Martin Bennett: The Pictures

The TrépanierBaer gallery is pleased to present “The Pictures”, an exhibition of new works by Martin Bennett. This exhibition will feature seven new works drawn from his conceptually rigorous project known as the “Static Image Paintings”, for which the artists has become well known. With this new variation, Bennett continues his investigation into the mechanics of perception, and the relationship between abstraction and image making. Using a complex reductive methodology involving photography, photocopying, drawing, painting and sanding, Bennett alters the viewer’s expectations of the traditional forms of representation and abstraction. Oscillating between layers of colored geometric patterns and the static structure of the landscape these subtly poetic paintings prolong the viewers engagement with each work. The rigor and uniqueness of Bennett’s investigation places him squarely at the forefront of painting in Canada.

Martin Bennett was born in 1970 in Winchester, England. His family immigrated to Canada settling in Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1975. He attended the Alberta College of Art & Design from 1988 to 1992 graduating with distinction from the Painting Department. Since graduating in 1992, Martin Bennett has exhibited consistently in both Canada and abroad. His work has received critical acclaim, and can be found in private and public collections throughout Canada. Since 1997 he has spent most of his time in Europe living briefly in Prague, Czech Republic before settling in London, England. Returning to Canada last spring he is now dividing his time between London and Toronto, and currently preparing for upcoming exhibitions in both Toronto and London, England. Bennett’s work will also be featured in a two person exhibition at the Medicine Hat Museum and Art Gallery opening January 24, 2004.