natalie martin

My name is Natalie and i've just finished my undergraduate degree in Fine Art at the University of Sunderland. I consider myself to be a multidisciplinary fine artist who works across fields including; painting, sculpture, printmaking, performance installation and book making.

My current practice is heavily influenced by the human condition specifically ideas explored in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave as well as the concept of the uncanny.The Allegory of the Cave explores human perception, that we cannot comprehend what exists outside of our five senses.This inspired me to create works that do not use a traditional perspective and also include familiar elements of modern-day life such as architectural and figurative objects.Everything in the compositions are distorted yet recognisable consequently evolving an odd semi-surreal psychedelic environment.

My interest in the uncanny was brought about significant in my consideration of the ‘unknown’ as a human being, particularly mortality, which is perhaps the greatest unknown. This led me to research Catholic relics, objects of sacred beauty yet simultaneously unnerving confirming the certainty of death. I explore such ideas in both painting and sculpture: illusionary environments are juxtaposed with brightly coloured metal, plaster and clay sculptures of body parts, flora, fauna and everyday objects. Inspired by pieces from contemporary sculptor David Altjmed. They appear as though they have come to life and stepped out of their original psychedelic origins into a pseudo-museological cabinet of curiosities, pausing momentarily considering what to do next.