Knox Martin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Knox Martin
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | February 12, 1923 Barranquilla, Colombia
|
| Died | May 15, 2022 (aged 99) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Art Students League of New York |
| Known for | Painter, muralist, sculptor |
|
Notable work
|
Venus (1970), Woman with bicycle (1979) |
| Movement | Abstract expressionism, New York School |
| Awards | Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, NEA Grant, Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grants, Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation Grant, Benjamin West Clinedinst Memorial Medal (Artists' Fellowship, Inc.), Mary & Maxwell Desser Memorial Award (National Academy of Design), J. Sanford Saltus Medal for Painting (National Academy of Design), Kept Memorial Prize (National Academy of Design), Desser Award for Painting (National Academy of Design), C.A.P.S. Grant, Longview Fellowships |
Knox Martin (born February 12, 1923 – died May 15, 2022) was an American artist. He was known for his paintings, sculptures, and large wall murals.
Knox Martin was born in Barranquilla, Colombia. He later moved to New York City, where he studied art. He became an important member of the New York School, a group of artists and writers.
Contents
Early Life and Art Training
Knox Martin was the oldest son of William Knox Martin. His father was a pioneer in early aviation and was the first person to fly over the Andes mountains. Sadly, his father died in a car accident when Knox was young. After this, his mother moved with her three sons to New York City.
During World War II, Knox Martin served in the United States Coast Guard. After the war, he used a special program called the G.I. Bill to attend the Art Students League of New York. He studied there from 1946 to 1950, learning from famous artists like Harry Sternberg and Will Barnet.
Starting His Art Career
In 1954, Knox Martin's friend, the artist Franz Kline, helped him show one of his paintings. It was displayed at the Stable Gallery Annual exhibition. A gallery owner named Charles Egan saw Martin's painting there. He was so impressed that he asked Martin to have his own solo show at the Egan Gallery. This was a big step for Martin's career.
Knox Martin's Art Style
Knox Martin was famous for using many different signs and symbols in his art. These often hinted at nature and, especially, the shape of women. His artworks usually featured bright colors and were painted in a flat, free style.
Many of his pieces were very large. A great example is his outdoor wall painting called Woman with Bicycle. You can see this huge mural in Manhattan, New York City, at West Houston and MacDougal Streets.
Famous Murals
One of Knox Martin's most well-known wall paintings in New York City is the twelve-story mural called Venus.
He painted this giant artwork in 1970. It is located on the side of the Bayview Correctional Facility at 19th Street and the West Side Highway.
Martin used many different materials for his art. He created paintings, sculptures, and wall murals. Some of his favorite art supplies included acrylics, collage, fresco, ink drawings, and oil paints.
Art Collections and Recognition
Knox Martin's artwork is displayed in many important museums and collections around the world. Some of these include:
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Museum of Modern Art
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Brooklyn Museum of Art
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Israel Museum
In 2002, Knox Martin was honored by being named to the National Academy of Design. This is a special recognition for artists in the United States.
Teaching Art
Knox Martin was also a dedicated teacher. He taught a very popular master class at the Art Students League of New York for more than 45 years. During this time, he guided and inspired many generations of new artists.
Before that, he taught at Yale Graduate School of Art as a visiting critic and later as a professor. He also shared his knowledge at New York University, the University of Minnesota, and an international art school in Italy.
Later Exhibitions and Honors
Even in his later years, Knox Martin continued to create and show his art. He had many solo exhibitions, where only his work was displayed.
- From 2010 to 2013, he had shows of his Black and White Paintings and a series called "SHE" in New York City and Philadelphia.
- In 2016, France gave him a very special award, the Legion of Honour. This was to thank him for his help in freeing France during World War II.
- He continued to have solo shows in New York City and Houston, Texas, throughout 2019, 2020, and 2021.
- His last solo show, "Knox Martin: Garden of Time," was in early 2022.
Knox Martin was represented by Hollis Taggart Galleries, which helped showcase his work.
Personal Life and Passing
Knox Martin passed away on May 15, 2022, at the age of 99. He left behind a rich legacy of art and inspired many artists through his teaching.
Books About Knox Martin
- Marika Herskovic, New York School Abstract Expressionists Artists Choice by Artists, (New York School Press, 2000.) ISBN: 0-9677994-0-6
- Irving Sandler, From Avant-Garde to Pluralism: An On-The-Spot History, (Hard Press Editions, 2006.) ISBN: 1889097683
See also
In Spanish: Knox Martin (artista) para niños
