Exhibition "searching for something unobtainable"

Cardiff-based Martyn Jones is showing his paintings at Chichester’s Oxmarket Contemporary from September 29-October 11.

Martyn said: “(My) work is descriptive in essence, natural shape and form taken from the world at large. The paintings have been described as capturing a natural ambiguity, but that ambiguity should not be construed as being manufactured in any way.

“Within each image an open invitation is challengingly presented to the percipient. Instinct and sensibility often determine when paintings are finished. More often than not, the paintings finish themselves.

“I have built a working relationship with Oxmarket Contemporary over a period of several years, primarily exhibiting as part of group shows.

“The gallery is a registered charity, with volunteers working together to manage and stage exhibitions. From that perspective I really like the idea of supporting and working with the gallery, encouraging visitors and potential sales. I welcome the opportunity to explain and share ideas about my work with members of the public who may happen to visit the exhibition.”

Martyn is a contemporary painter who works from his studio based in Cardiff. He graduated with an MA in fine art at Chelsea School of Art and was awarded junior fellowship at Bath Academy of Art. Among his tutors were the British artists Patrick Heron and Adrian Heath. His work is held in public and private collections across Europe and the USA. More details on www.martynjonesart.com.

“I would like to encourage the viewer to perceive the way in which I see the world, which to me is always as a place of beauty. My paintings attempt to convey a sense of the grandiose and the sublime that is timeless and eternal. I think ultimately I am searching for something unobtainable, a calm tranquillity, an impossible form of transcendence, a perfect existence.’’