Teresa Martins
In order to put Teresa's works in the context of art history and influences, one artist known for the use of abstract colors was the Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky. Teresa Martin's works can be seen as Kandinsky art style in terms of the path for abstraction of her artworks. Kandinsky had a style that was deeply influenced by the concept of synesthesia, a condition in which one experiences a blending of senses. This means that Teresa's works are also based on how colors and shapes could evoke emotional and spiritual responses. This is a concept that also profoundly influenced Kandinsky's approach to abstract art before the First World War during the Russian Avant-garde. We must take into consideration that, in terms of art history, his artistic style evolved over the years, from figurative to abstract.
Besides the colors and beauty of figurative and abstraction in Teresa Martin's works, she creates visual experiences with the viewer on a spiritual level. Like Kandinsky, she wants to develop theories of the psychological and emotional effects of specific colors on viewers.
This type of abstract art is not found in Portuguese art history prior to the First World War. Only many years later, we can find artists who explored the abstract and colors in art, such as Joaquim Rodrigo, Vieira da Silva, and Fernando Lanhas.
Teresa is present in private collections all over the world. Her paintings are described in two words: color and movement!
"My painting may be described in two words: color and movement.
My work reflects my vision of society and of our world, where nothing stands still and everything is continuously moving. I address this perpetual movement in a very personal and intimate way, through the fluidity of the color stains that allows me to create characters, scenes, and stories designed to engage the viewers emotionally. The mixture of colors resulting from the movement of the medium used gives spontaneity to this painting, where there’s no «safety net» but rather an ever-echoing surprise.
Although the object of my work may change, color is always at its center. I love color for its powerful symbolism, and I use it to convey emotion. Sometimes I start one task already knowing the goal I wish to attain; other times I follow the emotions that unfold along the way. With this very fluid technique, there is no absolute control over the results, and I receive that final surprise gratefully.
With my abstract painting, I wish to create connections with the viewer, allow him or her to feel the pleasure and joy of discovery in a sea of colored spots, to be surprised by each line of contour, patch of color, or transparency, and in this way connect emotionally with the work of art."
