Narsiso Martinez, Always Fresh, 2018.
Ink, charcoal, gouache, gold leaf, collage on reclaimed produce boxes.
92 1/2 x 278 inches (234.95 x 706.12 cm).
Narsiso Martinez, Always Fresh, 2018. Ink, charcoal, gouache, gold leaf, collage on reclaimed produce boxes. 92 1/2 x 278 inches (234.95 x 706.12 cm). Photo © 2019 Michael Underwood.
Photo 2019 Michael Underwood.
Immigrant farmworkers make up an estimated73% of agriculture workersin the United States, and their labor is essential.
Many times, they do so under harsh conditions, working long hours forlittle pay.
Narsiso Martinez, Unlimited Edition, 2023. Triptych: Ink, charcoal, and simple leaf on berry boxes. Each: 15 x 10 x 4 1/2 inches (38.1 x 25.4 x 11.43 cm). Photo © 2023 Spike Mafford.
Aiming to spotlight their plights, artistNarsiso Martinezturns produce boxes into canvases for mixed-media portraits of immigrant field workers.
By repurposing these objects, the artist reminds the viewer of fellow humans putting food on the table.
Working in the agricultural fields shaped my art from the beginning, he tells My Modern Met.
Narsiso Martinez, Golden Crop, 2021. Ink, gouache, charcoal, and acrylics on juice carton. 11 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches (29.84 x 38.73 cm). Photo © 2021 Yubo Dong.
While in grad school, I realized art is a powerful tool one can use to express ones voice.
The first produce boxes came from Costco via my sister, Martinez says.
I would not paint on the labels yet though.
Narsiso Martinez, Checker Leading the Crowd, 2023. Charcoal and simple leaf on produce cardboard. 23 1/2 x 15 inches (59.69 x 38.1 cm). Photo © 2023 Yubo Dong.
I started painting on the illustration side during my second semester in grad school.
And so, lightning struck for him, aided by his masterful illustration and painting techniques.
I wouldnt say [it’s] challenging, but it is more so a process of discovery.
Narsiso Martinez, Nature’s Candy Picker, 2023. Ink, gouache, charcoal, and simple leaf in cherry box. 23 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 6 inches (59.69 x 39.37 x 15.24 cm). Photo © 2023 Yubo Dong.
I enjoy accidents and chances.
At least thats what Im striving for because what they do for the country is really important.
Narsiso Martinez, Unlimited Edition, 2023.
Narsiso Martinez, With Care, 2020. Ink, gouache, charcoal, and matte gel on found produce box. 35 x 38 inches (88.9 x 96.52 cm). Photo © 2020 Joshua Schaedel.
Triptych: Ink, charcoal, and simple leaf on berry boxes.
Each: 15 x 10 x 4 1/2 inches (38.1 x 25.4 x 11.43 cm).
Photo 2023 Spike Mafford.
Narsiso Martinez, Nature’s Candy Picker, 2023. Ink, gouache, charcoal, and simple leaf in cherry box. 23 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 6 inches (59.69 x 39.37 x 15.24 cm). Photo © 2023 Yubo Dong.
Narsiso Martinez, Golden Crop, 2021.
Ink, gouache, charcoal, and acrylics on juice carton.
11 3/4 x 15 1/4 inches (29.84 x 38.73 cm).
Narsiso Martinez, Checker Leading the Crowd, 2023. Charcoal and simple leaf on produce cardboard. 23 1/2 x 15 inches (59.69 x 38.1 cm). Photo © 2023 Yubo Dong.
Photo 2021 Yubo Dong.
Narsiso Martinez, Checker Leading the Crowd, 2023.
Charcoal and simple leaf on produce cardboard.
Narsiso Martinez, Checker Leading the Crowd, 2023. Charcoal and simple leaf on produce cardboard. 23 1/2 x 15 inches (59.69 x 38.1 cm). Photo © 2023 Yubo Dong.
23 1/2 x 15 inches (59.69 x 38.1 cm).
Photo 2023 Yubo Dong.
Narsiso Martinez, Nature’s Candy Picker, 2023.
Ink, gouache, charcoal, and simple leaf in cherry box.
23 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 6 inches (59.69 x 39.37 x 15.24 cm).
Photo 2023 Yubo Dong.
Narsiso Martinez, With Care, 2020.
Ink, gouache, charcoal, and matte gel on found produce box.
35 x 38 inches (88.9 x 96.52 cm).
Photo 2020 Joshua Schaedel.
Narsiso Martinez:Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
