| Summary: | Martinez's latest group of paintings, many executed during the lockdown of 2020, are works in which he practically takes stock of all he has thus far achieved in his art. They reveal, too, a new mastery of his skills and ideas. The themes are still rooted in tradition and art historical precedents, yet are expressed with a contemporary sensibility. As for representational imagery and abstract principles, that dialogue continues. Martinez has returned once again to an art dominated by people, places and things. Take the heads that he has rendered in black and white. They're summarily depicted yet so familiar. Look again and you'll notice that the artist is breaking the rules of composition. In the context of so many colorful canvases, the White Outs stand out as exercises in looking as we peer to discern what has been portrayed. There are heads to decipher as well as things (flowers in a vase). Three people are seated at a table in their Sunday best. The woman has on a hat; the man is in shirtsleeves held together by cuff links. Check off two categories. They're gathered with foodstuffs arranged like still lifes.
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