Nils Erichsen Martin: POP COWBOY is on view at Kunsthall Grenland, Porsgrunn
April 6 – June 16, 2024
The jubilee exhibition POP COWBOY by Nils Erichsen Martin marks 30 years since the artist graduated from the National Art Academy with a master in ceramics (1994). Nils Erichsen Martin is a rare figure in Norwegian and Nordic contemporary ceramics. His ceramic sculptures have a completely unique idiom, unlike any other artist in the Scandinavian context. A main feature of his art is the mixture of different techniques and media, a play and mix of cubist-inspired drawing, pop art painting on ceramic wall objects as well as free-standing sculptures.
In his early youth, Nils Erichsen Martin received lessons in classical art, both drawing, painting and sculpture. As a student in the 1980s, the interest in clay was fully established in a development away from the figurative. The formula he established at this time he has stuck until today, wall-hung reliefs with drawing and 2-dimensional painting, a good portion of optical distortion and clear references to Cubists such as Pablo Piccasso and Fernand Léger. In recent times, the works of Nils Erichsen Martin have increased in size and appear more often as free-standing sculptures on floors or podiums. The work of Nils Erichsen Martin differs from the majority of contemporary ceramicists in the tradition of Peter Volkous, through its focus on flawless details, smooth surfaces, almost bordering on the impersonal. Behind this almost industrial expression lies an exploration of close to 30 years of popular and urban subculture, channeled through fashion, street art, martial arts, punk and skating.
Nils Erichsen Martin (b. 1969) lives and works in Oslo. He has a Master’s degree from the Academy of the Arts in Oslo, department of ceramics. His work has been purchased by several large museums in Norway and the Nordic countries. He has had a number of large solo exhibitions in Norway and participated in several large gatherings in Denmark, China and the USA. He currently has a 10-year artist grant. In the spring and autumn of 2023, he worked on several new sculptures for the exhibition at workshop 1400° in Porsgrunn.
The exhibition is supported by the Norwegian Cultural Council.
Contact
post@kunsthallgrenland.no
Kunsthall Grenland
Storgata 164
3915 Porsgrunn
Norway
Photos by Aliona Paz
