A World Elsewhere: the meanings behind Will Martyr’s paintings
Words: Will M
My paintings represent snapshots of personal memories of relaxation and reflection. They are collected, mixed and merged to create a sense of timeless nostalgia with themes of companionship, love and contentment. An enigmatic female figure is present in all the compositions, celebrating strength, youth and vitality. She seems to be reflective, yet completely relaxed; her playful poise is unguarded and unposed. ‘A World Elsewhere’ presents three different painted themes that are familiar to us, whether toying with a beach ball poolside, recuperating between points courtside or tending to a bouquet of flowers.
The depiction of water plays a vital role in my work. Metaphorically it is the essence of all life; it is cleansing, cooling and relaxing. Water and light nourish the compositions to provide us with scenes that convey a sense of joy and everlasting effervescence in impossibly perfect environments. The immersive reflections and mirroring in water offers me an opportunity to indulge in complex colour contrasts, giving huge complexity and depth to the surface of the work. In some compositions, the tessellated pool tiles are used as a perspective tool to lead your eye through the work.
‘She chose me’
200cm x 150cm, Acrylic on canvas
‘She chose me’ depicts a female figure front and centre in the composition. She sits alone reading a book with her feet dipping into the pool. Beyond her the sun sets over the sea, creating a rainbow of colours. This scene depicts a personal memory for me, but it’s also one that is familiar to all viewers. We have all sought out and cherished moments like this. The viewer can import their own personal memories into the picture surface and remember those times.
‘I fell in love with this feeling’
200cm x 150cm, Acrylic on canvas
This painting portrays a female figure half submerged in a pool looking away from the viewer. The water ripples as she kicks her legs, creating distortion. Beyond is the sunset in hot pinks, oranges and purples. This dramatic contrast between the heat of the sky and the cool of the pool creates a stunning depth to the composition. The locations of these works are hybrids of many places I have visited and dreamt about. They are everywhere and nowhere.
‘Back to where we started’
200cm x 150cm, Acrylic on canvas
A woman sits half submerged in a pool, enjoying a cocktail. Her arms are outreached on the side of the pool. She looks over the sea from an elevated vantage point while the sun sets. Below the water, refraction causes her body to distort and her hat and arms are reflected in the ripples. This is a remembered moment for me, a moment that encourages me to celebrate life, beauty and time spent with the people we love.
‘Cool off’ and ‘This brings me peace’
100cm diameter, Acrylic on canvas
In these two tennis paintings, the players are captured resting between points. The geometric confines of the court provide a perspectival grid that lends itself to my paintings. Your eye is led though the painting and out to the view beyond. The figures are unguarded, absorbed in the moment. Compositionally the figure is more dominant in these circular works, the background pared down. We are drawn in to engage with her personally.
‘You make me who I never thought I could be’
150cm diameter, Acrylic on canvas
This is the first time an organic chaos of juxtaposed blooms are featured in my work. At double life-size, the paintings create an extraordinary explosion of colour and detail. These flowers are immortal, caught in bloom forever. They will eternally be perfect, delicate and full of life. A glimpse of a female figure can be seen embracing the vase, the opulent flowers and water become her body. The painting speaks of life at its fullest potential, of fertility and beauty.
This feature was taken from Gentleman’s Journal’s Summer 2023 issue. Read more about it here…
Want more art content? Read our interview with Dan Alva…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
