The Life and Artistic Evolution of Keith Martin
Born in Lincoln, United States, Keith Martin was a painter, draftsperson, and collagist whose creative journey spanned much of the 20th century. After studying fine arts at the University of Nebraska, where he won a state-wide poster contest in 1930, Martin traveled through European cities such as Vienna, Paris, and Berlin. His career was marked by a significant stylistic shift, beginning with a surrealist style during the 1930s and 1940s before transitioning into abstraction in the 1950s.
During his time in New York, Martin engaged with the modern art scene, including a solo exhibition at the Julien Levy gallery in 1935 and a later exhibition at the Duveen-Graham Gallery in 1956. His versatility was further demonstrated through his work designing costumes for the School of American Ballet. Following his service in the army as a camouflager, he spent thirty-five years primarily residing in Baltimore, Maryland, where he also taught at the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Notable Works and Collections
Keith Martin's diverse body of work is held in numerous prestigious institutions. His contributions to various collections include:
Other collections featuring his paintings, drawings, and collages include the University of Maryland, the Sheldon Museum of Art, the Museum of Nebraska Art, and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
