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“Initially, the compositions are about the seduction of place, but they also have subtle fine art representations within them which bring in symbolism and narrative which can be explored”

Will Martyr is a British artist known for his vivid, utopic paintings that depict idyllic poolside scenes and moments of joy and companionship. His upcoming solo exhibition “A World Elsewhere” at Maddox Gallery in London will feature his largest body of work to date, covering three main themes: companionship, love, and vitality.

Martyr’s paintings are snapshots of personal memories, with a female figure present in all the compositions, either as a companion or relaxing alone in profoundly beautiful settings. Water plays a vital metaphorical and compositional role, representing the essence of life and serving as a perspective tool to lead the viewer’s eye through the work.

Artistic style:

Martyr’s style is influenced by abstract expressionism, Italian futurism, and British vorticism, as well as artists like Hockney, Thiebaud, and Katz. His paintings feature highly saturated colors that make the work seem to glow and heighten their dream-like quality.

Water plays a vital metaphorical and compositional role in Martyr’s work, representing the essence of life and serving as a perspective tool to lead the viewer’s eye through the compositions. The immersive reflections and mirroring in water also allow Martyr to indulge in complex color contrasts, giving huge complexity and depth to the surface of the paintings.

Martyr’s meticulous process involves hand-drawing the composition onto the canvas surface and premixing each individual color prior to starting. This complete control allows him to hone the final experience of the work and how the viewer’s eye moves across the canvas.

Most important works:

“You shine so bright” (2022)

This painting depicts a female figure relaxing contentedly by a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant colors. The reflections in the water create a sense of depth and mirroring that is central to Martyr’s style.

“Back to where we started” (2022)

In this work, a female figure is shown arranging flowers, with the water and architectural elements leading the viewer’s eye through the composition. The vivid colors and precise planning of the palette are hallmarks of Martyr’s meticulous technique.

“This makes it all worthwhile” (2022)

This painting features a female figure playing tennis in an idealized, sun-drenched setting. The dynamic composition and interplay of light and shadow demonstrate Martyr’s skill at creating a sense of movement and energy on the canvas.

Exhibitions:

“A World Elsewhere” at Maddox Gallery, London

This is Martyr’s first major solo exhibition in the UK, opening in April 2024. The exhibition will feature his largest body of work to date, covering three main themes: companionship, love, and vitality. Key paintings in this exhibition include “You shine so bright”, “Back to where we started”, and “This makes it all worthwhile”.

Sculpture and Print Exhibition at Maddox Gallery

In addition to the paintings, Martyr will also be working toward a new exhibition in early 2024 that will include not only paintings, but also sculptures and prints.