Cover: America Martin, Seagull, Dock and Port, 2006, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 74.5 x 109.5 in.
AMERICA TO ME A Retrospective featuring AMERICA MARTIN February 7th, 2019 - April 30th, 2019 326 N COAST HIGHWAY, LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 WWW.JOANNEARTMANGALLERY.COM JOANNEARTMAN@AOL.COM 949.510.5481
AMERICA TO ME Bursting with life, form, and color, America Martin’s compositions pioneer a reaffirmation of life and the human experience. JoAnne Artman Gallery is pleased to present, America to Me, an exhibition featuring both new and retrospective work rooted in Martin’s investigation of the human form and its context. Exploring the identity of both her namesake and country, LA-based America Martin draws inspiration from her Colombian heritage and the human figure to represent a diverse portrayal of what and who America is. With resounding vulnerability, Martin showcases a reflection of self and of country while simultaneously addressing her individualism and nationality. Refusing to universalize the American dream or experience, she instead meditates on the importance of individual narration and on her own ability to navigate these ideas through artistic outlet. Replete with biographical anecdotes and self-reflections, Martin integrates her strong personality and storytelling as she cogitates upon the opportunities and challenges that America, the country,
has afforded America, the artist. Sparking conversations about what has and has not succeeded in both her personal experience and in the quest for freedom and eradication of bias, each work is created both to question and to express gratitude. Remaining true to her heritage and integrity as an artist, this retrospective serves as a nostalgic memoir infused with tales of opportunity and Martin’s raw talent. Adhering to her signature style, Martin seamlessly introduces allegory through radical forms and an unmistakable aesthetic sensibility. Strikingly bold in composition and narrative, Martin’s works investigate the framework of humanity as she continues the ubiquitous theme of identity. Offering a hopeful look towards a future of inclusivity and acceptance, Martin’s artwork alludes to the America we hope to be.
AMERICA MARTIN (b. 1980, Los Angeles, CA) is a Colombian American fine artist based in Los Angeles, CA.
America Martin’s work will inspire, provoke, engage and mesmerize. With visual perceptions always changing, peek behind the stories told and you're sure to find the right artistic expression!
Monday Night Train, 2006, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 83 x 63 in.
Woman on Bike, 2008, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 63.5 x 44.5 in.
The Banjo Man, 2018, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 91.5 x 57.5 in.
Women Watch the Sunset, 2018, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 68 x 79 in.
Women Lean on Trees, 2018, Acrylic on Linen, 55.5 x 91.5 in.
Olympia for Manet, 2019, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 63.5 x 116.5 in.
Birds in the Green Leaf Tree, 2019, Oil & Acrylic on Canvas, 46 x 76 in.
The Three Graces 2019, Metal, Foam, Cement on Metal Base, 89 x 56 x 16 in.
Violets & Gardenias, 2018, Clay Pencil on Japanese Paper, 42 x 29.5 in.
Woman Outside with Towel & Flowery Vines, 2018, Clay Pencil on Japanese Paper, 43.5 x 28.5 in.
New Roses, Low Bucket, 2018, Clay Pencil on Handmade Japanese Paper, 28 x 29 in.
White Flowers on Green Paper, 2018, Clay Pencil on Handmade Japanese Paper, 29.5 x 41.5 in.
Published in conjunction with the exhibition: America to Me: A Retrospective featuring AMERICA MARTIN February 7, 2019-April 30, 2019 JoAnne Artman Gallery 326 N Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Catalogue © JoAnne Artman Gallery Artwork © America Martin