TIRZO MARTHA: I WONDER IF THEY'LL LAUGH WHEN I'M DEAD edited by Rob Peree

Jap Sam Books, 2018, First edition, 304 pp., 6 3/4" 9 1/4", Softcover with French flaps

Fine

A first time monograph for Curacao-born artist Tirzo Martha (b. 1965) offers a compelling
investigation into his early collage-based art works, mixed media, performances, and
his later large installations. Martha’s urge and necessity to create is inspired by his
humanitarian interests and desire to be socially engaging. He saw in art the space and
the infinite possibilities for strengthening his voice to be able to communicate political
and socially driven messages. Coming from the Caribbean islands, which were influenced
by early colonial Dutch intervention and then Venezuela’s oil economy, Martha’s content
reflects on the living conditions, the way the people cope with their space and objects,
and their strength to visualize dreams, hopes, disappointments, and states of mind.
Presenting almost a decade of work, this extensive survey catalog, with more than
200 color and black and white images and multiple essays, supports the exhibition titled
No Excuses! at the Museum Beelden aan Zee, Scheveningen, the Netherlands (September
2017–February 2018).