more about Martin Kiman

Kiman employs a uniquely personal method, transcribing random numbers and numerical combinations into his own painting code. He meticulously explores the psychological impact of a number—its function as a blotch or gesture, its chromatic equivalent, intensity, and temperature. Through this demanding process, he presents a profound statement on the enduring power of traditional painting techniques, which are often overlooked today.

Martin Kiman’s work seamlessly connects seemingly contradictory approaches to the creative process. It embodies the essence of a simple children's game—outwardly vibrant and spontaneous, yet internally absolutely focused and serious. This deliberate contrast challenges the cynical emptiness found in many of today's works, which he describes as having a “candy-coated efficiency.”

His paintings are powerful in their form, with a robust concept that lends them a lyrical quality. They invite us into a state of complexity that is a hallmark of this medium's rich history. Kiman's work is a testament that painting remains a vital, evolving art form when practiced by a creator of such genuine artistic purity.

MARTIN KIMAN ON HIS WORK AND INSPIRATION:

Nature: Visual character of my paintings is often derived from my fascination with the  appearance of natural forms as a juxtaposition to man-made materials. The amorphous characteristics of organic matter is in constant contrast  with strictly methodical and geometric appearance of human creations. As I am living in a world that is a symbiosis of the two, my work is inspired by the visual attributes of both.

Words: A captivating word, a phrase or a sentence may serve as my  reference point and may jump start my creative process. In the end, this  notion, usually non-visual in its nature, often becomes the name of the painting itself. My aim is to translate it to a picture.

Numbers: I find it effortless to see each number or a letter of the alphabet in its own vivid color representation.

Human figures: Although human figures are scarcely evident in my paintings I  strive to create a certain sense of life and anticipation of its presence.

MARTIN KIMAN BIO:

Born: 1985, Košice, Slovakia. Kiman is also active under a pseudonym Reus K and his works can be found in a number of cities around Europe. 

Education:

2014 – 2015

Studio + - XXI / studied under Prof. Daniel Fischer,

Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VSVU), Bratislava, Slovakia

2013 - 2014

Studio of Space communication APK+; studied under Prof. Doc. Mgr. Anton Čierny

Academy of Fine Arts and Design (VSVU) Bratislava, Slovakia

2007 - 2011

Contemporary Painting Studio; studied under doc. Adam Szentpétery, academic painter, Department of Fine Arts and Intermedia, Technical University (KVUaI), Košice, Slovakia

AWARDS:

2014

VUB (Bank), Painting of the Year, Nedbalka, Bratislava, Slovakia

2009

Áčko – Festival of Student films, Bratislava, Slovakia– awarded 1. prize for Videoart