m a r t e n b e r k m a n
the ecology of perception
Media
Developing on a foundation of traditional media including drawing, painting, print making and photography, Marten’s visual art and a limited edition book of his high arctic portfolio are included in private, corporate and government collections including the Yukon Permanent Art Collection and Canada Council Art Bank.
Documentary, dramatic and experimental films about the land have screened at festivals including Planet in Focus and the Montreal International Film Festival. Broadcast Licenses include PBS for the bilingual experimental drama “Cascade de Lumière”.
To reflect the many concurrent and often contradictory layers of meaning between industrial culture and the land, Marten returns to his roots in kinetic, electronic and interactive art. He is currently exploring the new parameters offered by digital and network based media: video art, stereoscopic video and photography, network based art installation, and responsive environments. His foray into new media has led to a scholarship at the Optic Nerve residency at the Banff Center (2005), his solo show Remote Sensibility at the Yukon Arts Center Gallery (2009), and invitations to present his work at new media festivals including Interactive Futures (Emily Carr 2009, 2014), Electric Fields (Art Engine, Ottawa 2010), Disruption (International Symposium on Electronic Art, Vancouver, BC 2015).
CV
Highlights 2012-2019
2019
“Remote Sensibility” Anaglyph stereo 3D photo collage mural, 2m x 9m, NorthLight Innovation Northwestel space, Whitehorse Yukon
“Ecology of Perception” installations and presentation with Nettie Wild, Nature of Media, Hollyhock (mediathatmatters.org)
“Circumpolar Duet” visual art and poetry collaboration, Whitehorse Yukon and Frankfurt, Germany (2020)
“Remote Sensibility: the ecology of perception” multichannel stereo 3D video installation, opening December 2019, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery, curated by Mary Bradshaw. With support from Yukon Advanced Artist Award, Culture Quest, Canada Council for the Arts.
2018
“Délicieux malheur” (Lucie D et et les immortels) music video (director, camera/dop, sound and post production)
“Can You See the Beauty” 2D and S3D dance music video, directed by Nicole Edwards, in collaboration with Micha St. Pierre (dance) and Marten Berkman (co-director, camera, dop, sound and post production)
“Entre le Fer et la Terre” S3D video installation
-Video Skin-Contemporary Dance Video Works, Whitehorse, Yukon. Curated by Monique Romeiko
“Chaleur dans le Vide” – photograph on canvas, poetry on acetate
-Garder le Contact, McBride Museum gallery, curated by Virginie Hamel
2017
“The Ecology of Perception” – presentation, and solo exhibit of S3D interactive video and anaglyph works, (Hart to Heart; Remote Sensibility V, projection intérieur projection; Abimes de Silence, Murs Intérieurs, Le Chevalet) curated by Sandy Lamalle
-UNESCO World Humanities Conference (Challenges and Responsibilities for a Planet in Transition), Liége, Belgium
“Perceptions, Perspectives” – video artist in performance collaboration with Lucie Desaulniers (singer song writer), Lea Roy (dance), Marie-Helene Comeau (visual artist), Oliver de Colombel (composer, musician) for group performance. Directed by Lucie Desaulniers.
-Onde de Choc (Yukon Arts Centre). Curated by L’AFY
“From the North” – projection designer in collaboration with northern musicians and dancers. Artistic director Brian Fidler
-Yukon Arts Centre, Whitehorse, Yukon
-Northern Arts and Cultural Centre, Yellowknife, NWT
-Joamie Ilinniarvik School, Iqaluit, NU
-La Nouvelle Scene, Ottawa, ON
-Le Gesu, Montreal, QC
-The Cultch, Vancouver, BC
“Look at my Book” – co-director, DOP, production and post production, TV pilot, children’s program. Written, produced and directed by Michael Brooks (26’)
-WHTV Community Cable television
“Map of the Land, Map of the Stars” – theatrical projection design (multi channel mapped video projections) Gwaandak Theatre. Directed by Yvette Nolan and Michelle Olson
-Magnetic North theater festival, Whitehorse, Yukon
-Carmacks, Dawson, Yukon
-Impact17, Kitchener, Ontario
-Talking Stick festival, Vancouver, BC (2018)
“Boundary Ranges”; “Fire and Ice”; “Pillar of Light” - multi panel large format fine art photography: new campus building art acquisitions, Yukon College
2016
“Erratic Silence” – interactive S3D video/animation installation
-Toronto Animated Image Society “The Frame is the Keyframe” . Curated by Madi Pillar
2015
“Hart to Heart” - interactive S3D video installation (20’):
-Available Light Film Festival, Yukon Arts Centre; curated by Andy Connors
-ISEA (International Symposium of Electronic Arts) Vancouver, BC;
-“In It” VR showcase – Confluence Gallery, Emily Carr University, Vancouver, BC ; curated by Maria Lantin
-“Mountain Art” - Walter Phillips Gallery, Banff Centre, AB. Curated by Jen Mizuik
2014
“projection intérieure projection” – with Baptiste Bohelay, interactive S3D video installation (7’):
-the Edge Gallery, Arts Underground, Whitehorse, Yukon. Curated by Geneviève Gagnon
-More Than Human Worlds IF14 (Interactive Futures 2014) Emily Carr University Intersectional Digital Studios, Vancouver, BC. Curated by Maria Lantin
“Begin You Again” – with 001 Collective (live video, interactive video, performance, S3D video projection, 90’). Produced and directed by Monique Romeiko
-Yukon Arts Centre Old Firehall
“Release” – directed by Helen O’Connor, (fibre art video animation installation)
-Yukon Arts Centre Gallery. Curated by Mary Bradshaw
“Inner Walls / Murs Intérieures” – (anaglyph S3D print installations, “le chevalet” and others)
-Nuit Blanche, Whitehorse Yukon. Curated by Monique Romeiko and Aimee Dawn Robinson
“Abimes de Silence” (Stereo 3D experimental short film) 13’
-World premiere, Les Rendezvous du Cinema Quebecoise, Montreal
2013
“The Easel” (anaglyph 3D phantogram/parallelogram installation)
-TIFF Bell Lighthouse theatre, 3Dflic, Toronto. Curated by Christos Giotis and Laurie Wilcox
“Remote Sensibility V”, “Untrue North”, “Piles of Trees”, (stereo 3D video and phantogram installations) – Cascadia group exhibit. Curated by Scott Marsden
-The Reach Gallery, Surrey, BC
2012
Remote Sensibility VI (stereo 3D parallelogram photo installation)
-“Untrue North”, Yukon Arts Center Gallery, Whitehorse, YT. Curated by Earl Miller
Educational History
B.A. Geography, special studies in Architecture as Adaptation - McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (1981-85)
Studio Art – Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec (1981-85)
Diploma in Visual Arts – John Abbott College, Montreal, Quebec (1978-80)
Supplementary Training/Development
[3D] Forward – stereo 3D industry media conference/workshop, Emily Carr U. Vancouver (2013)
Unity game design Master Class – Unite 2013, Vancouver, BC (2013)
3D flic – Toronto International Stereo 3D conference, York U., (2011)
Mis en Scene with Sugit Varughese, Josh Miller, Sue Biely, et al: Dramatic Film Writing, Production (2008)
Master Classes:
Projection Design : Bruno Matte (designer for Robert LePage, Cirque du Soleil) (2018)
Projection Mapping : Jamie Nesbitt (2016)
Art of Stereo 3D film making : Josephine Derobe (Pina) Emily Carr U. (2012)
Screen Writing : Sugith Verughese (2009)
Sound Design : Velcrow Ripper (2007)
Documentary Film : John Walker (2006)
Screen Writing : Mark Hill (2002)
Cinematography : John Banovich (2002)
Social Documentary : Peter Wintonick (2001)
Dance Film/Documentary : Laura Taler: (2000/1)
Detailed Exhibition, Production, Publishing History 1992-present
Solo Media Art and Photography Exhibits
2017 – “The Ecology of Perception” – presentation, and exhibit of selected S3D interactive video and print works, UNESCO World Humanities Conference (Challenges and Responsibilities for a Planet in Transition), University of Liege, Belgium – Curated by Sandy Lamalle
2015 – “Hart to Heart – reflections / réflexions” - Available Light Film Festival, Yukon Arts Centre – curated by Andy Connors; Dawson City International Short Film Fest, Klondike Institute of Arts and Culture – curated by Dan Sokolowski ( interactive S3D video installation)
2014 – “Inner Walls / Murs Intérieures” – RaRa Gallery; Whitehorse Yukon (anaglyph S3D print installations, “le chevalet” and others)
2014 – “Inner Walls / Murs Intérieures” – (exterior anaglyph S3D print installation, interior S3D video installation), Nuit Blanche Whitehorse, curated by Monique Romeiko,
2014 – “Abimes de Silence” – Rendezvous du Cinema Quebecoise, Montreal (HD stereo 3D art film)
2013 – “The Easel” – TIFF Bell Lighthouse theatre, 3Dflic, Toronto (anaglyph phantogram/parallelogram installation) curated by Laurie Wilcox
2009 - “Remote Sensibility V” – Yukon Arts Center Public Gallery (stereoscopic photo montage, stereo video installation) curated by Scott Marsden
2007/8 - “Remote Sensibility: Binocular Sensing” stereoscopic web cam installation, near arctic circle, Pangnirtung, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada.
2006 - “Remote Sensibility” – Arts Underground Gallery, Whitehorse, Yukon (stereoscopic photo montage, video inst.)
2005 - “Experiments in Remote Sensibility” – Other Gallery, Banff Centre, Alberta (photography, installation)
2004 - Apostrophes in Time – Whitehorse, Yukon (stereoscopic photography, photo montage)
2003 - “Remote Sensibility” - Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
2003 - “Trompe d’oeil” YAC Grotto Gallery, Whitehorse (photography) with Heather Hyatt
2003 - “Fecundity” - Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
2002 - “Cascade of Light” – Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
2000 - “Silence in the Sea of Cortez” – Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
1999 - “Dancing Shadows” - Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
1999 - “Chasms of Silence” – Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
1992 - “Two Extremes” - Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
1992 - “Islands” - Whitehorse, Yukon (photography)
Group Exhibits
2018 - “Entre le Fer et la Terre” – Video Skin-Contemporary Dance Video Works, Whitehorse, Yukon. (S3D video installation) Curated by Monique Romeiko
2018 – “Chaleur dans le Vide” – Garder le Contact, McBride Museum gallery (photograph on canvas, poetry on acetate) curated by Viginie Hamel
2016 – “Erratic Silence” – interactive S3D video/animation installation for Toronto Animated Image Society “The Frame is the Keyframe” curated by Madi Pillar
2015 - “Mountain Art” - Walter Phillips Gallery, Banff Centre, AB (Hart to Heart interactive S3D installation)
2015 - “In It” VR showcase – Confluence Gallery, Emily Carr University, Vancouver, BC (Hart to Heart interactive S3D installation) curated by Maria Lantin
2015 - “Disruption” ISEA (International Symposium of Electronic Arts) Vancouver, BC (Hart to Heart and projection intérieure projection interactive S3D demonstration)
2014 – “Photographers of Scotia Waterous” – Whyte Gallery, Banff, AB (black and white photography) curated by Peter Duthie and Craig Richards
2014 – “Inner Walls / Murs Intérieures” – Nuit Blanche; Whitehorse (anaglyph S3D print installations, “le chevalet” and others) Curated by Monique Romeiko and Aimee Robinson
2013 – “Le Chevalet” - Onde de Choc, Centre d’Arts du Yukon, Whitehorse, YT (anaglyph phantogram installation). Curated by L’AFY
2013 - “Cascadia” - The Reach Gallery (Featuring installation from Remote Sensibility V and VI) Abbotsford, BC crated by Scott Marsden
2012 - Contact Ouest - Whitehorse Yukon (Remote Sensibility artist talk and studio visit)
2012 – invitation “Machine Wilderness” - ISEA2012 Albuquerque, New Mexico (Remote Sensibility S3D artist’s presentation) - cancelled due conflict with Contact Ouest
2012 - “International Polar Year Montreal” - Palais de Congres, Montreal, QC (S3D parallelogram installation, S3D video installation)
2012 - “Untrue North”, Yukon Arts Center Gallery, Whitehorse, YT (Remote Sensibility VI stereo 3D parallelogram installation) curated by Earl Miller
2010 - “Electric Fields”, Art Engine, Ottawa, ON - (Remote Sensibility V stereoscopic video installation) curated by Ryan Stec
2009 - “Stereo”, Interactive Futures 09 - (Remote Sensibility V stereoscopic video installation) curated by Maria Lantin
2007 - “[un] occuppied spaces”, Artivistic, Montreal, QC (photography, text, stereoscopic photography, video installation)
2007 - “Polar Artists Group” McMichael Gallery, Bond House Gallery ON (mono and stereo photography)
2006 - “From These Hands” Yukon Arts Center (YAC) Public Gallery, Whitehorse, YT (stereoscopic photo montage)
2005 - “Life of Water” (curated by PhotoSensitive) Allen Lambert Galleria, Toronto (photography)
2005 - “Begin, Began, Begun” (Optic Nerve, Banff Center) Other Gallery with Jane Kline (multimedia)
2004 - “Three Rivers: Wild Waters, Sacred Places” YAC Grotto Gallery, Whitehorse (photography) with Fritz Mueller and Courtney Milne
2003 - “Realism and Reality” YAC Grotto Gallery, Whitehorse (photography)
2002 - 10th Anniversary Exhibit, YAC Gallery, Whitehorse (photography, painting)
2002 - “Brave New Works” Guild Theatre, Whitehorse, YT (“Reality Check”; “Moon Time Line” experimental video)
2001 - “Yukon Print Exhibition” YAC Gallery, Whitehorse (lithography)
2000 - “Convergence” Yukon Arts Center Gallery, Whitehorse (photography)
1999 - “Brave New Works”, Guild Theatre, Whitehorse, YT (“Arctic Silence” multimedia: photography, drawing, painting, lithography, poetry, music)
1999 - “Self” Studio Gallery, Whitehorse (painting/photography/sculpture)
1992 - “This Time, This Place” Yukon Arts Center Gallery, Whitehorse (photography)
Collaborative Media Art, Performance, Design, Presentations
2018 - “Can You See the Beauty” 2D and 3D dance and music video, directed by Nicole Edwards, in collaboration with Micha St. Pierre (dance) and Marten Berkman (camera, dop, sound and post production)
2017 – “Perceptions, Perspectives” – video artist with Lucie Desaulniers (singer song writer), Lea Roy (dance), Marie-Helene Comeau (visual artist), Oliver de Colombel (composer, musician) for group performance, at Onde de Choc (Yukon Arts Centre)
2017 – “From the North” – projection designer in collaboration with musicians and dancers, multi northern artist music and dance performance (presentations YT, NWT, NU, QC, ON, BC)
2017 – “Map of the Land, Map of the Stars” – projection designer (multi channel mapped projections), Gwaandak Theatre, presented in Whitehorse, YT, and ON, BC
2014 – “projection intérieure projection” – with Baptiste Bohelay, IF14 (Interactive Futures 2014) More Than Human Worlds Emily Carr University Intersectional Digital Studios (interactive stereo 3D video installation)
2014 – “Begin You Again” – with 001 Collective – Yukon Arts Centre Old Firehall (live video, interactive video, performance, S3D video projection)
2014 – “projection intérieure projection” – with Baptiste Bohelay, the Edge Gallery, Arts Underground (interactive stereo 3D video installation) Whitehorse , Yukon
2014 – “Release” – with Helen O’Connor, Yukon Arts Centre Gallery (fibre art video animation installation)
2013 – “Songs for All Beings” – with Jennifer Berezan, San Francisco (landscape photography and video for live performance)
2011 – “G.I.T.A. God in the Army” theatrical performance with multimedia - Yukon Arts Centre Theatre, Whitehorse, Yukon (multiple projector/screen real time video and stills with digital and analogue treatments)
2010 – “Light, Wind and Water” with Helen O’Connor – Arts Underground, Whitehorse (artist performance video installation on hand made paper)
2010 - “Praises for the World” by Jennifer Berezan, Joanna Macey - Yukon Arts Centre (video/multimedia for live performance)
2010 - Vancouver 2010 Olympics, “Yukon One Word” directed by Celia McBride - BC Place (video/multimedia for live performance)
2010 - Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Yukon First Nations “Our Journey” directed by Alejandro Ronceria - Aboriginal Pavillion (full dome video and backdrop video/multimedia for live performance)
2008 - “Into the Big Wild” (video/multimedia for live performance) Yukon Arts Centre
2000 - 2004 - “On Yukon Time” Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal (various artists) commissioned by Yukon Government for Rendezvous Canada (multiscreen multimedia for live performance)
1995 - “Celebration of Swans” Jerry Alfred (photography and image sequencing for concert performance)
1993 - 1996 - "Yukon Wild" Matthew Lien (photography and image sequencing for concert performance)
1994 - “Land[e]scapes” by Leslie Hamson (photography, image design, sequencing for theatre, Jessie Award nominee)
1993 - “Running on Frozen Air” by Gord McCall (photography, image design and sequencing for theatre)
Collections
Yukon College Centre for Northern Innovation in Mining – “Boundary Ranges”; “Fire and Ice”; “Pillar of Light” (multi panel large format fine art photography) 2017
Yukon Permanent Art Collection – “Pillar of Light” (landscape photograph) 2010
Canada Council Art Bank – “Snake River Stone” (photo tapestry) 2009
Cinematography: writer, producer, director, artistic director, director of photography, camera, post production
Look at my Book (TV pilot, children’s program) 26’, 2018 with Michael Brooks (writer and director) dop, c, pp
Abimes de Silence (Chasms of Silence) (experimental S3D film) 13’, 2013 w, d, a, dop, c, pp
Official Selection, Les rendezvous du Cinema Quebecois 2014
Passing, Slowly (drama) 3’, 2009 w, p, d, a, dop, c, pp (commissioned for 10 North, 10th anniversary project of DCISFF)
Love, Emma (drama) 10’ , 2009 w, dop, c, pp
Official Selection, Planet in Focus 2009
Cascade de lumière (experimental docu-drama) 23’, 2008 p,d,w,a,dop,c,pp
Official selection, Rendezvous du Cinema Quebecoise 2008; Vancouver international Mountain Film Fest; Moondance; Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Fest, broadcast on PBS; Winner, second place, MITY award, Dawson City International Short Film Festival
Adrenaline Bach (experimental, National Film Board of Canada) 2007 w,d,dop,c
Official selection Montreal International Film Festival
Three Rivers (documentary, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) 20’, 2004; w,d,a,dop,c,pp
Honourable Mention, Environment category, WaterWalker FF, Ottawa 2005
Certificate of Merit, NatureScreen , World Wilderness Congress, Anchorage 2005
Additional Screenings:
ReelHeART Film Fest (Toronto);
Global Art FF (Sacramento, Los Angeles, New York, San Juan, Rio de Janeiro);
Doc Screens (Vancouver)
Mothers Day (drama, Richard Lawrence) 9’, 2004; dop
Winner MITY Award, Dawson City International Short Film Festival 2005
Yukon Quest 2004 (documentary, Yukon Quest International) 9 ’, 50’, 2004; w,p,d,a,dop,c,pp
Selection for Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2004-2005; Montreal International Adventure Film Fest 2005; Broadcast ongoing on Pet Network and iChannel
On Yukon Time (Yukon Tourism; Calgary, Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver, Montreal) various, 2000-2004; p,d,a,dop,c,pp
Beaver River (documentary, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) 10’, 2003 a,pp
Reality Check; Moon Time Line (art videos, Marten Berkman) 2’, 2002 p,d,a,dop,c,pp
Santa Lucia (drama, Richard Lawrence) 6’, 2002; dop,c
Wind River (documentary, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society) 10’, 2002; d,a,dop,c,pp
This Too Shall Pass; Mending Enchainement; Four Fridas (dance video, Link Dance Company) 4’, 2001; dop,c,pp
Still Photography for Film:
Anash and the Legacy of Sunrock (animated television series) Director Carol Geddes, APTN (2007)
Northern Town (comedy television series) Director Gary Burns, CBC (2005)
Three Rivers: wild waters, sacred places (documentary) CPAWS (2004)
Yukon Quest (documentary) YQ (2004)
Mothers Day (drama) Richard Lawrence (2003)
Cross Cultural Sensitivity (documentary) Palladium (2003)
Husky Don’t Cry (MOW) Director Tomy Wigand (2000)
Sorel: Work, Sorel: Play (commercial) Director Ron Chapman (1998)
First Lady of the Yukon (video documentary) (1997)
Tax Tales (TV drama) PM Jacquie Fitzgerald (1996)
Cold Heart of a Killer (MOW) PM Joan Carson (1995)
Books
(exclusive)
“Chasms of Silence” (Berkman, Folio Gallery/ Waterous, 1999, ISBN 0-9680175-4-1):
limited edition portfolio of high arctic black and white landscape photography, with a foreword by poet and novelist Anne Michaels (finalist, Banff Mountain Book Awards, 2000)
(contributor)
Life of Water (Photosensitive, 2005, ISBN 0-9687061-1-8)
Three Rivers: the Yukon’s Great Boreal Wilderness (Harbour Publishing, 2005, ISBN 1-55017-365-0/978-1-55017-365-9)
Rendezvous With the Wild: The Boreal Forest (Raffan, Boston Mills Press, 2004, ISBN: 1550464221)
Three Rivers: wild waters, sacred places (YAC Public Art gallery, 2004, ISBN: 0-9699219-4-2)
Teaching/Mentorship
Videography – DOP pointers with the Panasonic C100: for Yukon Film Society
Stereo 3D photography and video – artist in residence, workshops: for Atlin Arts and Music Festival (2015)
Stereo 3D video – process and presence: for Sandra Semchuk, visual artist, Associate Professor, Visual Art and Material Practices, Emily Carr University (2013)
Awards/Scholarships/Residencies
2018 – Yukon Advanced Artist Award
2015 – Artist in Residence, Atlin Arts and Music Festival
2013 – Yukon Advanced Artist Award
2010 – National Film Board of Canada Cookin’ Creative Program
2010 – Canada Council for the Arts New Media Grant
2008 – Yukon Mis en Scene dramatic film production program
2006 – National Film Board of Canada Northern Sights Short Film Production competition
2006 – Canada Council for the Arts New Media Grant
2005 – Banff Centre Scholarship: Optic Nerve thematic artist’s residency
2005 – World Wilderness Congress Certificate of Merit - “Three Rivers: wild waters, sacred places”
2005 – Waterwalker Film Festival Honourable Mention - “Three Rivers: wild waters, sacred places”
2005 – Yukon Film Maker’s Fund
2003 – Yukon Arts Fund
2003 – Yukon Film Maker’s Fund
1992 – Yukon Advanced Artist’s Award
1990 – Arctic Awareness Grant (Canada Council, Polar Continental Shelf Project)
Employment
2010 – present: media producer (part time) – Government of Yukon, Department of Tourism and Culture
Affiliations
Memoire de l’Avénir (Arts et Société, Paris)
YFS (Yukon Film Society)
YAAW (Yukon Artists at Work)
A selection of explorations, 1981-2017
2018 – overland (trekking) Boundary Ranges alpine, Yukon
2017 – Overland (trekking), Bock’s Lake, St Elias Mountains, Yukon
2016 – River journey (raft), Bonnet Plume River, Yukon
2015 – River Journey (canoe), Blackstone River, Yukon
2015 – River Journey (canoe), Yukon River, Yukon
2015 – Overland (trekking) Chilkoot Trail, Alaska-Yukon
2014 – River Journey (canoe), 30 Mile/Yukon River, Yukon
2011 – River Journey (raft), Hart River, Yukon
2010 – Overland (trekking) Chilkoot Trail, Alaska-Yukon
2010 – Overland (trekking, skiing, paddling) Primrose Lake, Yukon
2009 – Overland (skiing, snow machine) Rose lake, Yukon
2008 – Overland (trekking) Primrose Lake, Yukon
2007 – Overland (trekking), Cumberland Peninsula, Baffin Island, Nunavut
2006 – Overland (trekking), British Mountains, Ivvavik NP, Yukon
2004 – River journey (canoe), Wind River, Yukon
2003 – River journey (raft), Firth river, Ivvavik NP, Yukon
2003 – River journey (canoe), Snake river, Yukon
2002 – River journey (canoe), Wind River, Yukon
2001 – River journey (raft), Firth river, Ivvavik NP, Yukon
2001 – River journey (canoe), Coal River, SE Yukon
2000 – River journey (canoe), Nisutlin River, SE Yukon
1999 – Saltwater expedition (kayak), Sea of Cortez, Mexico
1998 – Overland (land cruiser, horseback, boat), Zimbabwe-Botswana-Namibia, Africa
1997 – River journey (raft), Alsek River, Yukon
1996 – River journey (canoe), Wolf River, SE Yukon
1994 – Ski traverse, Boundary Ranges, Yukon
1994 – River journey (canoe), Nahanni River, NWT
1993 – Alpine ski traverse, Eclipse Plateau, St Elias mountains, Yukon
1992 – Ocean journey (kayak), Glacier bay, Alaska
1992 – River journey (kayak), Tatshenshini River, Yukon, BC, Alaska
1991 – River (kayak) and desert journeys, Chilean and Argentinian Patagonia
1990 – Overland (trekking) expeditions, Ellesmere and Baffin Islands, Nunavut.
1987 – Overland (trekking) and climbing, Chile and Argentina
1986 – Overland (trekking), McDonnel Ranges, Australia
1985 – Canadian-Polish Winter climbing expedition, Cho Oyu, Nepal-Chinese Himalaya
1984 – Overland (trekking) and climbing, Baffin Island, Nunavut
1983 – Overland (trekking) and climbing, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
1982 – Overland (trekking) and climbing, Cordillera Blanca, Peru
1981 – Overland (trekking), Himalayas, Pokhara to Thorung La, Nepal
pre-1981 – living and working in Sri Lanka (Canada World Youth); travels in Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, Israel, Egypt
In 1965 when I was four years old, my folks bought a farm in the Green Mountains south of our home in Montreal. Very precious to grow up in these woods, fields and wetlands, where I discovered this larger community of life that we are a part of. This wonder has shaped my life, and my work, ever since.
Insights into “nature” have been in places as ordinary as the freshwater spring on the farm, teeming with life. They have also been found where the elements almost eliminate life except in its most tenacious and robust forms: the Andes, Kalahari, Himalayas, arctic. And at the other end of the spectrum, I have been inspired where human life gathers and forms its most complex organisation and extremes of the human condition: the heart of our urban culture. I am fascinated by our ancient relationship with the Earth, and how our very nature may or may not put us at odds with this planet. How does our creative and industrious nature balance with the rest of nature? The artistic practice this has inspired is about the duality (or illusion of it) between the natural and manufactured worlds: the ecology of our perception.
Ultimately my journey has taken me to the Yukon. Here I live with my family,
and my studio, upstream from Whitehorse.
- marten berkman
Bio (see cv below)
Marten is a visual artist, film maker and photographer living with his family and practicing his art in the boreal forest upstream from Whitehorse, Yukon in Canada's subarctic. With an artistic practice inspired by the land and our relationship with it, Marten creates digital canvases of our inner and outer geographies. From a background in drawing, painting, printmaking and photography, his media have evolved to include film making, moving image, interactivity, and stereo 3D video installation. His works have appeared locally, nationally and internationally in print, theatres, galleries, festivals (Planet in Focus, Interactive Futures, Electric Fields, ISEA) and conferences (International Polar Year, World Humanities Conference). Work with his clients and partners have ranged from photography for Canadian Geographic magazine, HD and full dome video production for Yukon and Yukon First Nations at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, to photography and film production for the National Film Board of Canada. He is regularly engaged as video designer for live performance in music, theatre and dance, and has been commissioned to author his own works for Yukon Film Society and TAIS Frame Anomalies. A project currently in development entitled Remote Sensibility VIII: the ecology of perception, inspired by the Yukon's Peel watershed, merges visual art, performance and film.
Services
Marten has extensive stock photography of arctic and boreal habitats, and is commissioned to photograph the land and activities on it for NGO’s, governments, industries and publications. He serves as director of photography and camera operator for corporate, documentary and dramatic video productions, and provides post production services in sound and video editing. He is commissioned by the film industry as stills photographer for documentary and dramatic productions taking place in the north, and has recently been engaged part time as Supervisor, Photography, Government of Yukon.
photography by Bruce Barret
photography by Christian Kuntz
