Opening reception: Thursday, January 19, 6-8pm

Octavia Art Gallery is pleased to present Between the Lines, a solo exhibition of paintings by artist, Marthann Masterson. This is the artist’s first exhibition with the gallery

Masterson’s work chronicles the artist’s life story, a journey of transcendence. Her path in life has often been guided by seemingly divergent “happy accidents.” Influenced by Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock, her paintings evoke a rich visual harmony derived from the juxtaposition of precision and randomness.

Between the Lines will consist of works from Masterson’s artistic origin, represented in her chair paintings, as well as her more recent abstract explorations of light, color and space. The artist uses the chair as a metaphor to share her observations on human nature. One of her early works, On the Outside, was an arrangement of chairs depicting the vulnerabilities she felt growing up as the middle child. This deeply personal piece inspired the ballet by the same name, On The Outside, now included in the repertoire of the Sarasota Ballet in Florida. By contrast, her abstract paintings exemplify the resilience of the human spirit. As revealed in A Mardi Gras Fete, with vibrant layers of bold color interspersed with subtle glimmers of shimmering light, celebrating the joy and vibrancy Masterson has achieved through her art.

As a fourth generation Texan, Masterson calls Houston her home. Her creative expression first came in the form of culinary arts. Having built a successful career in catering, she then transitioned from the kitchen to the art studio, where she continues to share her life’s story through visual arts.

Marthann Masterson received formal instruction in painting at the Glassell School of Art, Museum of Fine Arts Houston.