In the new exhibit opening by North Loop West, Marty Williams shines in the positive refinement of craftsmanship involved in the detailing of such a complexity of intricate media detailing a successful addition of high art. For that danger, that risque, of assembling the medley of his, most noticeably, wood, along with the delicate parchment and curious yet understandable oceanic ideas brings to light a brighter view to the spectacles of man.

‘reading trinity the version of me’, (2024). Marty Williams. Ink jet print on transparent film, mulberry paper, acrylic, steel, lacewood frame. 21 11/16 in x 16 15/16 in. Courtesy the artist and North Loop West gallery, All Rights Reserved. Photograph Evan Walsh.

‘a brief arrival’, (2025). Marty Williams. Image and text on mulberry paper, pencil, acrylic, abalone shell, maple artist-made frame. 8.5 in x 8.5 in. Courtesy of the artist and North Loop West gallery. All Rights Reserved. Photograph Evan Walsh.

‘untitled 4’, (2023). Marty Williams. Ink, unbleached partchment paper, maple artist-made frame. 5 1/2 in x 7 in. Courtest of the artist and North Loop West gallery. All Rights Reserved. Photograph Evan Walsh.

He chooses wisely to be minute, though not microscopic, with his methodical combinations of paper, organic media such as shells, and industrial material; with a polish that is worthy of acclaim because of its positive statement on what refinement describes. A care to perfect detail. An attention, therefore, which is more appreciated given the typical composition sizes of less than 18”x18”, requiring a close examination of the goodness that is otherwise not nakedly perceivable. A drawing of attention, by the subject, unto an immersion always ought to be celebrated in the fine arts, for what else is the goal but to capture attention in the claims of true beauty? What else does a subject desire but to reside in a beautiful moment? Why begin to savor artwork if it is not unto such an appreciation of newfound sensations?

Marty Williams artwork for North Loop West gallery, photograph Evan Walsh

A cultivated moment, therefore, is held, with such daring uniqueness in the self-reliance of the artworks. The independence of each with that otherwise consistent beachiness alluded to, draws into view that meticulous effort at distinctness and therefore distinction with each; offering ideas which are abstract yet enjoyable to savor without a hard mysticism.

‘infinite sunlight, boundless potential,’ (2025). Marty Williams. Image transfer on mulberry paper, acrylic, sapele artist-made frame. 32.5 in x 21.5 in. Courtesy the artist and North Loop West gallery. All Rights Reserved. Photograph Evan Walsh

 Infinite sunlight, boundless potential (2025) is perhaps the most recognizable form; of a self-imposed image of a beachgoer. And yet, that cadence of the gait has a splendid optic that transcends – thereby fulfilling the titularity. 

‘take my hand, in my hand,’ (2024). Marty Williams. Foam, acrylic, image on transparent film, abalone shell, steel. 7 in x 12 1/2 in. Courtesy of the artist and North Loop West gallery. All Rights Reserved. Photograph Evan Walsh.

Returning to the ideas of the medley of the typified multimedia, take my hand, in my hand (2025) relies upon foam (!) and angular curves, so minute (7” x 12.5”) with oceanic colors that call upon enjoying the ocean itself – not alone of course. To dare to wander with the beachset wondering with a virginal white and a glistening promise of the life represented by the abalone shell, that’s in store.

Such objects of imagination are this wisely, tastefully, artfully, presented. To expand horizons. On true beauty, and therefore the permanent goodness of the beach. 

For more information, please contact the gallery: