Transforming a long hallway into a vibrant gallery is an art form. For this Manhattan pied-à-terre, we curated a striking gallery wall featuring eleven works by the celebrated painter and sculptor America Martin.
The Focal Point
At the heart of the installation is a stained carved All Heart Redwood wall sculpture measuring 50 x 40 inches. This commanding piece is not only the largest work but also the anchor for the collection. Its presence sets the tone for the gallery wall and draws the viewer into Martin’s world.
Surrounding Works
Flanking the centerpiece are ten framed artworks in various sizes and mediums. The collection includes:
Ink on paper drawings with crisp, linear energy
Oil & acrylic on canvas with bold color fields
Acrylic on paper works that emphasize figure and gesture
Ink & pencil on paper pieces showing Martin’s draftsmanship
Together, these works create a dynamic rhythm along the hallway. Their variety of scale, medium, and palette showcases the diversity and depth of Martin’s artistic practice, while their common threads — human form, botanical motifs, and expressive line work — unify the wall into a cohesive narrative.
A Study of the Human Form
Martin, who calls herself a painting anthropologist, always returns to the human figure as her central subject. Her style, often compared to mid-century modernists, blends abstracted geometry with indigenous influences, reflecting her Colombian heritage. Each piece pulses with vitality, whether a monumental portrait carved in wood or a small ink drawing of everyday still lifes.
The Experience
Curating this collection within a long corridor transformed what could have been a transitional space into a destination within the home. The gallery wall invites pause and contemplation, rewarding viewers with new details at every glance.
About the Artist
America Martin is an American painter, sculptor, and multidisciplinary artist. Rooted in her Colombian background, her aesthetic fuses cultural references with a bold, modern approach. Known for her vibrant colors, sweeping lines, and archetypal figures, Martin creates timeless and contemporary works.
* We worked with JoAnne Artman Gallery, which has galleries in NYC and Laguna Beach. Her team was spectacular with this complicated installation.
