Corcoran Gallery of Art: Chris Martin’s ‘Painting Big’ Goes for Large-Scale, Graphic Impact


A trio of work by Chris Martin in the atrium of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. From left, “Birds Sing in the Morning (Homage to Purvis Young),” “Light Brahma Stomp,” and “Radio Sunset.”

WASHINGTON, DC—The atrium in the entrance of the Corcoran Gallery of Art is consumed by three voluminous canvases offering a prelude to “Painting Big.”

The graphic trio of 26-foot tall abstracts by Chris Martin was commissioned specifically for the atrium space. While disparate—one is muted and sprinkled with glitter, another black and white, the other bright and colorful—they are representative of the full exhibit of big works, including a selection of Martin’s smaller-scale pieces in the rotunda.

“Painting Big” has visual impact and is really a joy to view. It is the first solo museum exhibit for the Washington-born artist and includes work dating back to 1980. The show opened on June 18 and is on view until Oct. 23, 2011.

Photo by Arts Observer

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