Award-winning visual artist and curator of the Cinecock Nation Cultural Centre Museum, David Vanmartin will join the church for “Insight Sunday” in April. Taking inspiration from history and a rethinked perspective, Martin's work stays stylistically within the realm of realism, exploring the spiritual strength and vibrancy of historical figures. At noon on Sunday, April 20th, Martin talks about his process, how he rethinks the world, and his purpose in choosing the historical scenes he portrays. Following the discussion there is a Q&A with the audience.
A playful nod to grant Wood's “American Gothic,” Martin's work, “The Northern Migration,” is included in the church's current exhibition, “The Eternal Will,” curated by Jeremy Dennis and Meranda Roberts, on display from March 22nd to June 1st. His work in “The Eternal Will” depicts historical scenes in the tales of Native American life given to classical realism. He has a wide range of artistic practices, including the creation of murals, portraits, sculptures and illustrations.
The recipient of the Joan Mitchell Award for Painting and the Andy Warhol Research Fellowship, he attended Robert Rauschenberg's Residency in 2015 and was asked to paint a “Northern Immigrant” mural at the Southampton African American Museum.
Martin is the chairman of Amelinda (American Indian Artists) in New York City. His book, No Reservation: New York Contemporary Native American Art Movement (2017), defines and documents the rich diversity of native art practices in New York City, and the contributions of native artists to larger art movements such as abstract expressionism.
Martin received his bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma, attended the American Indian Art Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico, studied gem manufacturing, sculpture and museum science, and earned a master's degree in art education from Oklahoma Central University.
Tickets for the talk are $10 at ThechurchSagharbor.org (free for RSVP members). The church is located at 48 Madison Street in Sag Harbor.
