Born in Saskatchewan, Canada, Agnes Martin moved to the United States in 1931 to pursue her education, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 1950. She established her artistic practice in New York City, where she became deeply involved in the modern art scene and began developing her distinct approach to abstraction.

Martin is best known for her large-scale canvases featuring delicate, hand-drawn grids and horizontal stripes. Her work, often described as an essay in discretion and silence, utilizes a restrained aesthetic to explore themes of inwardness and emotional resonance. While frequently categorized as a minimalist, she maintained an affinity for the principles of abstract expressionism.

Her legacy continues to influence contemporary discourse on minimalism and abstract painting. Her works remain staples in major international museum collections, serving as a foundational reference for artists exploring the intersection of geometry and meditative practice.