Press Release
February 15, 2025
Expressions in Clay—a window exhibition of ceramic sculptured masks and busts—will be on view throughout March at the Footwise storefront, 301 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR. Oregon-based artist Martin Kagan is a self‑taught sculptor whose life-sized busts and masks are built on 3D‑printed armatures, layered with oil‑based clay, and finished with acrylic coatings. Finding inspiration in the uniqueness of the human face, many pieces incorporate repurposed stands, jewelry and fabric, inviting imaginative character studies.
Kagan’s work has been shown at Troutdale Art Center, the Oregon Gathering of the Guilds, the Portland Home and Garden Show, Cave Gallery (Vancouver), Brassworks Gallery (Portland), and multiple Willamette Valley venues. A native of South Africa, Kagan began sculpting young, later collecting African statues that continue to inspire his practice. During the pandemic he returned to sculpting as a way to engage human expression and celebrate life.
Media / Info: 503‑330‑0724 • martinkaganusa@gmail.com
About the Artist
Oregon-based artist and artistic alchemist, Martin Kagan, is a self‑taught sculptor who creates outside traditional canons of art. Current busts and masks begin from a 3D‑printed infrastructure, layered with oil‑based clay with handcrafted eyes and exterior coatings. Often adorned with repurposed stands, jewelry and fabric, the works invite a more imaginative approach to character studies.
A native of South Africa, Kagan first sculpted small figures with window putty; after success in business, he collected African statues that continue to inspire his work. During the pandemic, he took up sculpting to explore human expression and offer exuberant views of life.