“The spirit within the canvas, elusive and enigmatic, unveils itself at its own accord, a revelation that transcends the artist's intention. I am captivated by the unexpected, when serendipitous elements emerge unbidden, embellishing my creation with an ineffable enchantment. It is within these moments of artistic alchemy that my soul takes flight, embracing the exhilaration of this extraordinary journey."

- André Martinez-Reed

Born in Brooklyn, New York, André Martine-Reed is a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for painting, photography, and music. His art has the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke deep emotions, and challenge our perceptions.

At the heart of abstract expressionism lies a profound sense of freedom, an unbridled desire to explore and create without the constraints of formal structure or convention. And yet, there are those artists who manage to harness this boundless energy and transform it into something truly extraordinary, even transcendent. Such is the case with the work of this painter, whose highly diversified approach to art-making draws on a lifetime of experience as both a drummer and a master craftsman in the building trades. With each stroke of the brush, he channels the rhythms and cadences of his musical past, weaving together bold colors and abstract shapes into a tapestry of unparalleled beauty and depth. To understand his work is to enter into a world of pure sensation, a realm where sound and sight are one, and where the boundaries between art and life dissolve into pure, unadulterated expression.

As a curator and gallery owner, André Martinez-Reed was afforded an additional training ground for absorbing art and honing his own creative vision. This decade served as a formative period in which he gained invaluable insights into the workings of the art world, as well as the opportunity to showcase the work of other talented artists. Over the years, André has continued to evolve and refine his artistic voice, drawing inspiration from the world around him and the rich cultural traditions that inform his work. His passion for painting, photography, and music remains undimmed, and his commitment to excellence unwavering. With each new creation, André Martinez-Reed invites us to explore the boundaries of perception, to delve into the depths of our own consciousness, and to discover the boundless potential of the human spirit.

Andre Martinez-Reed - Curator/Director

Lois Martinez- Assisstant

The Henry Gregg Gallery in DUMBO, Brooklyn attracted international attention and visitors from around the world through its influential and critically acclaimed exhibitions between 2004 and 2011. It was co founded with Gregg Principato in 2004-2005 and then run by Andre & Lois Martinez till 2011.

Influential Exhibitions

  • The gallery's 2010 exhibition "In the Zone/A Century of Black and White Photography" was selected as one of the top 20 shows that year, alongside exhibitions at prestigious institutions like MoMA and Howard Greenberg Gallery.

  • It featured works by renowned photographers such as Robert Frank, Gordon Parks, and Aleksandr Rodchenko, Robert Herman, attracting significant interest from photography enthusiasts globally.

  • https://www.andremartinezmusic.com/curated-shows.php

Pioneering Role in Establishing DUMBO Arts Scene

  • As one of the first galleries to open in the DUMBO neighborhood in 2004, the Henry Gregg Gallery played a pioneering role in transforming the area into a major art destination.

  • Along with a few other early galleries like Wessel + O'Connor Fine Art, SEED Gallery, Howard Stickler, A.I.R., 5 Plus 5, Robert Wilson, Gloria Kennedy, it helped establish DUMBO as a vibrant arts district, drawing visitors from near and far.

Diverse Range of Exhibitions

  • The gallery produced over 40 major exhibitions showcasing works by established and emerging artists across various mediums like painting, photography, and mixed media installations.

  • This diverse programming catered to a wide range of artistic interests, appealing to both local and international audiences.

Official Recognition and Pop Culture Presence

  • In 2004, the Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz honored the gallery's founders with a proclamation for their grand opening exhibition, raising its profile.

  • The gallery's appearance as a location in the 2009 romantic comedy film "I Hate Valentine's Day" starring Nia Vardalos further increased its pop culture visibility internationally.

  • Martinez-Reed also received the "El Hombre Latino de Hoy" Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Award from the Borough of Manhattan Community College in 2004.

    By curating critically acclaimed exhibitions featuring renowned artists, playing a pioneering role in the DUMBO arts renaissance, offering a diverse range of programming, and receiving official recognition and pop culture exposure, the Henry Gregg Gallery successfully attracted international attention and visitors during its influential run from 2004 to 2011.

André Martinez - Musician/Drummer/Band Leader

André Martinez is a renowned drummer and percussionist who has had a prolific career spanning several decades. Here are some key points about his drumming career:

  • He was the drummer for the legendary avant-garde jazz pianist Cecil Taylor's band from the early 1980s to the early 1990s, touring the world and appearing on albums like"Winged Serpent, “Music From Two Continents- Warsaw Jamboree” , "Nicaragua: No Pasaran - Live in Willisau", Cecil Taylor- Il gigantic del free,"and others. This was a pivotal period where he helped introduce a new theatricality and cohesiveness to Taylor's group presentations.

  • He was a co-leader of the ensemble Earth People from 2000 onwards, performing and recording with them extensively. Earth People allowed him to explore free improvisation and world music influences.

  • He co-led the Brazilian samba band Píe De Boí with percussion great Guilherme Franco in the late 1970s along with Alyrio Lima, Jimmy Cruiz, performing at venues like The Mudd Club, Town Hall, The Village Gate, etc. and recording with artists like Harris Simon.

  • His drumming style is characterized by an uncompromising passion for music and an extraordinary freedom of expression through drums & percussion. His work with Cecil Taylor showcased his ability to maintain intense, relentless rhythms.

  • In addition to his work as a drummer, he is also an accomplished painter, photographer, and gallery director.

Martinez's diverse collaborations across jazz, world music, and avant-garde circles, particularly his influential tenure with Cecil Taylor, cement his reputation as a highly skilled and versatile drummer and percussionist.