Ekstasis - Martin Wagstaff (Bzar)
"Ekstasis" - (Ecstasy - from Greek ekstasis, “to stand outside of or transcend [oneself]”)
"Ekstasis," a vibrant acrylic on canvas piece by Martin Wagstaff, also known by his artistic moniker Bzar, is a striking example of urban expressionism. The painting, measuring 71.1 cm by 71.1 cm, pulsates with the energy and spontaneity that define Wagstaff's approach to art. As a self-taught artist with roots in the graffiti culture of the late 1980s, Wagstaff brings a raw, unfiltered edge to his work, and "Ekstasis" is no exception.
This piece encapsulates the chaotic beauty of the urban environment, with a vivid color palette dominated by electric blues, purples, and bold yellows. Wagstaff's use of graffiti markers and spray paint is evident in the layering of abstract forms, symbols, and enigmatic faces, which seem to emerge and recede in a dance of visual intensity. The central figure, with its exaggerated features and almost tribal mask-like appearance, draws the viewer into a dreamlike narrative that is both personal and universal.
Wagstaff's artistic process, which begins with unplanned doodles and evolves through layers of paint and markers, is reflective of his expressionistic and gestural style. His influences, ranging from contemporary urban art to the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cy Twombly, and Victor Pasmore, can be seen in the dynamic composition and the interplay between controlled chaos and deliberate mark-making.
"Ekstasis" does not just sit on the canvas; it erupts from it, challenging the viewer to engage with the multiplicity of its meanings—be they related to the artist's subconscious, current affairs, or the rhythms of hip-hop music that often accompanies Wagstaff's creative sessions.
This painting is a testament to Wagstaff's ability to channel the energy of the streets into a form that is at once accessible and deeply layered, making "Ekstasis" a powerful statement within the realm of contemporary urban art.
For those interested in exploring the work further, Wagstaff's pieces are available through platforms like Artfinder or Saatchi Art, where his unique voice within the urban expressionist movement continues to gain recognition. But you can’t buy this one as it sits proudly on my own wall.
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