Join us at the Creative Growth Art Center for an extraordinary exhibition titled “John Martin: A Self-Portrait.” Born in 1963 in Marks, Mississippi, and a member of the Creative Growth community since 1987, John Martin presents a unique collection that blends his past and present.
This exhibition showcases Martin’s multifaceted talent in drawings, ceramics, and woodwork, illustrating a remarkable journey from his childhood memories on a Mississippi farm to his current life in Oakland. His work is a vibrant tapestry of the mundane and the surreal.
Martin’s art is a treasure trove of personal artifacts and found objects, each telling a story from his life. His pieces feature a variety of subjects – from trucks and snakes to pocket knives, cell phones, and beyond. These items from his collection are not just depicted; they are reimagined and reinvented, weaving together the practical with the fantastical.
Expect to see astonishing animal mash-ups, like fish morphing into knives and alligators turning into saws. Witness how Martin reinterprets himself as a Nokia phone, or marvel at a Leatherman tool unfolding to reveal a grinning shark. Each piece is a testament to his inventive spirit and his ability to subvert the ordinary, infusing it with humor and whimsy.
Martin’s work is not just visually arresting; it’s also a commentary on functionality and its boundaries. His explorations in art extend beyond the canvas, as evidenced by his 2014 invitation to create a site-specific installation for Facebook’s inaugural Artist In Residence program at their Frank Gehry-designed campus in Palo Alto.
Don’t miss this exhibition that celebrates the rich tapestry of John Martin’s life and work, where the line between utility and fantasy is magnificently blurred.
Check gallery website for hours and additional info
