Sunday, August 12, 2012

Artist 28: Kenneth Martin


Kenneth Martin was an English painter and sculptor born in 1905.  He and his wife, Mary, were leading figures in the revival of Constructivism in both England and America.  Martin started his studies at Sheffield School of Art, but won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art and studied there from 1929 until 1932.  In the 1930s his paintings were characterized by a naturalistic style, in the 1940s his work turned to emphasize structural and design elements.  In 1949 he turned to a purely abstract style.  His pieces appeared in 1951 and he became very well known for his mobile works and kinetic sculptures.  Martin became particularly focused on geometric abstraction.  In the 1950s ha and his wife participated in a number of group shows and in 1960 Martin and Mary held a joint show.  Then in the 1960s he ran a class at the Barry summer school.  At Brixton Day College in London a stainless steel fountain made by Martin can be seen.


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