Artist Statement

Mario Daniel Martinez’s work reflects his journey. Born and raised in Miami, he now finds his artistic roots in the diverse community of the Bronx. His art encapsulates the intricate dance between cultural heritage and urban life, navigating the liminal spaces of identity. As a first-generation Cuban-American artist, he weaves narratives of familial roots and societal intersections through the alchemy of mixed media, inviting viewers to connect with his unique perspective.

Martinez’s artistic process is a fusion of the old and the new, blending traditional and contemporary techniques to create a unique visual language. He marries photographic elements with hand-drawn images on light-sensitive materials, a process that mirrors the complexity of cultural experiences. The marriage of photographic paper, chemicals, and the meticulous art of screen-printing results in a visual language that is as intriguing as it is unique, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the layers of his art.

Martinez’s art is a visual memoir, inviting viewers into the nuanced spaces where ancestral, historical, cultural, and societal narratives converge. Through his lens, Martinez seeks to challenge preconceived notions, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexity of identity and the richness that emerges from embracing diverse influences.

In essence, Martinez’s work explores the hybrid, celebrating the multifaceted layers of the Afro-Cuban American experience.