Pedro Rios Martinez is a multimedia artist. His work stretches from abstract expressionism, figurative sculptures and drawing to lithography. This body of large scale oil paintings by Rios Martinez in view at the Whittier Art Gallery dates from 2009 to 2024. Rios Martinez is consistently concerned with global warming and the current political rift which took place on the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S capital.
The precursor to his Insurrection tryptic in the exhibit is Los Lagartos (The Alligators), Los Tiburones (The Sharks) and Los Lobos (The Wolfs). These paintings are metaphors for the backdoor deals between a pack of politicians interpreted as wolves in disguise and loan sharks against the interest and desire of the majority of the American people. Los Lobos is a symbolic expression when used in fables and stories is frightening and dangerous. What is trepid is Los lagartos. This creature of the water underworld with stealth and quickness and strong jaws terrifies the imagination of any close encounter with it. For it can not be seen. As a child Rios Martinez would hear his grandfather make reference to Los lagartos when someone seemed to have hidden intentions.
It is with this precursor series to his Insurrection tryptic where Rios Martinez initiates a firm political statement of protest. His sharp angles give the impression he is knifing the canvas. Los Lobos, Los Lagartos and Los Tiburones are dense impressions of nets, webs and a labyrinth mixed together. The insidious normalization of wars, of infrastructure neglect, the abuse of the people’s faith and trust to build a better and just society are strongly manifested in these paintings. The fragmentation of society by race, culture and politics is a hideous narrative fueled in the decision making chambers of power. Rios Martinez does not hesitate with energetic diagonal gestures on canvas to listen to his heart before his thoughts. He paints what he feels and does not apologize for it. Unlike many abstract artists Rios Martinez is clear with his message. He avoids the art of vagueness often associated with abstract art.
His 4 ft by 10 ft tryptic titled Insurrection is a combination between splashes, drips, and jabs of paint. It is the largest piece in the exhibition. Insurrection is an abstract mimesis of the chaos that took place during the U.S capital attack.
By manipulating splashes of red, white and blue and other colors onto canvas Rios Martinez brilliantly reveals the puppetmaster’s dog whistle message of violence to its base. The red, white and blue strokes of paint resemble shredded rags. The visible pattern is of jagged edges aimed in all directions. There is no sense of rest or tranquility in Resurrection. Everything is chaotic and violent.
Global warming has become a household topic. Its effects have impacted many regions of the world in particular the global south with record breaking heat, rain, and colder than usual temperatures. Drought, fires and flooding are frequently on the news. Rios Martinez tackles global warming by painting it. The geopolitical crisis of the early 1990s generated an interest in Rios Martinez; the need to address the destruction of the environment and the impact on the lives of people all across the world. His global warming series differs from the rest of the paintings in the exhibit. There is a visible horizon. Semi straight lines and curves are detectable.
His most powerful piece of the global warming series reflects a plume of catastrophic proportions similar to images of the atomic bombing of Nagaski and Hiroshima. The overall message could be said to be; more coolers and air conditioning units will not be enough to cool us down nor will more heaters keep us warm. Rio Martinez directs our attention to our co-responsibility with every living being on this planet.
A survivor of the Vietnam War, veteran Rios Martinez is committed to bring awareness to the younger generations. Eco-friendly policies are not enough. A new way of seeing and being is essential to curb the gradual encroachment of a foreseeable environmental disaster.
Visual Conversation is one of the most daring exhibits this summer across the County of Los Angeles. With the encouragement of art promoter John Padilla, Pedro Rios Martinez articulates his most alarming worries.
Opening Reception: August 7th, 2024 – August 17th.
