Colores Campesinos | Artworks by Lino Martinez
In borrowing art history’s articulations of moments past, Lino Martinez introspectively delves into his own intersectionality to challenge contemporary notions of community. In this time of uncertainty, Latinos in the United States face hostility and rejection, often unwelcomed in their own home.
The campesinos portrayed in each of these artworks, stand for every member of the Latino community; Mexicans, Chicanos, Hispanics, and Latinx alike, from every corner of our nation. Each serving as a reminder of the great power within our people. As it is through tireless labor that this community stays strong and thrives. The countless immigrants who call this nation and each of their colors is shown in this exhibition to call attention to the differences that unite us.
We are a nation of immigrants, a nation of workers, a nation made of countless communities that stand together to create a single whole. We are stronger together, our courage to stand with one another is what helps us make it through difficult conditions and uncertainty, with solidarity and strength.
Colores Campesinos highlights the artwork of Lino Martinez by which he bestows an intricate amount of agency onto the countless individuals he represents within this body of work. As a first-generation immigrant and Mexican artist, Martinez expresses his strong convictions concerning immigration issues today with his series Campesinos y Colores, encouraging a celebration of the great contribution brought forth by our culture.
“My earnest hope is that my creations will awaken the consciousness of Americans to the possibility of a more civil society; not one torn by racism and hate, but unified for the betterment of the future of all.”
