Introduction
Glass Worlds
With his modern interpretation of reverse glass painting, Christopher Martin breathes new life into a traditional art form. The American artist combines azure blues and rich reds and oranges in vibrant motifs, creating a magnificent interplay of colours.
The artist paints the glass in reverse, beginning with the elements that will ultimately be visible in the foreground and finishing with those in the background. As Martin himself explains, “Every layer of paint has a high influence on the one behind it as opposed to a flat covering stroke. It’s often around thirty layers of paint that fuse together." The painter draws inspiration from his immediate surroundings: the impressive, natural scenery of Aspen, Colorado. The interlaced lines, arcs, and ovals that appear in his works are drawn from organic shapes: wood grain and tracks in the snow become geometric, abstract elements. Martin’s quick, powerful style shines through, giving the rhythmic compositions an overwhelming dynamism. The artist describes the innovative development of form, colour, and depth as “organic expressionism”.
According to reverse glass painting expert Simone Bretz: “No other kind of painting begets such intense luminosity as reverse glass painting. As fascinating as the fragile artworks are, their production is every bit as complex and demanding, which is what gives this art form its special magic.” Christopher Martin has devoted himself to the rich tradition of reverse glass painting for over two decades. His work has not only appeared in countless exhibitions, but can also be found in renowned art collections around the world.
Bio
| 1969 | Born in Florida, USA |
| Lives and works in Aspen, Colorado, USA |
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
| 2013 | Christopher Martin – New Works, Laura Rathe Fine Art, Houston, USA |
| Personal Structures – 55th Venice Biennale of Art, Palazzo Bembo Exhibitions, Venice, Italy |
| Palette to Palate, Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach, California, USA |
| Unique Dialogue, Galerie Mondapart, Paris, France |
| 2012 | Viscosity, McLoughlin Gallery, San Francisco, USA |
| Christopher H. Martin – Flow, KM Fine Arts, Chicago, USA |
| 2007 | Eat the Food!, Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, Toronto, Canada |
