A Foxy Eye on the Arts: Andrew Martin Art Exhibit Opens in High Point

Review of a new exhibit at High Point University focusing on the influence of one North Carolina artist on a lineage of notable local painters.

I was fortunate to attend the intriguing and historically significant opening Nov 3rd of the Tribute to Andrew Martin exhibit showing at the Sechrest Gallery at High Point University. Curated by Maxine Campbell, the show features works by Martin as well as UNCG affiliated colleagues influenced by his work; many of whom were former students of Martin. The exhibit includes twenty works on loan from the Weaver Foundation, which was formed in 1967 and is comprised of the works of artists who have studied or taught at UNCG. The show's other paintings are on loan from private collections.

Martin, who was part of the Hansa cooperative in New York City in the 1950s, was intrigued with the endless combinations of light, color and pattern within a painting. His work contained no political statements or underlying messages. Rather, Martin believed that "regardless of its theme or impulse, a painting ultimately is about the nature and possibilities of painting."

The show subtly underscores his painterly motivation by showcasing multiple large-scale views from his backyard, a scene he painted over and over again in all seasons, displayed side-by-side commanding an entire wall of the gallery. Other works of Martin's hang throughout, interspersed with those of former students and colleagues as well as artists who may not have studied with him but whose work is nonetheless informed by his style.

One painter clearly influenced by Martin is Bruce Shores, who has nine pieces in the show. The depth of that influence is plainly revealed with an introduction to Bruce's nine-year-old son, who is prompted to divulge, (with a small sigh and a hint of eye-rolling at grown-up foolishness) for perhaps the hundredth time that night, that his middle name is "Andrew, ... after Andrew Martin".

The exhibit's other artists cover an enjoyable visual range. From the stylistically similar like Shores or Henry Link, to those whose work moves in other directions like the smooth, graceful lines and saturated hues of Richard Fennell's lush still life paintings. The most interesting juxtaposition in the show however, comes with its own story. "Payson-Park Indiantown" by Martin and "Payson Park-Motif One" by Robert Keeny, hang in the show together aptly enough, as they were painted together. Keeny and Martin spent time visiting with one another in Florida, where they would go out for the day and paint, swapping the fruits of their labor at day's end as a remembrance of the time. Keeny's painting was purchased eventually by the Weaver Foundation and upon viewing their collection, Keeny donated his Martin painting of the scene to them as well.

The exhibit runs through January 30th, 2009 and the gallery is open to the public, free of charge, 1-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1-3 p.m. some Saturdays. For more information, contact the gallery at 336-841-4685. After hours, contact Gallery Curator and Director Maxine Campbell at 336-803-1815.