Recommendations of Knox Martin

Three letters spanning twenty-six years from the New York master Knox Martin — Ben's teacher, friend, and lifelong champion.

Mr. Ben Lau is one of the most talented artists that I know. In my six years as assistant professor at Yale University Graduate School of Art, followed by a tour of lecturing at major universities looking at artists' work, the above holds true.

Mr. Lau's work is what many artists dream to attain. Mr. Lau does it consistently as a matter of course. That is to create freely with inventions, surprise, quality and freshness.

I recommend Mr. Lau above any other artists in his promise of greatness and his accomplishment at present.

Knox Martin October 12, 1976

Knox Martin's 1976 letter, page 1 — Letter scan, page 1 — October 1976

Knox Martin's 1976 letter, page 2 — Letter scan, page 2

Mr. Lau, in my considered opinion, is truly one of the greatest artists of our time, unknown, unsung … My enthusiasm is expressed as conservatively as I can manage.

Knox Martin 1988

Knox Martin's 1988 letter — Letter scan — 1988

I saw Mr. Lau's works some twenty-odd years ago — as an instructor at the Art Students League, N.Y.C. I knew instantly that Ben Lau was one of the very rare beings who is a natural artist; one endowed with an intuitive sense of art. Any few strokes the man makes is art at its prime flame. An inexplicable connection that bypasses the cognitive straight to the stuff of creation — it all continues from the heart of Ben Lau, the real thing.

Knox Martin September 29, 2002

Knox Martin's 2002 letter — Letter scan — September 2002

Knox Martin (1923–2022) was an American painter, sculptor, and muralist who taught at the Art Students League of New York for more than half a century. He was Ben Lau's teacher and friend from 1976 onward.