I Need A Hero: Now Showing “I See Heroes Everywhere” by America Martin

This past year has had all of us holding out for a hero- a sentiment that inspired America Martin’s latest series, “I See Heroes Everywhere.”

Addressing the theme of heroism, Martin focuses on epic themes such as courage, sacrifice, and the ways that changing political and philosophical systems affected the choices and legacies of her subjects. Employing smooth, bold curves as well as hard, geometric strokes, she adheres to the most fundamental aspect of drawing - the line - to tell the stories of these heroes.

"I am creating a series of ink on paper line works. Simple drawings of our heroes. Starting with the ones we know. The thinkers, the dreamers, we personally relate to, who have by their passion and action shaped us. Helped us grow into better versions of ourselves" Martin explained.

Focused on the human figure and the tales that emerge through the framework of shape, contour, and formal approach, Martin’s technique of freehandedly capturing her subjects yields unapologetic marks that hum with vitality and dimensionality. Both exuberant and refined, her experimentation with line weight takes on a new balance between solidity and weight, breathing life into each portrait. Pairing a quote with each likeness, Martin invites visitors to consider the core values of leadership—justice, integrity, generosity and empathy—embodied in her art.

"Heroes & villains have many of the same qualities they have flaws, and weaknesses, but the one difference, that is literally magic, is that the hero is capable of change. The hero is capable of having a perspective shift and then doing something about it."

Through the stories they tell by means of history and Martin’s depictions, this assembled group of leaders challenges us to be our very best selves in the face of adversity.