'Sunset in Paintings' by Will Martyr

The depiction of sunsets continues to play a vital role in my work. I have always used intense colour contrasts within my paintings to create atmosphere and tension. Painting a sunset provides me with not only my dramatic palette but a narrative that interplays between the human experience and the natural world.

Will Martyr, I Love To See You Smile, 2021 (detail)

The ephemeral and transient nature of a sunsets has long captivated me. A sunset's beauty lies in its constant state of flux, making each moment impossible to replicate. This fleeting phenomenon embodies the passage of time, the impermanence of life, and the natural world's inherent dynamism. Its rapid alteration and ever-changing interplay of colours creates a sense of urgency and wonder, reminding those experiencing it that each second is a unique moment.

The brief duration and the seemingly quickening temperament of a sunset as it reaches its end, underscores its impermanent nature. This fleeting quality evokes a sense of poignancy and reflection as it mirrors the transient moments in our own lives. Taking time to experience the beauty and calm of a sunset evokes a sense of closure, peace, and acceptance, making it a fitting metaphor for the natural rhythms of one’s own life. 

In my limited-edition print “Hot, Hot Summer” we are faced with a sunset going down over islands and sea from an elevated poolside location. The backdrop is a hybrid of locations, memories and dreams which we can all share. In my composition we are alone at the pools edge. The serene and often awe-inspiring experience of watching a sunset invites introspection and contemplation. The gradual fading of light encourages a moment of pause, allowing individuals to reflect on their day, their experiences, and gratitude for whom they hold dear. My paintings aim to create a broad spectrum of emotions in the viewer. These emotions range from tranquillity and joy to melancholy and nostalgia. However, I wish for them to ultimately inspire a greater appreciation of the present.

Will Martyr, Hot Hot Summer, 2024, Acrylic on Canvas

The depictions of sunsets in contemporary art aims to understand the emotional and philosophical meanings they can convey. Modern interpretations of this age-old subject continue to evolve and resonate with contemporary audiences.

In Olafur Eliasson 2003 installation at the Tate Modern “The Weather Project” the artist used an immersive environment to recreate the sensory experience of a sunset. A giant sun was created using mono-frequency lamps, mirrors, and mist to simulate the atmospheric effects of a sunset within an indoor space. This installation invited the viewer to engage physically and emotionally with the artwork, fostering a deeper connection to the natural phenomenon. Indeed, many visitors took time to lay down and sunbath in the warm glow of the artwork.

Perhaps more abstractly, the artist Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away" (2013) used LED lights to create an infinite reflection of points of light, evoking a sense of endless sunset and cosmic wonder. This abstract representation encouraged viewers to think beyond the literal and engage with the metaphysical implications of light and space.

© David Zwirner, Yayoi Kusama: infinity Mirrored Rooms - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away, 2013.

The work of the artist James Turrell is perhaps my favourite use of light and architecture within contemporary art. His work is designed to be viewed at different times of day, especially during sunrise and sunset. His “Skyspaces” create a dialog between the man-made and natural world. The work, "The Colour Inside" at the University of Texas, shows the light passing through an aperture in a in the ceiling, framing the sky and intensifying it colour and contrast to the interior of the room. Turrell’s work underscores the materiality of light, treating it as a tangible substance that can be manipulated and shaped. By creating environments where light seems to have physical presence, Turrell blurs the line between the seen and the felt, encouraging viewers to question their perceptions of reality.

Whether it is through direct experience or artistic representation, sunsets encourage reflection, evoke deep emotions, and inspire a greater appreciation for the present. In their brief existence, sunsets offer a powerful metaphor for the natural cycles of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.

Written by Artist Will Martyr in May 2024. Register your interest for Hot Hot Summer print release here.