John Martin: A Self-Portrait

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.