Words and Pictures

Philip Michael Martin returns to the J/M following the success of his last two shows, ‘CANDYLAND’ and ‘GOBSTOPPER’. This time around he is showcasing new work in an exhibition he’s calling ‘WORDS AND PICTURES’. In this exhibition he presents a whole new set of paintings that combine the written word with his usual brand of bold, colourful and richly textured images.

Phil has always been fascinated by words and how they can alter the perception of an image. After many years working in advertising that’s perhaps unsurprising. But he’s also always been a big admirer of the work of the likes of Ed Rocha, Basquiat and Julian Schnabel.

In this show Phil uses snatches of overheard conversations, film dialogue, song lyrics, industrial safety instructions and random word collisions to enhance, confuse, mis-direct and occasionally explain what might be happening in a painting. It’s all up for grabs. As always, the meaning in his paintings is up to the viewer to decide.

"I’ve always painted, first as a hobby, then professionally." Originally from Sheffield and now a London resident of 35 years, Phil spent a multi-award-winning career as an art director, copywriter and creative director in advertising before returning to his first love — painting — three years ago. His work now sells internationally to private collectors, hotels, restaurants and design-led businesses.