'The Tennis Star' by Luc Martinsen (1995)

'The Tennis Star', oil on art paper, by Luc Martinsen (1995). Known for his use of wild and vibrant colour, this painting is not for the faint of heart. It is painted in a naive style leveraging its unrestrained use of colour to speak to the viewer.

Not traditionally known for its great tennis players, Belgium has since had two female superstars in the game, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, who both played in the 1990s and into the 2000s. Perhaps this is a composite of those gifted players. The artwork exudes resounding energy and would undoubtedly be the centrepiece of any space in which it is hung. The work is in good overall condition and has been newly framed and glazed with anti-reflective glass. It is signed and dated ('95) by the artist in the lower right hand. Please enjoy the many photos accompanying this listing. Upon request a video may be provided. 

About the Artist: Belgian born (1951) artist, Luc Martinsen attended the Academy of Ghent as a student of Etienne Elias and who also worked with visual artist, Eddy De Buf. In 1982 his works were included as representative of the 'New Painters' style and movement in the collection of the Mu.ZEE, which is the 'Art Museum by the Sea' in Ostend. The artist is placed in the contemporary art movement within the 20th Century called Neo-Expressionism. This opposed the minimalism and conceptualism of the 1960s and 70s breaking with the modernist approach to progress in art. Its most striking feature is the return to figuration. Martinsen's works frequently appear in major European auction houses and inspire spirited bidding. 

Dimensions with frame:

H 85 cm / 33.5"

W 67 cm / 26.4"

Dimensions without frame:

H 72 cm / 28.3"

W 54 cm / 21.3"