New art exhibit opens at Dallas Contemporary in time for Dallas Art Fair

Patrick Martinez’s solo exhibition at Dallas Contemporary premiered the night before the Dallas Art Fair kicked off, providing staff and fellow artists with an early walkthrough the following Wednesday.

Martinez, a visual artist, aims to convey notions of beauty while acknowledging the complexities of contemporary life. Utilizing mediums such as neon, cinder blocks, plaster, wood, and vinyl, his work delves into topics such as immigration, gentrification, education, and socio-economic issues, offering perspectives from Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.

Reflecting on America’s intricate history, Martinez stresses the importance of addressing past and present challenges to facilitate progress. His Peechee fold series, inspired by vintage student folders, tackles current events, with one piece titled ‘America’s Most Violent Week,’ referencing incidents such as the Philando Castile shooting in Minnesota and the killings of police officers in Dallas.

Beyond the confines of Dallas Contemporary, Martinez’s neon installations extend to locations like a bakery in Oak Cliff and a downtown Dallas restaurant, with plans for another installation along the Katy Trail.

Titled ‘Histories,’ the exhibition coincides with the commencement of the Dallas Art Fair, a showcase of modern and contemporary art from galleries worldwide. The fair runs from April 4-7, while ‘Histories’ remains on display at Dallas Contemporary until September 1st.