Special note:
Martin Russocki has been invited to display his portrait of President Zelenskyy in Toronto’s City Hall. Please stand by for information on where and when to see the portrait.
“The Face of Courage” 30”x 40”, oil on canvas, 2022
Artist Statement On Urban Paintings
My recent urban works, celebrate the sublime beauty and invigorating energy of modern cities, while exploring the ironic alienation and anonymity that can be felt on the level of an individual living in such densely populated areas. Where space is limited, contradictions, contrasts and tensions abound. Ideologies and dogmas erode where intercourse is greatly varied and one may eventually come to the conclusion that nothing has a meaning until we either give it a meaning of our own or accept a pre-existing one.
Artist Bio
Martin Russocki’s education and broad range of interests have led him to work as an architectural designer, watercolor artist, children’s book illustrator, sculptor, installation artist, game inventor, and painter. Working with a wide variety of mediums across many disciplines, from small scale works to large scale interactive and collaborative installations has enriched his creativity and helped him cultivate a deeper understanding of the artistic process. Martin has recently focused on large scale urban inspired paintings and interactive installations.
Martin Russocki was born in Toronto, attended Upper Canada College, studied Architecture at the University of Toronto and began his career working for Diamond and Schmitt Architects . He later moved to New York City to work for Robert A.M Stern. Following a strong desire to explore painting, Martin took a job working for Peter Marino Architects as a full time watercolor artist. He began rendering concepts for distinguished clients such as His Highness the Aga Kahn, and Ty Warner. Being a keen observer, Martin sketched subway portraits on the way to work and soon found himself taking on commissioned work. Seeking more freedom of creativity and also being interested in sculpture, Martin left P.M.A (continuing to do freelance rendering) and began taking courses at The Art Student’s League where he was awarded The Fantasy Fund Scholarship for Sculpture while studying under Greg Wyatt. Martin also received awards of distinction for painting and drawing while studying with Joseph Peller and Leonid Lerman. Martin’s first commissioned sculpture was for a U.S President. Other notable clients have included; HRH the Prince of Whales, the late Ted Rogers, the Bronfman and Rotman families. Martin’s work can be found in numerable private and corporate collections.
Collaborative Large Scale Installations
