ABOUT THE ARTIST

Newcomer’s style marries the past and present: oil painter Kirah Martin 

Twenty-four-year-old Kirah Martin is the youngest exhibitor in this year’s festival. Her Baroque-style period paintings – inspired by art history, mythology, and biblical stories with a twist – are challenging in both execution and content. 

“I’m interested in creating cohesive bodies of work and making my collection an entire experience,” said Martin. “My biggest inspiration comes from art history. I love the compositions of the Baroque period. The lighting and subjects interact in ways that create an emotional experience. I also think it’s fascinating that centuries of art have biblical or mythological portrayals. Every piece has a story behind it. I wanted to create work that could give viewers the same experience with a modern twist.”

While Martin’s accomplishments at this age are impressive, even more astounding is the fact that she has no formal training or education in the arts. She’s entirely self-taught. This summer is the first time she’s shown her work to the public. “That is very intimidating,” she said. “I was nervous to face rejection and highlight my inexperience. But I’m glad I overcame that worry because I have learned so much through the process and have accomplished a true dream of mine.”

In addition to painting, Martin is also a dance instructor and has done some choreography. “I have studied and worked in interior design. I enjoy fashion. And I love to write,” she said. “Having passion and seeking beauty in one aspect of life feeds inspiration into another.” 

Every one of Martin’s paintings tell a story. There’s the statue of David, bisected so he appears half statue and half man. There’s Adam’s hand, adorned with a wedding ring, reaching for a ripe pomegranate, split open to reveal the tempting seeds inside. Then there’s Sarah, who has a set of expansive dove wings sprouting from her eyes. Martin says Adam Reminiscing and Sarah Seeing will be the hardest paintings to part with if the time comes, because of the number of hours and tears of frustration that went into creating them.

Martin encourages anyone, but especially young people, to put themselves out there. “As cliché as it sounds, you never know the possibilities open to you if you don’t go for it,” she said.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR LOJO SIMON WROTE THE POEM "ANATOMY OF A POMEGRANATE" IN RESPONSE TO KIRAH MARTIN'S OIL PAINTING "ADAM REMINISCING"