Samantha Moyer and Eddie Martinez, a married couple, are both highly accomplished artists who are showcasing their distinct styles in solo exhibitions at the Parrish Art Museum. Moyer’s large-scale stone sculptures and sculptural paintings blend abstract and figurative elements, creating a precise and classical presence. Martinez’s energetic paintings, often incorporating collage, exude a spontaneous and whimsical quality reminiscent of Abstract Expressionism and Philip Guston’s playful figuration.
Moyer’s work draws inspiration from cinema and photography, exploring scale and the viewer’s experience of space. Her sculptures and paintings blur the boundaries between the physical and the imagined, inviting viewers to engage with her work on multiple levels. Martinez’s paintings are a reflection of his nomadic upbringing and his fascination with fragments of imagery and themes. He appropriates and recontextualizes these fragments, creating works that are both personal and universal.
The couple’s artistic practices are deeply intertwined, and they often serve as each other’s sounding boards and critics. They have a mutual understanding and empathy that allows them to support and challenge each other’s work. Their relationship has also had a profound impact on their personal growth, with Moyer crediting Martinez with helping her to become more authentic and self-aware.
Despite the advantages of being married to another artist, there are also challenges. Martinez admits to occasional feelings of jealousy when Moyer’s career has surpassed his own. However, they have learned to navigate these challenges and maintain a healthy and supportive relationship.
The simultaneous solo exhibitions of Samantha Moyer and Eddie Martinez at the Parrish Art Museum offer a unique opportunity to experience the work of two talented artists who have shaped each other’s artistic journeys. Their distinct styles and shared experiences create a dynamic and engaging exhibition that celebrates the creative symbiosis of a married couple who are both dedicated to their craft.
