About
Born in Quebec in 1969, Philip Martin grew up in a family of artists, and his father was a gifted illustrator. His mother is from Barbados—a heritage that influenced his early aesthetic and was further developed through his mentorship with Jamaican artist Angela Baker.
Martin studied fine art at Acadia University in Nova Scotia prior to moving to Vancouver, where he was actively involved in the cultural artistic fringe scene of the 90s and exhibited in numerous galleries and clubs, including a two-year revolving show at the Purple Onion Cabaret. He later collaborated with art dealer David Cook, with whom he curated exhibits in Vancouver and Salt Spring Island.
As an abstract painter, Martin is inspired by unconventional perspectives that explore both the micro and macro landscapes of the earth and the sea. He paints primarily with acrylics on canvas. In his words, “I can stare endlessly at erosion and corrosion. If there is a theme to my work, it is to accentuate the interconnectivity of human beings to each other, and the natural world.”
Gordon Thomas, Vancouver.
Exhibition History
2018 Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver BC Marine art featuring Yachts designed by Ron Holland in support of his memoir book launch, ‘All the Oceans’.
2017 Art Barn, Salt Spring Island Mixed show curated by David Cook
2016 The Even Cheaper Show, Salt Spring Island Mixed exhibition and auction curated by David Cook
2015 South End Gallery, Salt Spring Island ‘Satellite Series’, solo display of abstract images from above the Earth.
2009 Eastwood-Onley Gallery, Vancouver BC ‘Twilight Bridges’, solo exhibition of abstracts based on land and sea views.
2005 Sugar and Sugar Gallery, Vancouver BC Group showing of abstract painting.
1996-1997 The Purple Onion Cabaret
1996 The Gin Gallery, Vancouver BC Group Exhibition.
Since 1996 Martin has shown his art in many Vancouver restaurants, clubs, and businesses including: Nook, Tavola, Tapastree, Cru, The Purple Onion, Richard’s on Richard’s, The Brass Monkey, Brix, Crosstown Traffic, and Zalon Salon