Martin Brouillette Canadian, b. 1971
152.4 x 121.9 cm
Martin Brouillette is a
French-Canadian painter living in New York. His work has been shown
internationally in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York and London. His
approach to painting refers to Formalism and it involves the exploration of
digital media. Waterhouse & Dodd started exclusive representation in
the spring of 2021 and have already sold a number of paintings to private and
corporate clients and received two commissions.
Artist's Statement:
"I am inspired by the digital world's
aesthetic - how computer applications have allowed me to transform and
manipulate my initial drawings. My latest paintings are the expression of my
extravagant and excessive self, which are profoundly hiding behind my discreet
and restrained façade. They are revealing my camp alter-ego who is longing to
manifest itself. I feast on designing complex arrangements of formal
elements. I am seeking a harmonious visual experience within disorder. I like
to orchestrate interactions between contraries while investigating balance and
unity. I find pleasure in excess and vibrant chaos.
I initially address my work from a formalist approach by directing my concerns towards composition, pattern, structure, space, and the interactions of colors. The succession of layers in my paintings is meticulously planned; each meant to complement, enhance, or discredit each other deliberately. I use digital tools to solve compositional dilemmas while they culminate in tactile human intervention. I entertain a fetishist relationship with oil-paint and its materiality. Abusing the surface by charging up blobs of paint and luscious brushstrokes onto the canvas creates a sense of joy which I find stimulating.
I am motivated by bright colors, bold shapes, and playful compositions. I spend a lot of time drawing and sketching on my tablet. I make choices based on what feels exciting to me. As a result, I am free to create a new leap of faith with each mark, embrace my intuition and enjoy the work with wonder."