Sheffield’s Millenium Gallery is currently presenting a wonderful exhibition called John Martin: Painting the Apocalypse.
Although John Martin never got that many kudos from contemporaries, his penchant for the dramatic art, paired with an eye for detail (and a love of lightning rays) makes him an interesting painter who took inspiration from works with strong dramatic tones like The Bible and John Milton’s Paradise Lost to create visually striking artwork.
After spending some time perusing this exhibition, you will notice two things on display: first, the contrast of tones, whether by the shades of red (in his colour works) and earthly colours or the solemnity of his mezzotint images, which add depth and drama to his output. Second, there’s hardly an empty space, whether by the addition of clouds, mountain ranges (which he seemed to enjoy painting, by the look of it) or people. The paintings are never too busy or cluttered like baroque art, but every space is minutely used.
It’s a given that Martin‘s paintings about The Apocalypse are his most famous and believe you me, they are sight to see, but there is so much more to the exhibition. Check ‘The Destruction of Sodom and Gamorrah’, with its red hues and intricate detail (to destruction bits and bobs), or the mezzotint pieces ‘Pandemonium’ and ‘Satan on his throne’, which not only show Martin‘s skill in black and white, but also that The Devil has much better architects and interior designers.
If you’re skint, the exhibition is also showing free films, including Clash of the Titans (the good version), and 2012, just so you can compare if the magic of cinema can compare to the swift brush of the talented Mr. Martin. That magician of stop motion, Ray Harryhausen, allegedly mentioned that John Martin inspired him. Could be.
This enjoyable exhibition runs until September 4th, 2011. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. The exhibition is part of The Great British Art Debate, a project between Tate Britain, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, Norfolk Museums & Archaeology Service and Museums Sheffield aiming to explore further into identity via national and regional art.
Words: Sam.
Visit Museums Sheffield for more info.
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