"At Risk youTh to ARisTocrats" - original painting by mARTin t. reese

24" x 30" Acrylic on Canvas

This original piece by Martin T. Reese explores the timeless ideas of art, artists, and artistry with an emphasis on the value that each holds in our current society. The painting was created as an extension of the artist’s thoughts on socioeconomics, social hierarchy, and the roles that art and artists play within those realms. The title “At Risk youTh 2 ARisTocrats” alludes to the seemingly impossible journey that a small percentage of humans have been able to take to rise, from poverty to true prosperity and power.  Within every brush stroke, there is an accent of hope…within every line, there is a question as to what one should do with positions of power along the journey, and once the journey’s end has come.

This piece is layered with odes to artists, present and past…traditional and non-traditional. It applauds their ability to reach the masses through visual art, literature, music, and activism. Themes of social responsibility, challenging social norms, charity, benevolence, and more are represented in the artist’s choice of subjects and muses. This painting is purposeful in every way…inviting viewers to think on different levels as their gaze goes from foreground to background, background to foreground.

This is the first piece from the private collection of Simone Reese to be made public for purchase. It marks the genesis of the release of her father’s un-commissioned works…those that are purely of his desire to express his thoughts to the world through art.

For more information about this piece, please contact us via email. A detailed exploration of the painting from the artist’s perspective can also be found in the “At Risk YouTh 2 ARisTocrats” article/blog post via ARTSOFME.com