Ballad of an Ordinary life.
Private View: Saturday 7th November, 1pm - 6pm
Exhibition Open: Thursday 5th - Monday 9th November
Opening hours: Daily, 10am–5pm
Location: Gallery 1
Martin Galton is a London-based contemporary artist and poet.
Essentially, he paints his poetry.
His poetry is about the stuff of life.
His work explores the space between poetry and visual art; using both disciplines, he tries to push the boundaries of expression.
By pairing his original writing with visual imagery, he creates a hybrid form that is neither poem nor painting, but hopefully, something fresh.
He attended Roy Oxlade’s famous Summer Schools in Tunbridge Wells in the 80s and 90s, which were a game changer for him.
It was Roy who taught him that mistakes are good, and in saying that, changed his life.
Imagine the power of someone saying, " wrong is right." Even now, Martin remains in awe of that concept, finding it the most empowering and liberating idea imaginable.
Thinking back to his time with Roy Oxlade, who loathed "the artiness of art" and encouraged his students to "unsophisticate" themselves, Martin loved that philosophy and continues to strive for it in everything he does.
His paintings are often large and continue over several canvases.
The work is vigorous and energetic in its approach, allowing surprising, even shocking things into the painting, alongside poetic elements that might even make you smile.