Jesus Falls Again Painting

Harry Martinez is the embodiment of passion and creativity. Born in Cuba, as a "child of the revolution" he traveled to America with his family at the age of 3. Under the guidance of his maternal grandmother, who was an easel painter, and his grandfather, an academic and lawyer, his exposure to the arts was instantaneous. After graduating from highschool, Harry trained extensively in drawing and painting under the tutelage of Cuban master Emilio Falero. Thereupon he traveled to New Orleans, graduating from Loyola University in 1982 with a degree in English Literature. After exhibiting in group shows with significant Cuban American artists during the early 1980's, Harry was given an Award of Merit at the 31st Hortt Memorial Exhibition in 1989. His painting Miami Gothic formed part of the museum's permanent collection. Harry pursued further education in his 30's attending the College of Design Architecture Art & Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati. He graduated in 1996 with majors in Design and Art. During his last year he was able to travel through Europe as part of his academic course work, acquainting himself with influential movements in Art and Architecture. These have become essential to his formation as an artist and designer. Significantly, during the last 15 years he has dedicated himself to the modernization and revival of the ancient medium of encaustic painting. With it's rigorous and demanding modus operandi, the exploration of this medium has become instrumental to his current personal expression. His paintings exhibit a complexity and layering that reflect a preoccupation with mysticism and the esoteric. Moving back and forth between abstract and figurative subjects, the body of his work reflects transcendence and surrealism, both powerful elucidations of his bi-cultural heritage.