Arts
Although his work is often characterized by critics as abstract, Chris Martin the studio art department's artist-in-residence for Winter term rejects this label.
"My interest in painting has been where painting intersects with life," Martin said in an interview with The Dartmouth.
Martin admits that he has been influenced by the work of abstract expressionists, including Alfred Jensen and Paul Feeley.
However, the artist said he rejects abstract art's turn toward the concept of "form as content," an idea that emerged from the abstract expressionist movement.
"After abstract expressionists, abstract art was hijacked by a group of critics who felt the more abstract painting became, the more it moved toward its destiny, became more pure," Martin said.
Martin said he developed his "obsession" with painting at the age of 14, when he would spend his days listening to James Brown records in his high school's art studio.
Brown a renowned soul singer has continued to influence Martin's work throughout his career as a painter.