Agnes Martin

Date of Birth: March 22, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: December 16, 2004

Biography

Agnes Martin was a Canadian-American abstract painter, often associated with the minimalist movement despite her preference for the term “abstract expressionist.” She was born on March 22, 1912, in Macklin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Martin spent much of her early life in Vancouver, British Columbia, before moving to the United States to pursue her education. She studied at Western Washington University and Teachers College at Columbia University. Martin’s work is characterized by subtle color fields and meticulous grid patterns, reflecting a meditative and spiritual quality. Her minimalist approach often focused on the pursuit of inner peace and purity, shunning the chaos of the external world. She lived in New York City during the 1950s and 1960s, where she became part of the burgeoning art scene, but she later moved to Taos, New Mexico, seeking solitude and inspiration from the natural landscape. Martin continued to paint until her final years, and her work remains influential and revered in the art world. Agnes Martin passed away on December 16, 2004, in Taos, New Mexico.

5 Interesting Facts about Agnes Martin

1. Agnes Martin won the National Medal of Arts in 1998.

2. She was known for her ascetic lifestyle, often living in solitude and simplicity.

3. Martin did not start painting seriously until she was in her 30s.

4. Her work was featured in the 1993 Venice Biennale.

5. She was a close friend of fellow artist Ellsworth Kelly.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Agnes Martin

1. “Beauty is the mystery of life. It is not in the eye, it is in the mind.”

2. “When I think of art, I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life.”

3. “We are in the midst of reality responding with joy.”

4. “Without awareness of beauty, innocence, and happiness, we would lose hope.”

5. “I paint with my back to the world.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Agnes Martin is estimated to be around $5 million, primarily from the sale of her artwork and posthumous exhibitions.