These paintings were made in the early 90’S when I was living and working in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They were part of a transition from working in an open-ended gestural mode to an approach that had more conscious constraints and structure. Prior gestural work had always been engaging to make but difficult in that I was never quite sure if a painting was complete. The container or structure I developed for the paintings reproduced here became like a general road map going from a beginning point to an end point which at the same time was inclusive of spontaneity and touch as well as allowing for ongoing conversation with the unanticipated.
The works are all acrylic on unprimed canvas. The acrylic paint was used in a way that soaked into the canvas rather than sat on the surface, also known as ‘staining’. There was lots of water involved so much so that the studio became at times like a swamp of acrylic water. The paintings always had 3 main vertical divisions resulting in 4 stripes of equal width and with a loose subdivision of each of the 4 stripes. The paintings procedurally followed the same basic steps - I worked from the left and right edges inward towards the center. Whatever paint application I made on one side of the canvas was loosely reversed on the opposite side and from the opposite direction by rotating the canvas 180 degrees with each added layer of paint. There was no bias in regard to left/ right, top/bottom. When I arrived at the center of a painting it was finished for better or worse.
One intention was that the painting, although not transparent, would have a kind of see-thru quality where the process and the layering could be traced backwards if a viewer so wished to do so and that when finished, even though there were many layers, they would elicit a sense of spaciousness as well as a feeling of touch. I usually put a small amount of metallic pigment in the paint to create a delicate sparkle, an appreciation of literal light.
G2 Gallery
702 ½ Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-982-1212
Tom Martinelli
www.tominelli.com
martinelli.tom@gmail.com
This catalog is a companion to the exhibition of a selection of these works at G2 Gallery in Santa Fe, NM. The exhibition runs from Dec. 9, 2022 through Jan. 24, 2023.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0281], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0266], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0283], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0275], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0337], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0292], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0277], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0307], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0000], 1991, Acrylic on Canvas, 18 x 18 in.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0282], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0335], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0286], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0334], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0275], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0331], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0285], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0265], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0289], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0320], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0000], 1991, Acrylic on Canvas, 18 x 18 in.
Installation of Stripe Stain Paintings at G2 Gallery, Santa Fe NM Dec. 2022 - Jan. 2023
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0315], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 12 x 12 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0288], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0270], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0267], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0303], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0278], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 17 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0279], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0261], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0302], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 12 x 12 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0274], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0293], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 23 x 23 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0287], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0345],
1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0291], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 18 x 18 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0301], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 24 x 16 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0314], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 22 x 18 in. Private collection.
Stripe Stain Paintings at Tom’s studio in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 1992.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0298], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 22 x 15 ½ in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0296], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 24 x 15 ½ in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled: Adam and Eve (after Masaccio) [TM.0339], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 24 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0297], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 23 ¾ x 15 ½ in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0280], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 17 x 17 ¾ in. Overall dimensions: 34 x 17 ¾ in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0317], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 24 x 18 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0347], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 77 x 44 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0325], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 77 x 44 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0341], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 23 ¾ x 15 ½ in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0300, 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 23 ¾ x 15 ½ in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0318], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 45 x 48 in, Overall dimensions: 90 x 48 in. The Sol Lewitt Collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0342], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 45 x 48 in, Overall dimensions: 90 x 48 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0305], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 45 x 48 in, Overall dimensions: 90 x 48 in. Private collection.
Untitled
(VSSP) [TM.02313, 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 16 x 17 in. Overall dimensions: 32 x 17 in.
Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0311], 1992, Acrylic on wood, 2 panels each 46 x 44 in. Overall size: 96 x 44 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0312], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 58 x 60 in., Overall dimensions: 116 x 60 in. Courtesy of the artist.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0346], 1991, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 77 x 44 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0343], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 45 x 48 in, Overall dimensions: 90 x 48 in. Private collection.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0328], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 77 x 44 in. Courtesy of G2 Gallery.
Untitled (VSSP) [TM.0344], 1992, Acrylic on unprimed canvas, 2 panels, each 45 x 48 in, Overall dimensions: 90 x 48 in. Private collection.
Tom Martinelli
Born in New York City
Lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Education
1986 MFA Hunter College, NYC
1981 BFA School of Visual Arts, NYC
Solo Exhibitions.
2015 Stripe Paintings, David Richard Gallery, Santa Fe NM
2013 Out of Register, David Richard Gallery
1998 Tom Martinelli, Derek Eller Gallery, NYC
1994 Tom Martinelli, Bill Maynes Contemporary Arts, NYC
1992 Tom Martinelli: Stripe Paintings, Julian Pretto Gallery, NYC
1991 Julian Pretto Gallery White Columns, NYC
Selected Group Exhibitions
2020 Transcendental, ODETTA Gallery, NY (Jan. 2020)
2019 Neo Geo Now, Webster + Kessler Colab, Santa Fe NM
2018 Beyond Black and White, Westbeth Gallery NYC
2017 Double Vision: Artists Who Instagram, LABspace, Hillsdale NY
The Color and The Shape: a Survey of Contemporary Geometric Painting, West Texas A&M University, Amarillo TX Lost Coast, Etiquette, Santa Fe NM
2015 Re-Op: ‘The Responsive Eye’ Fifty Years After, David Richard Gallery
2012 Seeing Red, David Richard Gallery
New Mexico Showcase, 516 Arts, Albuquerque NM
2011 Particles + Orbs, Phil Space, Santa Fe NM
2006 The Shape of Jazz, Clifford Chance, NYC
2005 Good Vibrations, MacKenzie Fine Art, NYC
2002 Grey, Paula Cooper Gallery, NYC
Need to Know Basis, Geoffrey Young Gallery, Great Barrington MA
2001 Post-Hypnotic
Mass Art, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston MA; University Galleries, University of Illinois at Normal; The MAC, Dallas TX; Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago IL; The Tweed Museum, University of Minnesota University Galleries; Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati OH; Atlanta College of Art Gallery, Atlanta GA; SECCA, Winston-Salem NC;
Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Naples FL
Minimalennialism, Jim Kempner Gallery, NYC
1999 Pattern, James Graham & Sons, NYC 1998
Drawings, James Graham & Sons
Pierogi 2000, Kunstlerhaus, Vienna, Austria
Works by Brooklyn Artists, Second Street Gallery, Charlottesville VA
Pierogi Goes to College, Bard College, Rhinebeck, NY
1997 Abstraction: Karen Barth, David Mann, Tom Martinelli, James Graham & Sons
Current Undercurrent: Working in Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Museum, Abstraction INDEX, Condeso/Lawler Gallery, NYC
New York Drawers, Gasworks, London, England/Corner House, Manchester England
Art on Paper, Weatherspoon Art Gallery, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
All The Things You Are, Geoffrey Young Gallery, Great Barrington MA
The Gramercy International Contemporary Art Fair, Los Angeles CA/Miami FL
New Museum Benefit, The New Museum, NYC
1996 Field Days, Cerulean Embankments, Geoffrey Young Gallery, Great Barrington MA
Fourteen Days: A Salon, Room, NYC
The Art Exchange Show, Pierogi 2000
1995
Other Rooms, Ronald Feldman Gallery, NYC
Virtuosity/Modernism Art Fair, Park Avenue Armory, NYC
Works on Paper, curated bt Chris Martin, San Cono, Brooklyn NY
1994 Serial, Angles Gallery, Santa Monica LA
Point, Circle, Sphere, Thomas Solomon's Garage, LA CA
Painting, Arena Gallery, New York City 1993
Pittsburg Collects, The Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburg PA
Presentational Painting, The Times Square Art Gallery, NYC
Doggie Style, B-Side Gallery, NYC
1992
1991
Contemporary Drawings: Part I, Arena Gallery, NYC
Abstract Painting: Process and Material, curated by Julian Pretto, Ben Shahn Center, William Paterson College, NJ
The Painting Project (Part I), Four Walls, Brooklyn NY, curated by Amy Sillman
Update 1991, White Columns
1988 Out of Order, Ann Plumb Gallery, NYC
1987 Paint/Film, Bess Cutler Gallery, NYC
Selected Bibliography
2021 Pecha Kucha: Resolution... “Is It Done Yet?
https://www.pechakucha.com/presentations/is-it-done-yet
2020 Landi, Ann. “Vasari 21: Under the Radar... Tom Martinelli”, 2020.11.12 https://vasari21.com/tom-martinelli/ Nelson, Jennifer. The Woven Tale Press, Tom Martinelli: The Art of Non-Measured Geometry (interview)
https://www.thewoventalepress.net/2020/10/16/the-art-of-non-measured-geometry/
2013 Frank, Peter. Haiku Review / Out of Register, Huffington Post, June 2013
2005 Cohen, David. “Arts & Letters: Gallery Going”, The NY Sun (July 7, 2005)
1999 Blinderman, Barry/Moody, Tom. “Post-Hypnotic”. exhibition catalogue, University Galleries of Illinois State University New York Magazine, July 26, 1999: p72
1998 Bell, J. Bowyer. “drawings” Review, (Feb. 15, 1998):34
Johnson, Ken. “Abstraction” New York Times, (Jan.9, 1988):E39
Moody, Rick. “Art Is Dead, Long Live Art”, Modern Painters, (Spring ‘98,vol.11 no.1):80-81
Schwabsky, Barry. Museum & Gallery Reviews, (Nov.-Dec.’98):65
1997 Murdock, Robert M. “Karen Barth, David Mann, Tom Martinelli” Review, (Dec 15, 1997):32
Shales, Ezra. “Karen Barth, David Mann, Tom Martinelli” Review, (Dec 15, 1997):32-33
1996 “The Do-It-Yourself Artworld: A guide to the Un-gallery scene”, The New York Times Magazine, (Sept.1,1996)
1995 Diehl, Carol. "Tom Martinelli, Dot, Dot, Dot..."Art News; On the Edge, (May ' 95):p113
Drolet, Owen. "Tom Martinelli" catalogue, Bill Maynes Contemporary Art, NYC
1994 Cameron, Dan. "Critical Edge: The Easel Way Out" Art & Auction, (Dec. '94):68-69
1987 Raynor, Vivian. "Reviews", The New York Times, (July 30, '87): review of "Paint/Film"
Grants and Fellowships
2020 Falling Colors Foundation Grant
2019 Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
2002 New York Foundation for the Arts Artist’s Fellowship in Photography
1998 Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Sweet Briar VA
1996 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Award
Tyrone Guthrie Center, Co. Monaghan, Ireland
Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
1993 Yaddo, Saratoga Springs NY
1992 Virginia Center for the Creative Arts
1990 Pollock/Krasner Foundation Grant1986
Millay Colony for the Arts, Austerlitz NY
Collections
Collection of Virginia Dwan
The Sol Lewitt Collection
Weatherspoon Galry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of Kentucky Art Museum, Lexington
Holt/Smithson Foundation
Teaching and Related Experience
2017-19 Archive and Digital Resources Manager, The Holt/Smithson Foundation
2015-2017 Trustee and Board member, The Holt/Smithson Foundation
1992-2004 Hunter College, Asst. Adj. Professor / Visiting Professor, Dept. of Fine Art, C.U.N.Y.
1998-99 New School University, The New School, Fine Arts Dept.
1997 Yale University, Visiting Lecturer / Guest Fellow
