Ernest J. T. Martin

Ernest Joseph Terence Martin (July 5, 1927—October 2, 2015) was an American painter and sculptor whose work earned international awards. Martin was exhibited in museums in Europe, Central, and South America, as well as in the United States.
Martin was also a professional matador, a world traveler, a published author, patented inventor, martial artist, jewelry designer, lecturer, and a friend of many celebrated artists.
He served in WW II and was a Combat Veteran in the United States Coast Guard, member of the UDT, underwater demolition team. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After the war, he attended the Art Student’s League in New York.
Many members of this New York artist community became known for breaking barriers including notable artists De Kooning, Kline, Krasner, Pollock, Nakian, as well as Knox Martin, Ernest’s older brother. Martin’s paintings were exhibited at New York galleries in the 1950’s. The Guggenheim Museum acquired several of his paintings as well.
Martin became a professional matador in Mexico, France and Spain, where he met Pablo Picasso at a bullfight. Picasso set up an exhibition for him at the Museé des Beaux-Artes in Nimes, France.
A prolific artist who worked across multiple media, producing both figurative and abstract works characterized by bold, energetic color. The energy he poured into his art is palpable. His habit of writing or painting on the backs of his canvases added an additional layer of commentary or artistic expression to his work. Martin’s artistic practice was defined by his daily painting routine, which he maintained for over eight decades.
Martin’s art was deeply influenced by his experiences in the bullfighting ring. Many of his works powerfully capture the raw emotion and conflict inherent in bullfighting. Martin frequently explored dichotomies or duos (dualities) in his work, such as life and death, good and evil, and truth and lies.

Submitted by Ahmad Shariff Art Gallery