Opens on Sep 6 until Sep 28, 2025
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Aaron Martin
Reflection Painting (black, blue/green)
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Oil and enamel on reversed linen, 35 x 28 cm
Reflection Paintings is a series of variously sized monochromes each painted in a high gloss, industrial grade enamel. It builds on my interest in monochromatic painting, colour, reflection, painterly gesture, and the relationship between the painting and the viewer.
The work applies a contemporary approach to abstract painting, in doing so it aligns with practices both local and abroad. It finds reference in work of the Korean artists associated with the Dansaekhwa movement, Lee Ufan, and the artists from the Mono Ha school from Japan.
The work applies a contemporary approach to abstract painting, in doing so it aligns with practices both local and abroad. It finds reference in work of the Korean artists associated with the Dansaekhwa movement, Lee Ufan, and the artists from the Mono Ha school from Japan.
Aaron Martin
Born in Bridgetown, WA, Aaron Martin lives and works in Melbourne. His practice is grounded in abstraction, exploring the interplay between materiality, process, and perception through painting, drawing, and sculptural forms. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Victoria College, Prahran (1991) and a Master of Fine Arts (by research) from the Victorian College of the Arts (2017).
Since 1998, he has exhibited extensively across Australia, with recent solo exhibitions including Reflection Paintings(2022) and One Thing After (2019) at Five Walls. His work has also been featured in curated exhibitions such as Group Formalism (2017, Bundoora Homestead Art Gallery) and Double Bind (2016, Trocadero Art Space).
He has been a finalist in the John Leslie Art Prize twice and was shortlisted for the Paul Guest Art Prize (2014) and the Churchie Art Prize (2011). He has participated in artist residencies at St Vincent’s Hospital (2010), Ballilla House (2011), and Poh Chang University, Bangkok (2013). His work is held in public and private collections, including the Shangyin Opera House (Shanghai) and the Justin House Museum (Melbourne).
Martin’s commitment to abstraction extends beyond his studio practice. As a curator and educator, Martin has played a significant role in fostering contemporary abstraction in Australia. He lectured in painting and drawing at Melbourne School of Art (2001–06) and Swinburne University (2005–12) and has contributed as a writer and creative advisor for ArtInfo.com.au. In 2012, he founded Five Walls, a Melbourne-based gallery dedicated to contemporary abstraction, where he continues as Director.
Born in Bridgetown, WA, Aaron Martin lives and works in Melbourne. His practice is grounded in abstraction, exploring the interplay between materiality, process, and perception through painting, drawing, and sculptural forms. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Victoria College, Prahran (1991) and a Master of Fine Arts (by research) from the Victorian College of the Arts (2017).
Since 1998, he has exhibited extensively across Australia, with recent solo exhibitions including Reflection Paintings(2022) and One Thing After (2019) at Five Walls. His work has also been featured in curated exhibitions such as Group Formalism (2017, Bundoora Homestead Art Gallery) and Double Bind (2016, Trocadero Art Space).
He has been a finalist in the John Leslie Art Prize twice and was shortlisted for the Paul Guest Art Prize (2014) and the Churchie Art Prize (2011). He has participated in artist residencies at St Vincent’s Hospital (2010), Ballilla House (2011), and Poh Chang University, Bangkok (2013). His work is held in public and private collections, including the Shangyin Opera House (Shanghai) and the Justin House Museum (Melbourne).
Martin’s commitment to abstraction extends beyond his studio practice. As a curator and educator, Martin has played a significant role in fostering contemporary abstraction in Australia. He lectured in painting and drawing at Melbourne School of Art (2001–06) and Swinburne University (2005–12) and has contributed as a writer and creative advisor for ArtInfo.com.au. In 2012, he founded Five Walls, a Melbourne-based gallery dedicated to contemporary abstraction, where he continues as Director.
Artist profile
$1,200
image courtesy of the artist and Five Walls Gallery, Melbourne
