AMERICA MARTIN: CONNECTING THE DOTS

JoAnne Artman Gallery is pleased to present, Connecting the Dots, an exhibition featuring new works by America Martin. Referencing Paul Klee’s statement that, “A line is a dot that went for a walk,” the title serves as a fitting descriptor of Martin’s adept and exuberant use of line. Employing smooth, bold curves as well as hard, geometric strokes, she adheres to the most fundamental aspect of drawing - the line - to tell a story, connecting compositional elements and personal narratives throughout her practice.

Experimenting with line weight and function as a tool for two dimensional representation of three dimensional forms, Martin takes on a new balance between solidity, weight and suggestion. Laden with nuance, the thick lines are filled with the bubbling energy of thin, long scrapes throughout their length - adding both intensity and dimension.

Focused on the human figure and the tales that emerge through the framework of shape, contour, and formal approach, Martin choreographs her forms in relentless flux. Her technique of freehandedly capturing her subjects yields unapologetic marks and a spirited palette that hums with the vitality and vigor of the world she creates. In addition to the figure, many of Martin’s works are populated with anthropomorphic elements such as birds, butterflies and flowers. For Martin, these elements provide both a contextual source of information, as well as symbolic significance, progressing the storyline as a representation of personality, mood, and character.

Indulging her imagination, Martin allows lines to guide the visual properties and narrative of each of her compositions in the continued and playful fantasy of a dot going for a stroll.

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.