“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
