The Whaling Wall: A New Public Art Project by Knox Martin
KNOX MARTIN AND THE WHALING WALL MAQUETTE, 2011 (Photograph ©2011, Gabriela Ryan)
The Whaling Wall is a public mural by Knox Martin.
In 1971, Knox Martin was scuba diving in the Bay of Cortez when he encountered a whale face to face. Martin writes: “I thought I was sinking or that the ocean floor was rising. It was a whale rising up and I was at the eye level of the whale...I was certain I was viewing an intelligence. When I moved to the surface the whale had vanished. The impression indelible. I still see this at point: the great eye regarding me.”
The Whaling Wall depicts man’s killing of the whales. It is a metaphor for peace and a call for humanity. The Whaling Wall has been called a Universal Guernica. It is the artist Knox Martin’s intention to provide his mural at specifically selected sites throughout the world to raise international attention to the plight of the whales.
In 1971, Knox Martin was scuba diving in the Bay of Cortez when he encountered a whale face to face. Martin writes: “I thought I was sinking or that the ocean floor was rising. It was a whale rising up and I was at the eye level of the whale...I was certain I was viewing an intelligence. When I moved to the surface the whale had vanished. The impression indelible. I still see this at point: the great eye regarding me.”
The Whaling Wall depicts man’s killing of the whales. It is a metaphor for peace and a call for humanity. The Whaling Wall has been called a Universal Guernica. It is the artist Knox Martin’s intention to provide his mural at specifically selected sites throughout the world to raise international attention to the plight of the whales.
The Whaling Wall is to be premiered as a public mural at
334 Grand Street, New York, NY
The realization of Knox Martin's 7th NYC public artwork is made possible by the commitment of the following:
The Whaling Wall requires financial assistance. Funds are needed for the installation: the rigger, workmen, equipment and insurance. We are asking you to participate with us in this project.
- Artist Knox Martin has envisioned and will donate his painting to the public to raise awareness
- Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Downey have donated their building’s exterior wall
- Golden Artist Colors, Inc. will provide custom paint
- Woodward Gallery has coordinated and will curate the project.
The Whaling Wall requires financial assistance. Funds are needed for the installation: the rigger, workmen, equipment and insurance. We are asking you to participate with us in this project.
The Whaling Wall is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the purpose of The Whaling Wall must be made payable to Fractured Atlas (501(c)(3) public charity) and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The Whaling Wall: Project profile page at Fractured Atlas
Knox Martin’s Greenpeace Blog
We appreciate the support of Greenpeace in our shared vision of protecting whales worldwide.
The Whaling Wall: Project profile page at Fractured Atlas
Knox Martin’s Greenpeace Blog
We appreciate the support of Greenpeace in our shared vision of protecting whales worldwide.
Some press coverage for The Whaling Wall
The Whaling Wall by Knox Martin YouTube is a Video by Vadim Kovalenko ©2012 Vadim Kovalenko Productions