approach to conveying emotional meaning in relation to our
environment. Marx's subject matter read like "built landscapes"
heightening the role of the manmade yet wholly in balance with the
natural world. This is a message and sentiment that is perhaps more
important than ever to relay to audiences.