ARTIST ROOMS Agnes Martin

The career of Agnes Martin (1912 – 2004) spanned nearly five decades. During this time, she became one of America’s foremost abstract painters. Her style was underpinned by her deep belief in the emotive and expressive power of art. She sought to represent how nature made her feel and could make us feel – humble, joyous, free. For Agnes, the horizontal line was her joy; the expanse of the horizon and open plain or the serenity of the sea.

Her work offers a kind of spirituality and transcendence, with subtle colours that appear to project beyond the paintings themselves to engage all the senses. Their delicacy and vigour provoke awe, and it is this combination of power and visual magnetism that has to be experienced. This exhibition draws from ARTIST ROOMS, a collection of over 1,600 works of modern and contemporary art by more than 40 major artists. The collection is displayed across the UK through a touring programme, supported by Arts Council England, Art Fund and Creative Scotland.

Don’t miss two small exhibitions created by local young people in response to the works of Agnes Martin works in the City Space gallery, 7 July – 6 September.

This exhibition draws from the ARTIST ROOMS touring collection of over 1,600 works of modern and contemporary art. The collection is displayed across the UK in solo exhibitions that showcase the work of more than 40 major artists, and this touring programme gives young people the chance to get involved in creative projects, discover more about art and learn new skills. Since 2009, 40 million people have visited more than 150 displays at over 75 museums and galleries.

ARTIST ROOMS is jointly owned by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. The collection was established through The d’Offay Donation in 2008, with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and the Scottish and British Governments.