Artists - Jason Martin

Jason Martin was first on the art scene in the 90s, he is led by gesture painting, similarly to abstract expressionists Jackson Pollock and Franz Kline, however is interested in the idea of monochrome paintings, also linking him to the work of Yves Klein. The subject of his piece is a often a singular movement or brushstroke, stripping painting back to its complete basics.

Martin’s huge aluminium canvases are thickly layered with oil paint resulting in them still being wet when viewed in exhibition. This is an unusual way to view a painting, appearing almost still a work in progress. The works appear simultaneously spontaneous yet precisely executed, due to the grooves and crevices created by the handmade brushes. Martin’s work is dense and heavy, the thickly applied oil paint creating a three dimensional image. In the press release I received at his recent exhibition at Lisson Gallery, London (2016), his investigation into painting is discussed. Paint is the motive for his work, exploring the physical qualities and way he can manipulate it.

As the light hits the work, the viewer is taken deep into the crevices of Martin’s seemingly giant brush strokes. They way Martin leaves his process of making abundantly clear, is what is so intriguing about his work.