Islington Finance officer now an aspiring abstract artist - Diego Martinez-Montano Behind Closed Eyes, 338-346 Goswell Road, EC1
Published: 14 May 2010
by PETER GRUNER
A FINANCE officer with Islington Council has launched himself as an aspiring artist with a new exhibition of abstract works in Finsbury.
Spanish born Diego Martinez-Montano, 40, who has had no formal art training, is winning plaudits for his colourful works which are on show at the Staff Area Gallery Space, NHS Islington, in Goswell Road.
Diego, who says he only started experimenting with paint two years ago, is selling his works for the Behind Closed Eyes exhibition for between £80 and £150. His fans include Islington’s mayor Anna Berent, who has one of Diego’s paintings hanging outside her parlour at the Town Hall.
“I suppose art gives me an escape from working in an office, having to deal often with quite difficult financial issues,” said Mr Martinez-Montano. “Painting is a way of relaxing and getting away from work. I never know what I’m going to do. I just paint.”
• Diego Martinez-Montano Behind Closed Eyes, 338-346 Goswell Road, EC1, 020 7527 1000 until July 15.
Viewing by appointment.