martyna alexander at playground detroit

Fields

Apr 21

Mimicking stark polarities between the natural and human-made, Martyna Alexander’s dynamic paintings exhibited in Fields balance gestural abstraction and cleanly designed elements; earth tones and bright, bold colors. Her artwork represents an on-going search for the equilibrium between competing forces that challenge Alexander and encourage her to explore experiences where adherence to logic opposes instinctive emotion. In this space of exploration, the advancement of technology opposes our relationship to nature; systems of production and consumption oppose reflection, healing, and nurturance.

*The Room I Entered* acrylic on canvas 60x48

Martyna Alexander’s crisp, minimal abstractions are a dichotomy of serenity and excitement co-existing on one plane. Scale increases the electric blue’s impact, exploding off of the gallery’s pristine white walls. What initially appears to be a simple statement, closer examination discloses a complex conversation between the decisive marks and the span of tranquil, matte space that holds them in contained suspension.

**a micro artist talk is available for paid subscribers where Alexander discusses this piece in depth, what each mark represents and the overall implications of this body of work.

*Bustling Meadow* acrylic on canvas 48x48

Bustling Meadow’s title contradicts the visual impression. Alexander masterfully balances a swipe, dab and drip of color inside a perfect ochre circle. The white drip elicits energy punctuated with a shot of orange fluorescent paint.

*At the Height of Opposition* acrylic on linen 56x48

At the Height of Opposition makes an easy transition from the larger pieces to the works on raw linen. Alexander frees her brush and delivers a series of marks that seem to be magnetically bound to the black and white bar in the center.

*Battle in the Clearing* acrylic on linen 40x30

Battle in the Clearing somewhat departs from the calmer compositions. This piece communicates a more chaotic energy restrained only by the grid of white bars.

Walking in the gallery door, these works immediately take command of the space through color and scale. The compact swipes, squiggles, dabs and drips are remarkably potent and in perfect harmony with the expanse of negative space. It bears mentioning the surface these marks are made on are unforgiving. On raw linen or an unblemished, perfectly smooth background, when a mark is made, that’s it. There’s no schmearing it out or removal. There’s no loading on the paint until satisfaction is achieved. In unassuming compositions such as these, a strenuous amount of visualization goes on prior to the brush meeting the surface. It takes someone who understands each mark’s impact and an ability to exercise incredible, thoughtful restraint to successfully pull these off.

On view through May 14th at Playground Detroit 2845 Gratiot Ave, Detroit

*images courtesy of the artist, photo credit Daniel Ribar