Martyn Cross, Untitled (2021)
Pastel on paper14.9 x 20.9 cm
Martyn Cross (b. 1975, Yate, UK) holds a BA in Fine Art from Bath Spa University. He lives and works in Bristol, UK. Cross is primarily a painter engaged with ‘world making.’ The act of painting for him is a means to explore the inner life and strangeness of the ordinary. Each work begins in reality, with recognizable limbs and elements of landscape, which transform into uncanny scenes.
Cross has firmly cemented himself in Bristol’s painting scene, engaging in studio visits, talks and critiques, his creative milieu has allowed for a consistent sharing of ideas. For twenty years, Cross’s practice ran alongside being a book seller. 2020 was a pivotal year — the world shutting down impelled Cross to pursue art making full time, resulting in a prolific practice.
Cross has exhibited work at many galleries, nationally and internationally, including Hales London, UK; Marianne Boesky, New York, NY, USA; Ratio 3, Los Angeles, CA, USA; OSHSH Projects, London, UK; Flatland Projects, Bexhill-On-Sea, UK; Modern Art, London, UK; Oceans Apart, Manchester, UK; Bath Spa University, UK; Spike Island, Bristol, UK; LIMBO, Margate, UK; Stroud Museum, UK; Kettles Yard, Cambridge, UK, among others. Cross' work is in the collections of the Arts Council Collection, London, UK; Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, USA and NN Contemporary Art, Northampton, UK. Cross was shortlisted for the John Moore Painting Prize 2023.
This artwork has been generarously donated by the artist and Hales Gallery, London. The sale of artworks from our shop go towards our artist development programmes which we deliver in Bexhill for artists to explore new ideas, invest time into research and build new audiences.