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Martin Moreno was born in Adrian Michigan in 1950, where he grew up speaking Spanish at home and English in school. His parents were hard working people working in the fields and in the foundries. He credits these experiences with providing much of the subject matter which he depicts in his artwork. “My earliest memories of color and rhyme are those of the fields, sitting in the back of a pickup truck watching rows upon rows of corn and tomatoes form a visual pattern of rhythm. Listening to the realities of superstition, as told by the elders, stories of the Llorona (crier), the Earth, and stories of my glorious past.” All of these images come to life in his sculpture, murals, paintings and mosaics. But beauty is not the only thing Mr. Moreno paints.
In the 30 plus years that he has been creating Art, his mission has been to enlighten the public by depicting not only the beauty of mankind but also those areas that are frequently kept hidden away. “I don’t always do pretty art, I believe it is the artist’s right, even duty, to point fingers and depict the seamier side of humanity when needed.” Some of the murals he creates, while at first glance look beautiful and carefree, are often, when looked at with a closer eye, full of images that make up our reality in the 21st century. Images of our young people giving up their lives to drugs, alcohol, and other abuses are sometimes depicted amongst the aloe vera plants that provide us with healing powers. Political statements are made in his monoprints, which spur conversation, heated or otherwise. He is also a founding member and past board member of ALAC ( Arizona Latin@ Arts and Cultural Center) established in Phoenix which is the first Latino Cultural Center in the State. Moreno was one of twelve Chicano/Latino artists selected for the “Locals Only” exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum, the exhibit is of historical importance because it is the first exhibit featuring Chicano/Latino artist in the museums history. By purchasing this art poster you would be supporting the art education of young artists of color to achieve their artistic goals. "Because Art is a joy forever" |
