“Nevertheless, I'm constantly searching to blend content and form in a style that ranges from "minimal representationalism" to the effervescent, evanescent blurring line of the modern - or what I deem to be -- two-dimensional "imagism".

Due to the subject matter of my art, I am compelled to follow the categorical imperative of the transitory, infinitesimal moment of human existence. In my paintings I celebrate our "human condition" in which the trite, insignificant, most-oblivious moment of our existence is juxtaposed to the most profound and metaphysical one. And side by side I attempt to unravel the profane as well as the divine that is in us; the authenticity of our being and the empirical dimension of our existence; distress and ecstasy; fear and serenity; evil and goodness. Such is the human condition, and this is my art: an intuitive synchronism of content and form attempting to capture the ephemeral existential moment in space and time. In my endeavours I've always attempted to "mediate" the phenomenon rather than searching for the ultimate truth; the enigma of life is the gods' domain.”

Petros Martin attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and Venice from 1975 to 1980 and he dedicated his studies and training in sculpture.

Being educated in the cradle of Western culture has left a lasting impression in his work. In fact, his consummate passion for drawing and his persistent search for pure form are a constant reminder of the influence of the great masters. By the sheer magic of few lines (a remnant of his training in sculpture) he combines the massive and delicate form of the subject with the textured abstract background, harmonizing thus the figurative with the abstract in well-balanced and indelible canvases. His minimalized conceptualism is an attempt to blend the grace and sensuality of the Renaissance masters with the many facets of contemporary abstract expressionism. In my opinion the classic and the contemporary do meet in Martin's work. And this is not an easy task to be accomplished.

Since 1986 Martin has settled in Toronto, where he lives and continues to work. His art has found the favour of many art collectors and he is making his mark in the art world with his figurative paintings executed in an abstract style.

EDUCATION

1977-80

Academy of Fine Arts, Venice, Professor Cassani

1975-76

Academy of Fine Arts, Rome, Professor Fazzini

1991

Atelier Georges Masse, Montreal (private study)

EXHIBITIONS 

2001

EP-Galerie, Dusseldorf

2000

International Engraving Salon, Florian Museum, Romania, invited artist

1999

Galerij Marc van Meensel, Zelem, Belgium 

Rebecca Gallery, Toronto

1998

360 Degree Gallery, Toronto 

Mary Bell Gallery, Chicago, USA

1997

Aaron Gallery, Washington, DC

Del Bello Gallery, Toronto, Art Salon '97

Image Matrix Print Exhibition, Art Gallery of Mississauga, Mississauga ON

The Diploma Collection, Art Gallery of Peel, Brampton, ON

Artist's Choice, Praxis Gallery, Toronto

1996

Gallery Birmingham, Birmingham, Michigan

Alexander's Gallery, Tampa Florida

S.F. Feinman Gallery, New York, NY

The 4th International Biennial of Miniature Arts, Yugoslavia

John Callahan Gallery, Boston, Mass.

Gallery Louise Smith, Toronto

Carmel Gallery, Ottawa, ON

1995

Gallery 721, F. Lauderdale, Florida

Gallery Birmingham, Birmingham, Michigan

Roberts Gallery, Toronto C.S.P.W.

Int. Exhibition of Prints, Kanagawa, Japan

1994

Carol Jones Gallery, Chicago, Illinois

1993

Kunsthandel Kugel, Moers, Germany

Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery, Toronto

Sodarco International Art Exhibition, Montreal

7th Open Juried Art Competition, Jurors Choice Award, Gallery 306, Toronto

1992

Kenan Center Gallery, Lockport, NY

Trojanowska Gallery, San Francisco

1991

Gallery 504, Toronto

Muserotic Art Gallery, Toronto

Swan Gallery, Stratford, ON

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, ON

1988

Concordia University, Montreal, QC

1987

Del Bello Gallery, Toronto, ON

1985

3rd Biennial, Venetian Artists' Cultural Centre, Venice

1984

Galleria d'Arte IN, Padua, Italy

1983

Museo del Folklore, Rome

Concorso Internazionale d'Arte Bata,Museo Nazionale Leonardo da Vinci, Milan

1982

Ca'Giustinian, Venice, Italy

Centro Artistico Culturale Guirnica, Pergini, Italy

1981

Palagio di Parte Guelfa, Florence, Italy

Centro Culturale Artistico Veneziano, Italy

1980

65-Opera Bevilacqua Lamasa, Venice, Italy

Accademia delle Belle Arti, Venice, Italy