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César A. Martínez: Smoke and Mirrors

Past exhibition
October 24 - November 30, 2024 San Antonio
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Overview
Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
Installation image by Charlie Kitchen

Ruiz-Healy Art is pleased to present César A. Martínez: Smoke & Mirrors, on view at our San Antonio gallery from October 24th to November 30th, 2024. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, October 24th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A fully illustrated catalogue will be published alongside an essay written by Santos G. Martinez Jr., curator of the landmark 1977 Houston Contemporary Arts Museum exhibition Dále Gas: Chicano Art of Texas. Smoke & Mirrors marks the artist's third solo exhibition with the gallery.

 

César A. Martínez: Smoke & Mirrors encompasses several of the artist's most acclaimed series, Bato/Pachuco, Serape, and Collage, and will highlight the varied range of mediums, experimentation, and innovation used by Martínez throughout his over fifty-year career. Historical and newer created works will be presented; Acrylic paintings, linoleum relief prints, watercolor paintings, and drawings will be exhibited. Santos G. Martinez Jr. stated, “Since those early years, the artist has remained true to his cultural roots. He is best known for his artistic exploration of various culturally inspired themes, which inform his art-making in a range of media; among them, south Texas landscapes, mestizaje, folklore, toros, collages, serapes, and, of course, his signature, iconic Bato/Pachuco Series. Heritage, identity, and his vast historical knowledge form the connective tissue that is the basis of his body of work produced throughout the course of these past five decades.” 

 

Martínez employs abstraction and color as essential tools across his opus. These principles allowed him to break away from the older Chicano art canon, largely about representation, by deconstructing and reclaiming Chicano motifs, such as the serape and step pyramid. This can be seen in his 1980s work, Papalote, where the artist refracts a serape through a kaleidoscope, amplifying the simplicity of the bold colors and blunt lines. “In 1977, the artist began experimenting to find a suitable format for what eventually would become his signature Bato/Pachuco Series.  What started out strictly as a focus on the street fashion or zoot suit of the 1940s’ pachuco generation, rapidly evolved to include the contemporary street scene and popular culture of the batos and rucas from the barrio.  This remarkable, creative endeavor with broad resonance, consisting of paintings, drawings, and prints, has been ongoing. Through the years, it has become iconic and carries immense cultural significance,” explains Santos G. Martinez Jr. 

 

Martínez’s Collage series draws inspiration from Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca’s South Texas journey. The artist crafts a narrative that resonates with stories of human survival and endurance told in ancient steles by incorporating elements of Native American rock art and Mesoamerican visual traditions in his collage work. Echoes of Martínez’s passion for bullfighting are also seen throughout Smoke & Mirrors. His first introduction to matador culture was around age five when the young artist was taken to Nuevo Laredo’s Plaza de Toros, equally horrified and amazed by the grand spectacle. He spent his teenage years training with bullfighters in Nuevo Laredo but never pursued the profession.

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Works
  • César A. Martínez Bato Con Raincoat, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 44 x 40 in 111.8 x 101.6 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Bato Con Raincoat, 2024
    Acrylic on canvas
    44 x 40 in
    111.8 x 101.6 cm
  • César A. Martínez Papalote, 1980 Acrylic on canvas 50 x 50 in 127 x 127 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Papalote, 1980
    Acrylic on canvas
    50 x 50 in
    127 x 127 cm
  • César A. Martínez Guadalupe G., 2012 Acrylic on muslin 28 x 28 in 71.1 x 71.1 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Guadalupe G., 2012
    Acrylic on muslin
    28 x 28 in
    71.1 x 71.1 cm
  • César A. Martínez Poncho, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 54 x 44 in 137.2 x 111.8 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Poncho, 2024
    Acrylic on canvas
    54 x 44 in
    137.2 x 111.8 cm
  • César A. Martínez The Scream in South Texas: La Llorona, 1992 Mixed media on metal and wood 24.75 x 42.75 in 62.9 x 108.6 cm
    César A. Martínez
    The Scream in South Texas: La Llorona, 1992
    Mixed media on metal and wood
    24.75 x 42.75 in
    62.9 x 108.6 cm
  • César A. Martínez Simon Novoa, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 64 x 54 in 162.6 x 137.2 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Simon Novoa, 2024
    Acrylic on canvas
    64 x 54 in
    162.6 x 137.2 cm
  • César A. Martínez 1 Feb 24, 2024 Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper 22.5 x 30 in 57.1 x 76.2 cm
    César A. Martínez
    1 Feb 24, 2024
    Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper
    22.5 x 30 in
    57.1 x 76.2 cm
  • César A. Martínez 16 Dec 23, 2023 Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper 22.5 x 30 in 57.1 x 76.2 cm
    César A. Martínez
    16 Dec 23, 2023
    Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper
    22.5 x 30 in
    57.1 x 76.2 cm
  • César A. Martínez 4 Dec 23, 2023 Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper 22.5 x 30 in 57.1 x 76.2 cm
    César A. Martínez
    4 Dec 23, 2023
    Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper
    22.5 x 30 in
    57.1 x 76.2 cm
  • César A. Martínez Ofelia (16 V 23), 2023 Graphite and chalk on Stonehenge paper 15 x 11 in 38.1 x 27.9 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Ofelia (16 V 23), 2023
    Graphite and chalk on Stonehenge paper
    15 x 11 in
    38.1 x 27.9 cm
  • César A. Martínez Bato Con Raincoat, 12 V 23, 2024 Graphite and chalk on Stonehenge paper 15 x 11 in 38.1 x 27.9 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Bato Con Raincoat, 12 V 23, 2024
    Graphite and chalk on Stonehenge paper
    15 x 11 in
    38.1 x 27.9 cm
  • César A. Martínez Malintzin Reimagined, 22 VIII 24, 2024 Graphite and chalk on Stonehenge paper 15 x 11 in 38.1 x 27.9 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Malintzin Reimagined, 22 VIII 24, 2024
    Graphite and chalk on Stonehenge paper
    15 x 11 in
    38.1 x 27.9 cm
  • César A. Martínez Capote de Paseo (Ambar), 2017 Collage on paper 22.25 x 22.25in 56.5 x 56.5 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Capote de Paseo (Ambar), 2017
    Collage on paper
    22.25 x 22.25in
    56.5 x 56.5 cm
  • César A. Martínez Cabeza de Vaca Stele, 2013 Collage (darker foil is Ferrero Rocher wrappers) 44 x 22 in 111.8 x 55.9 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Cabeza de Vaca Stele, 2013
    Collage (darker foil is Ferrero Rocher wrappers)
    44 x 22 in
    111.8 x 55.9 cm
  • César A. Martínez Capote de Paseo (Lager), 2017 Collage on paper 22.25 x 22.25in 56.5 x 56.5 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Capote de Paseo (Lager), 2017
    Collage on paper
    22.25 x 22.25in
    56.5 x 56.5 cm
  • César A. Martínez Bato Rojo Lino, 1988 Linoleum reduction print 13 x 10 in 33 x 25.4 cm Edition 8 of 22
    César A. Martínez
    Bato Rojo Lino, 1988
    Linoleum reduction print
    13 x 10 in
    33 x 25.4 cm
    Edition 8 of 22
  • César A. Martínez Liz Biznaga (11Aug21), 2021 Graphite on Stonehenge paper 15 x 11 in 38.1 x 27.9 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Liz Biznaga (11Aug21), 2021
    Graphite on Stonehenge paper
    15 x 11 in
    38.1 x 27.9 cm
  • César A. Martínez Toro, 1988 Linoleum reduction print 11 x 8.5 in 27.9 x 21.6 cm 4 artist's proofs
    César A. Martínez
    Toro, 1988
    Linoleum reduction print
    11 x 8.5 in
    27.9 x 21.6 cm
    4 artist's proofs
  • César A. Martínez Toro, 1990 Watercolor on paper 10 x 7 in 25.4 x 17.8 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Toro, 1990
    Watercolor on paper
    10 x 7 in
    25.4 x 17.8 cm
  • César A. Martínez Toro, 1990 Watercolor on paper 10 x 7 in 25.4 x 17.8 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Toro, 1990
    Watercolor on paper
    10 x 7 in
    25.4 x 17.8 cm
  • César A. Martínez Toro, 1990 Watercolor on paper 10 x 7 in 25.4 x 17.8 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Toro, 1990
    Watercolor on paper
    10 x 7 in
    25.4 x 17.8 cm
  • César A. Martínez Toro Picassiano, 1988 Linoleum reduction print 13 x 10 in 33 x 25.4 cm Edition 7 of 22
    César A. Martínez
    Toro Picassiano, 1988
    Linoleum reduction print
    13 x 10 in
    33 x 25.4 cm
    Edition 7 of 22
  • César A. Martínez Serape: Pirulí 28 IX 23 (2), 2023 Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper 22.5 x 30 in 57.1 x 76.2 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Serape: Pirulí 28 IX 23 (2), 2023
    Acrylic on Arches watercolor paper
    22.5 x 30 in
    57.1 x 76.2 cm
  • César A. Martínez Three Rivers Petroglyph, 2024 Incised images on metal with object 21 x 16 in 53.3 x 40.6 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Three Rivers Petroglyph, 2024
    Incised images on metal with object
    21 x 16 in
    53.3 x 40.6 cm
  • César A. Martínez Bato con sunglasses, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 44 x 34 in 111.8 x 86.4 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Bato con sunglasses, 2024
    Acrylic on canvas
    44 x 34 in
    111.8 x 86.4 cm
  • César A. Martínez Bato con sunglasses, 2024 Acrylic on canvas 44 x 34 in 111.8 x 86.4 cm
    César A. Martínez
    Bato con sunglasses, 2024
    Acrylic on canvas
    44 x 34 in
    111.8 x 86.4 cm
Installation Views
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
  • Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
    Installation image by Charlie Kitchen
Press
  • César A. Martínez, “Bato Con Raincoat,” 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 44 x 40 inches

    Glasstire: Top Five: César A. Martínez: Smoke & Mirrors

    Glasstire, November 7, 2024
  • Works by César Martinez in his home studio. Photo by Ricardo Romo

    César Martinez’s Retrospective Show: A Tribute To A Maestro Of Chicano Art

    Dr. Ricardo Romo, Latinos in America : Substack, November 6, 2024
  • César A. Martínez, Serape: Pirulí 28 IX 23 (2), 2023, Signed lower left, dated lower right, Acrylic on Arches, watercolor paper, 22.5 x 30 in, 57.1 x 76.2 cm

    Review of “César A. Martínez: Smoke and Mirrors”

    Chris Karr , Viva Arte , November 1, 2024
  • Artist César A. Martínez sits inside Ruiz-Healy Art gallery in front of two of his latest paintings. They are part of the new exhibit "César A. Martínez: Smoke and Mirrors," which is on view through Nov. 30. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

    Chicano art pioneer Cesar A. Martínez showing new work at Ruiz-Healy

    Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, October 30, 2024
  • César A. Martínez, Papalote, 1980, Signed, titled and dated on the reverse, Dated 21 VI 80, Acrylic on canvas, 50 x 50 in, 127 x 127 cm.

    Solo exhibition of works by artist César A. Martínez opens at Ruiz-Healy Art

    artdaily, October 23, 2024
  • César A. Martínez, Simon Novoa, 2024, Acrylic on canvas, 64 x 54 in, 162.6 x 137.2 cm

    César A. Martínez: Smoke & Mirrors

    Glasstire, October 17, 2024
Publications
  • César A. Martínez: Smoke & Mirrors I Ruiz-Healy Art

    César A. Martínez: Smoke & Mirrors I Ruiz-Healy Art

    Essay by Santos G. Martinez Jr. Santos G. Martinez Jr, 2024
    Hardcover 72 pages
    Publisher: Ruiz-Healy Art
    Dimensions: 8.5"x11"
    Read more
  • Dále Gas: Chicano Art of Texas I  Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)

    Dále Gas: Chicano Art of Texas I Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)

    Curated by Santos G. Martinez Jr. I Featuring: Mel Casas and Cesar A. Martinez Santos G. Martinez Jr., 1977 Read more

Related artist

  • César A. Martínez

    César A. Martínez

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Ruiz-Healy Art, San Antonio

Open Wednesday - Saturday from 11AM to 4PM and by appointment | 210.804.2219

201-A East Olmos Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78212 

 

Ruiz-Healy Art, New York

Open Wednesday - Friday from 11AM to 5PM and by appointment | 646.833.7709

74 East 79th Street, 2D, New York, New York 10075

  

 

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