Javier Martin is a Spanish multidisciplinary artist who bases his creative exploration on the careful observation of his surroundings, detecting semiotic relationships that might otherwise pass by unnoticed to an unperceptive or untrained view. With this approach, the artist contracts situations that invite reflection on impending matters in today’s world.

His Blindness Collection explores superficial perceptions of what is beautiful and valuable, in contrast with ‘genuine beauty’, self-reflection, and truth. He combines painting with collages of seemingly perfect models – symbols of the standard of beauty and lifestyle upheld by today’s society. The eyes, classically associated with the reflection of human emotions are always concealed, whether behind a vibrant stroke of paint or a glowing neon light.

Appropriating the language of advertising, a strategy adopted by Pop Art, Martin creates subtle relationships of meaning that involve viewers in an unexpected connection with the works. Initially, his plan is to attract his viewer through the commercial beauty of the models, the same beauty that magazines and advertising have been disseminating ad nauseam. But then, as the viewer observes the pieces carefully and more closely, he realises that these images are not so perfect or immaculate. Inspired by the juxtaposition between the grit of city surroundings and the glossy ads that line them, Martin deconstructs this perceived perfection to create a contrast between technology, collage and painting. While the neon light over the eyes represents the social blindness caused by consumption, technologies, and society.

Martin states, “I’ve been working with the blindness concept for 10 years, and it’s constantly evolving. I like to play with perceptions in my art, combining different elements to make people question themselves and the world that we live in. I like to play with perceptions and the contraposition between what is visually perceived and how you interpret the message. It intrigues me how each person finds different meaning in the same piece of art.”

Martin's art - known for its thought provoking boldness - invites the viewer not only to question societal views of worth, but their own perspectives as well.

Javier Martin; javiermartinart.com

Twitter: @javiermartinart
Instagram: @javiermartinart