Meet Marquis Portrait of Marquis Johnson Lauren Vargas

From Marquis’ mother Phyllis Thomas: Marquis “MoneyMunch” Johnson - August 6, 1991 – June 7, 2016, Norristown, PA.

Marquis Johnson, called “MoneyMunch” by his family and friends, was a handsome, fun-loving, happy young father. He laughed and smiled with ease and was always generous. He always treated people with respect. He had a soft spot in his heart for the weak and afraid and would try to help whenever possible. He felt other’s pain and misery an in his own way would bring a bit of joy into their hearts. He was happiest playing basketball, in the studio with his #500 brothers making music or spending time with his daughters, N’yasia and Paris. Marquis always had to have a hat to match his outfit. He talked about designing that phenomenal vehicle. At the age of 24, Marquis’ dreams were shattered when tragic events took his life. He definitely would have spent his life doing things that brought him and other happiness. Sadly, we will never find out.

On a hot summer night in June 2016, Marquis’s life was cut short when he was confronted by a demon with a gun. Shots were fired and law enforcement arrived only to find Marquis’ lifeless body lying on the ground. This senseless murder shocked the Norristown Community. The demon, of course, ran from the scene but was later appended and convicted of murder.

From the artist Lauren Vargas: Meet Marquis. A young man who often made his friends and family laugh, Marquis was just goofy. His mother describes him as always wanting to build a car that was out of this world. He loved cars and was gifted with working on them. But more than anything, he loved his family and friends. He is survived by two young daughters.

This portrait seeks to capture Marquis' joy and goofiness. He's reaching out as way to interact with the viewer, as if to hand us something. But what? He's passing off his legacy - the opportunity for his family and friends to pick up where he left off: making people laugh, loving his family, and building a better future. His favorite color was red and always wore his cross necklace from his mother around his neck, which has still not been returned to her from evidence more than a year after his murder. The space around him is blank, representing the future that was robbed of him, but also leaving the space for his loved ones to envision a future in which they carry his memory forward. 

From the curator: Lauren has done a wonderful job of describing her intent with this portrait. Many have also commented on the framing of the figure. Marquis seems to be bouncing and almost flying. His character truly comes through here.

Meet Marquis Portrait of Marquis Johnson Lauren Vargas oil on canvas 20” x 30” 2017