Icarus myth metaphor for art, life

by Ann Packer

Mythology, in particular the Greek story of Icarus and Daedalus, and the Virgin Mary, feature in a new exhibition by Eastbourne artist Brendan Martin, at Studio Toru in Oroua St until 14 May.

Having studied art and art history at high school, Brendan had long been fascinated by the Renaissance, and the mythological and biblical subjects explored by its artists.

But it was not until his father died, in 2017, that he began to seriously study the Icarus myth, in particular, and to return to actively pursuing his creative dream.

“Dad’s death was the trigger,” he says. “He was such a huge force, I was living in his shadow.” Once he began studying, however, he says “a whole world opened up”.

Having completed his fourth year enrolled as an art student with The Learning Connexion’s School of Creativity and Art, Brendan currently works a full week in just four days in order to keep his Fridays free to paint, print and draw, from dawn to dusk, at his upstairs studio at the top of York Bay.

A talented sportsman who represented New Zealand in decathlon and once played professional rugby league, Brendan’s father, George Martin, worked as an illustrator with TVNZ at Avalon Studios. His son says he had a particular gift for capturing likenesses of people.

In Greek myth, Daedalus was an inventor and artist who helped his son Icarus fashion wings held together by wax.

When Icarus flew too close to the sun it melted his wings and he plunged to his death. Brendan sees this as a metaphor for life’s journey, particularly the relationship between father and son.

Having read some “brilliant” interviews online with the writer Joseph Campbell that resonated with him, he began exploring the myths, which helped him come to grips with his father’s death and to navigate “a very difficult time in my life”.

The Virgin Mary also has a special place in his life. Having grown up in a Catholic household, he remembers a statue of the Virgin Mary that his mother – a devout Catholic named Mary who was born on Christmas Day – had beside her bed.

“This statue gave her reassurance and comfort, especially in times of great difficulty, and this is the same feeling that I get when I paint the Virgin Mary.”

Brendan Martin will give an artist talk at Studio Toru, 3 Oroua St, on Saturday 6 May at 2pm. For details contact 021 433 082