The narrative of Ms. Sivek's multifaceted work is deeply rooted in her childhood. Growing up in the authoritarian regime of communist Czechoslovakia, the desire for color, and lots of it, tells a story. “My journey started in a small town in communist Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Growing up in communism and the constant presence of never-ending propaganda and fear made it challenging to find freedom in creating or even to understand what it means to create freely.” Amidst grey apartment buildings where the color was sparse and sense of safety absent, Marketa employs structures and houses as a recurring theme in her work - a metaphor for a shelter as well as circumstances that can change suddenly. “Individualism and creativity that didn’t fit into government guidelines weren’t encouraged. I understood this even as a small girl and felt somewhat rebellious in my determination to paint and write poetry, and I even managed to win several competitions. Before my journey took me to America, I studied at the Faculty of Philosophy at Charles University in Prague.” Lost in the infinity of the vast sky as clear as sapphire, grounded by a moon or planet, the complexity meets simplicity when the heavy layers of paint are united in harmony with finely graded brushstrokes. In Ms. Sivek's abstract works, sensational pools of color, raw and thick - some mixed directly onto the canvas - command immediacy and often instigate the urge for a nearly edible experience. “I immigrated to the U.S. in 1992 and continued my artistic journey there. Not being able to speak English made it a bumpy ride at first. At that time, I lived and worked in the Wicker Park area of Chicago and exhibited with several galleries in the ever-changing River North gallery district and in my own growing studio. I’ve had the privilege of working with many charities over the years, donating artwork to the Gates Foundation for Africa relief and Lawrence Hall Chicago among others.” Enthralling and inspiring, Marketa Sivek's work can be as light and sweet as cotton candy and as deep and profound as a shadow of melancholy during the flight of time. Just as life itself. “My work has been featured among others on the Rachael Ray Show and in many publications such as Elle Decor, American Art Collector, Chicago Interiors, and Fine Art Connoisseur. My work has been part of many corporate and private collections such as Deloitte and the private collection of Oprah Winfrey. I work in my Lakeview studio and recently opened 2936 Contemporary, a new gallery space in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago.”