Katharina D. Martin
For my objects and costumes I use materials which already hold meaning and possess unique qualities. For instance, wax, latex, or pvc (from inflatable sex dolls), are inherently profound as they resemble human skin. Without losing this significant dimension I design new, pleasing artefacts, which oscillate between content and form.
Assembling new compositions is necessarily preceded by the act of dissecting, dismantling, or melting down. My objects are handmade, unique pieces that reveal traces of a genuine engagement with the materials. It is here where I see the originality of my work: a personal style that combines the aesthetics of vulnerability and discomfort with formal qualities and ornamental beauty.
Assembling new compositions is necessarily preceded by the act of dissecting, dismantling, or melting down. My objects are handmade, unique pieces that reveal traces of a genuine engagement with the materials. It is here where I see the originality of my work: a personal style that combines the aesthetics of vulnerability and discomfort with formal qualities and ornamental beauty.
‘For my current project, I am working with pages from discarded encyclopaedias. Using the inscribed paper for my objects highlights how vulnerable the concept of knowledge is.’
encyclopaedia objects
hand-stiched paper object
My Practice
I usually take some time to select meaningful material which also has aesthetic potential. In the next phase, I sift through the material and sort it out. In the encyclopaedia project, for example, it is important for me to consider not only the tactile and visual qualities of the pages but also the written content. However, it is the handling of the fabric that determines the final form and personal style of an object.
inflatable sex doll pvc
selecting the sewing thread
‘My patchwork objects, costumes and video works are a clear reference to the canon of women artists.’
latex material in different shades
hand-stiched latex object
Werk
Display of Affection #2
Display of Affection #1
With Love #1
With Love #2
Spineless #1
Rosskur (costume)
Bio
Katharina D. Martin, born in Germany, lives and works in Rotterdam since 2006. She studied art and media art at the AKI Academy of Fine Arts Enschede and the Academy of Fine Arts Münster. She was an artist-in-residence at The Watermill Center (Watermill, NY) and at ISCP New York.
Her work has been shown at Het Torentje Almelo (solo), Galerie IRIS CORNELIS Rotterdam (solo), MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art Rome, Torch gallery Amsterdam, RAM foundation Rotterdam and gallery JOEY RAMONE Rotterdam (solo).
Her work has been shown at Het Torentje Almelo (solo), Galerie IRIS CORNELIS Rotterdam (solo), MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art Rome, Torch gallery Amsterdam, RAM foundation Rotterdam and gallery JOEY RAMONE Rotterdam (solo).
