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Martin Owen
Desperate Garbage Bum
acrylic on canvas
32.5" x 26.5"
About the Work
The lamplight windows, the dark dangerous world outside are anti-symmetry, reminiscing the analogy of Charles Bukowski's poem called Hunger.
Just a reminder of what I feel; Toronto is not a place for pretty pictures. Conceptual art that speaks and stands out are slogans, flags and emblems. Montreal is seven out of ten for pretty pictures and Ottawa five out of five, Toronto is zero.
About the Artist
Martin Owen graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1984. After studying with Richard Gorman at the Ottawa School of Art from 1984 to 1985, he attended the Ontario College of Art and Design from 1985 to 1990, including two years on poverty welfare. His artwork has graced the cover of the OCAD yearbook, Toronto folk singer Douglas September's album and the walls of the Peel Activities Recreation Centre. Martin sold his first painting at the Toronto Outdoor Exhibition in 1991 and has had five solo shows at the Show Gallery, as well as solo shows at Café Verite, Jet Fuel and Moonbeam Café.
He has been interviewed on CKLN radio and received the Bob Hackley Award for second best painting in the city of Toronto by people of low income.
Martin has taught art classes at the Peace Ranch in the Caledon Hills and has had artwork published in a book by Don Owen. Martin is currently teaching at Our Place drop in centre.
