2020 was an extremely unfortunate year for a number of reasons — from early tragic events, political polarization regarding the presidential election, to of course the perils of the COVID pandemic. Patrick Martinez was one of the many artists around the world who used the past year to survey cultural loss in communities of color, along with accountability and to demand transparency from figures in power.
Martinez has assembled this exploration into a new body of work, entitled “Look What You Created” at the Tucson Museum of Art. The title of the show is ambiguous in the sense that it challenges fixed power systems and the democratic ideals that they are supposed to represent. Working across painting and mixed media applications, such as readily available neon signage, the artist uses these recognizable objects to speak on matters of equity, humanity and connection.
In 2020, Martinez spoke to HYPEBEAST on how he chose to memorialize the likes of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Aubery in his art in an attempt to show their importance, in contrast to the historically “important” people, such as presidents and members of the bourgeoise.
As his first show in the American Southwest, “Patrick Martinez: Look What You Created” will be on view at the Tucson Museum of Art from November 4 to April 24.
Elsewhere, Peter Finer presents “Mythical Beasts and Worldly Creatures.”.
Tucson Museum of Art
140 N Main Ave,
Tucson, AZ 85701
