Martel Chapman: Intersecting art and music

This winter, Overture Center’s galleries examine how personal, family and cultural histories shape the ways we live and create. Each exhibition invites reflection on resilience, revealing that cultural heritage is continually renewed through art, storytelling and shared experience. 

Martel Chapman’s exhibition, “Portraits as Jazz/Improvisation in Sound; Improvisation in Form” is a tribute to the creators of jazz music who have shaped and inspired him. In this video, Chapman shares that John Coltrane’s “Soul Train” sparked his understanding of art.  

“Cubism comes into play with it. Because if we’re going to be talking about music and math, then geometry makes sense,” he said. 

Chapman shares insight into the creative process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas take shape and how music and art can play off and relate to each other. He says his art starts off one line at a time and evolves as he paints. Chapman begins with a sketch to get the general idea but says he won’t know what the final product will be until it's finished.  

“It’s a living process,” he explained. “I’m not chained to what it’s going to look like.”  

Chapman’s Harlem Renaissance-inspired exhibition extends the story of visual artist Jacob Lawrence’s iconic 60-panel “Migration Series,” which tells the powerful story of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans journeyed from the rural South to the industrial North in search of a better future. Learn more about Lawrence’s work in Step Afrika!’s “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence” performance on Wednesday, Feb. 4 in Overture Hall. Step Afrika! transforms these legendary paintings into pulsating rhythms and striking choreography, creating unforgettable theatrical moments. 

The Winter Gallery Exhibitions highlight a diverse range of artists and perspectives, reinforcing Overture’s commitment to elevating local and regional artists alongside its performing arts programming. Overture Center galleries are free and open to the public during regular building hours, making them an easy and enriching addition to any visit downtown.  

Chapman’s work will be on display in Overture’s Rotunda Gallery through Sunday, February 22. His work can also be purchased through our website.

View art for purchase