About
Considering materiality in furniture and lighting application, Stefan Martin creates sculptural works as a meditation on his experiences.
A native of the post-modern wonderland of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Argentinian by descent, Stefan always found the fantasy and kitsch romantic decadence familiar. His studies at Emerson College in performance informed years of improvised dance collaboration with choreographers and designers such as Sigrid Lauren, Bode, and butoh with Vangeline Theater.
In 2020 The Rebirth Cardboard series began at the height of Covid, when the corrugated cardboard from boxes were plentiful as online shopping rocketed and physical stores and studios were shuttered. A collaboration formed with artist Pedro Silva where this waste was transformed into sustainable functional sculpture, bringing art into Soho retail stores like Melissa Galerie and Selima Optique.
“We transformed the stores, windows, and basements into art exhibitions and salons. Bringing life back into the city when people couldn’t meet inside their homes. We were thirsty for connection, and found freedom in the limitations.”
Silva and Martin went on to create gallery and community spaces in the empty storefront of 484 Broome Street and the cellar of Selima Optique at 9 Christopher Street. Martin continues to craft new works at the center of downtown Manhattan, inspired by the presence and authenticity of the city. The next series in development is an exploration of thermoplastics in portable lighting.