Drunk Minds Speak of Sober Times: An Exhibition by Koby Martin

At Sarabande, we were honoured to host the exciting exhibition, "Drunk Minds Speak Of Sober Times." For the four days it was displayed, the space buzzed with the electric energy of visitors eager to glimpse into Koby Martin’s mind.

Martin's series of cinematic paintings explores the delicate thresholds between the viewer and the focal point, where public and private realms intertwine. His work examines the subtle and often ambiguous boundaries that separate the observer from what is being observed. Each painting is viewed through a window with curtains, serving as metaphors for these thresholds, partially concealing and revealing the scenes beyond, inviting viewers to peer into spaces that might otherwise remain hidden.

By depicting these thresholds, Martin emphasises how the act of viewing can blur the lines between public and private. The viewer is drawn into an intimate connection with the scene, yet remains physically separated from it. Each curtain is adorned with Ghanaian Adinkra symbols, representing various concepts and aphorisms, enriching the narrative and depth of Martin's art, adding layers of meaning and continuing the dialogue of his culture and heritage.

Central themes of family, migration, memory, and emotion are foundational to Martin's creations and are evident throughout the exhibition. In the piece "Threesome," for instance, he intimately explores these themes, drawing from his life experiences and the culture shock he faced when migrating to the United Kingdom at 18 years old.

Koby Martin is just over half a year into his Sarabande residency and is excited about what lies ahead. He shares:

“I’ve been painting in my room, so you can imagine space is really limited. Working here at Sarabande has given me the freedom as a painter to create. I am painting three pieces at a time. I am leaving here fully fulfilled, fully equipped for my next phase of life and career.”

'Drunk Minds Speak Of Sober Times' invites the audience to engage with his unique perspective and the rich tapestry of his background as well as provoking and challenging us individually to reflect on how we interpret the spaces we observe. Through his art, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in the act of seeing and being seen, shaped by our own cultural backgrounds and personal experiences. As we eagerly anticipate his contributions to the summer group show, "A Place," running from August 1st to 16th at the Sarabande Haggerston, we look forward to witnessing how Martin's evolving work continues to inspire and connect us all.

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