Mark Coreth - Press Coverage
Country Life
The impression you get on first viewing his striking bronzes is one of extraordinary energy and movement - a grouse, wing tipped like a banking spitfire, hurtles across your sight, a pheasant rises in a startled flurry of feathers, a woodcock sweeps around in an elegant arc. Entirely self taught, the sculpting started almost by accident. In the role of his alter-ego, major Mark Coreth of the Household Cavalry Regiment was given some “extra duties”. Depressed at the prospect of another evening spent slumped in front of a pile of videos, he decided instead to try his hand at painting. As he puts it, “with the first splash of paint I thought Damn, back to the videos.” But then a lump of plasticine came to hand…the models he displayed at the Game Fair that year sold out and he has never looked back. He works the clay with short, strong movements, as if willing the spirit of the model to lift from the final bronze by sheer force of personality. Mark speaks with a breathless intensity and it is as though the general air of pent-up energy which surrounds him translates itself to his creations.
Antiques Trade Gazette
….it is timely that the Sladmore, the bronze animalier specialists at 32 Bruton Place, are holding this exhibition of works by Mark Coreth, who was inspired by, and is considered by many to be a natural heir to, Rembrandt Bugatti. Coreth has built up an international reputation for his mastery of portraying wild beasts in motion and the current show can only enhance his stature.
Apollo
There is light and speed in Coreth’s fluid forceful figures. In order to emphasize these qualities the wilful, expressive modelling of the original clay shows clearly. This latest show corroborates what Gerry Farrell, gallery director, refers to as his “authority and original response to the enigma of movement which has challenged artists for centuries”.
Art Review
Serious artists who want to sculpt animals these days, such as Barry Flanagan with his hares, tend to emphasize the playful aspect of their work, as if avoiding the kitten-in-a basket syndrome by diving right into it and emerging on the other side. Mark Coreth is different. He isn’t afraid of showing power and majesty unfiltered by irony. Which makes him old-fashioned but oddly refreshing.
New York Art and Antiques Weekl
Mark Coreth’s spectacular and gravity-defying bronzes of animals in motion have made him very well known in Europe, this is his first show in the US. While Mark has had no formal art training, his technical skill and expressive powers in capturing animals in motion are admired world-wide. Yet, just as Bugatti, Coreth’s great exemplar, reached some of his most profound statements in depictions of more restful, reflective poses, so we may detect in Mark Coreth a shift towards quieter, more contemplative pieces in which he seems to search out “the essence of the beast.”
Saint Hubert Gazette, Paris
Despite the Channel tunnel connecting it to the continent, England remains defiantly an Island. The peculiarities of this great old Thalassocratic force, regularly present enigmas for us French…the padded repairs to old tweed jackets and the excessive airings of Mary Quant mini-skirts, the spartan comfort of a tawny chesterfield sofa, the smoke belching punk movement and the fashionless permanence of the Mini Austin. Only this monarchy more democratic than the French republic, could produce such a ‘Great’ as Mark Coreth: with soldier’s physique but the soul of a sculptor. This ex-officer of radiant bearing, the result of military training makes his mark as an animalier sculptor of great talent, phenomenal translator of movement and fluidity. He maintains a thoroughly military bearing with a sense of humour, he has pose, straight back, chin lifted to the skies, with immaculate grooming he pronounces a thunderous “Yes Sir”.
The Art Newspaper
‘Animals in motion’ the work of sculptor Mark Coreth should not be missed at the Sladmore Gallery. Best known for his wonderful portrayal of the wildlife of Africa Mark Coreth has that rare ability to capture the unique wild spirit of a creature without descending to kitsch. He is self taught, relying on his very perceptive eye and instinctive understanding of animals.
Wildlife Art
Mr Coreth’s work is fun, original and full of expression. He works fast, at times throwing the plasticine or clay onto the maquette from a distance of several feet, producing work with wonderful movement and life.
