September 26, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Sponsored by Ira & Carole Cohen/UBS Financial, AGM Community Partners, and Kern Family Health Care.
The Exhibit
Artmaking is a revelatory process; the act of creating becomes a tool for self-expression, discovery, and the search for identity. Throughout his life, Cesar Martinez felt isolated, largely due to his inability to speak Spanish and a pervasive feeling of not quite fitting into either Mexican or American culture. This disconnection persisted until he began to delve deeper into his heritage, guided by the influence of cultural advisor and Danza leader Xico Garza, who introduced him to Aztec traditions and blessings. Through these interactions, Martinez started to weave elements of Mayan and Aztec iconography into his work, gradually finding pride in his roots and a clearer sense of self.
Cesar Martinez, “Drink Cultura,” 2024, House paint, acrylic paint, spray paint and crayon on paper on canvas, 48” x 36,” Courtesy of the Artist. Photo courtesy of Jennifer-Williams Cordova
The turning point in this journey came with the discovery of Jose Antonio Burciaga’s book Drink Cultura: Chicanismo. The book resonated deeply with the artist, articulating the complexities of the Chicano experience in a way that was both relatable and illuminating. It provided the missing pieces to his understanding, helping him to reconcile his feelings of cultural juxtaposition and recognize himself as a Mexican-American, or Chicano. This revelation was transformative, allowing him to embrace his dual identity and infuse his work with a renewed sense of purpose.
Heavily influenced by these two factors, Martinez sought to capture this odyssey through vivid paintings that celebrate indigenous iconography while addressing the struggles and triumphs of navigating between two cultures. The artwork not only highlights the artist’s journey to find his place within his heritage, but also reflects the broader Chicano experience of balancing and integrating disparate cultural influences while provoking critical reflection on current cultural and societal challenges. Through these pieces, the artist conveys a message of pride and resilience, finding beauty in the space between cultures, and utilizing art to spark important conversations about social issues, providing a platform for dialogue and exchange.
Gallery Card
Artist Biography
Cesar Martinez, Artist. Photo by Jennifer Williams Cordova
Cesar Martinez is a self-taught artist from Porterville, California. His interest in art was piqued when he saw a photos of Pablo Picasso's Guernica; he felt a connection to that piece and sought to replicate it. Researching the famous artist, Martinez found Picasso’s famous quote, “Learn the rules like a pro, so that you can break them like an artist,” a directive that would guide Martinez’ own work.
Martinez began to research anatomy, read books about drawing, but the connection he felt by viewing Guernica eluded him.
His research led him to the work of Neo-expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Martinez found in Basquiat a clear visual language: Martinez understood Basquiat’s work and the work understood Martinez. From that moment on, he began painting. In his work, anatomy, cave paintings, symbolism, literature, and music, combine to create a visual language that speaks to social and political issues that cut across cultural lines. to speak about current topics and pressing issues.
Images
Events
Exhibition Tours
Free with your BMoA Membership
Docent-led except where noted . Reservations are recommended
October 26 | 11:00 AM
November 16 | 11:00 AM
November 22 | 6:30 PM (Curator Led)
December 13 | 6:30 PM (Artist Led)
December 21 | 11:00 AM
January 4, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Artists on Artists: Jacqueline Valenzuela & Cesar Martinez
Saturday, December 14
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
$20 non-members | $10 senior/students | FREE to BMoA Members
As part of Bakersfield's Second Saturday programming join artists Jacqueline Valenzuela from Con Safos, Con Fuerza and Cesar Martinez from Drink Cultura in Artists on Artists, as they engage in an intimate one-on-one discussion about their craft and work, providing insight into their creative process and how their work plays a crucial role in not only the perception of their personal backgrounds but also the communities they represent.
Image Credit: Cesar Martinez, “1 strangled 1 stoned,” 2024, House paint, acrylic paint, spray paint, paint stick, dirt, and bottle caps on canvas, 61” x 66,” Courtesy of the Artist. Photo courtesy of Jennifer-Williams Cordova