Christopher Martin: Focus

Acclaimed Houston gallery, Laura Rathe Fine Art will host an exhibition of new works by contemporary painter, Christopher Martin, in a solo show, Focus, with an opening reception on Saturday, January 16, 2016 from 6-9pm at 2707 Colquitt Street.

After 20 years of practicing his signature reverse painting technique utilizing luster acrylic surfaces, Christopher H. Martin has shifted to lightly honing the front surface of the acrylic after the painting is completed.

In the honed works the darker areas develop a matte finish giving the color a velvety richness.  This effect creates a dramatic contrast to the pearlescent radiance of the lighter iridescent paints.

The exhibition will be on view through February 20, 2016.

“My artwork takes an interpretive view of natural patterns. ‘Organic Expression’, is a succinct way to describe my process.  By engaging forms of interlaced ovals, linear movement, arcs and fields of color, I seek to produce a unique visual expression in each painting.”   – Christopher Martin

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Though his technique traces back to the 14th century, Christopher Martin’s approach to “Verre Églomisé” is entirely modern. He captures abstractions inspired by wood grain, the cosmos, sun, sea, or even ski tracks—magnificently—all while painting “in reverse” on acrylic panels.

Christopher coaxes layer upon layer of sheer pigment and water to achieve his vision ~ harnessing brushes, wind, heat, and gravity. As Simone Bretz, a former curator of the Munich Metropolitan Museum and noted expert in reverse glass painting states, “Well-executed reverse-glass paintings do not reveal the complexity of their manufacture.

Since the designs are applied to the back of glass panes, they must be built up in reverse – starting with the foreground and working “backwards” – which makes corrections virtually impossible.”

Martin continues to broaden the scope of his collectors and admirers around the globe. A completely self-taught artist, he’s been shown and represented by acclaimed art galleries and dealers in Houston, Dallas, Aspen, New York, The Hamptons, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Brussels and Basel.

In the twenty years since he began painting, his works have been sought for notable private and corporate collections, including U.S. Presidents, CEO’s, Gensler Architecture, Boeing Aerospace, Vincent and Elkins, Starbucks, the Ritz Carlton, Metropolitan Life, and MGM.

The 2011 BOMA International Toby Award went to the Wells Fargo Plaza in Houston with its centerpiece — two 21-ft. commissioned paintings by Martin. In November 2012, he celebrated the completion and installation of a 120-ft. painting aptly titled, “Velocity,” consisting of 15 consecutive panels for the Formula One Racetrack, Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, Texas.

Martin currently works and resides in Aspen, Colorado.

ABOUT LAURA RATHE FINE ART

With over 25 years of experience in the art industry, gallery owner, Laura Rathe, started her career working as a private art dealer.  She established Laura Rathe Fine Art in 1998 in Houston, Texas, located in Upper Kirby at 2707 Colquitt Street on Gallery Row. In February 2013, the gallery expanded, opening a second location in Dallas on Dragon Street, the city’s premiere arts district destination.

This September, LRFA opened a third location in the heart of Uptown Houston, located at 1700 Post Oak Blvd in 1 BLVD Place.

Laura Rathe Fine Art is known for representing established, mid-career contemporary artists, many of whom have been acquired into world-renowned private, corporate and museum collections. Various important public collections include BBVA Compass, HKS Architects Headquarters, CBRE, Wells Fargo, W Hotels, UTSW Hospital and Halliburton.

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/chmgallery