Paintings by Oscar Martinez Explore Dreams, Memories

As a child in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Oscar Martinez loved to explore the river behind his home. His animated description of the "butterflies, birds, water, sounds and smells" of the forest evoke a natural wonderland. His work is clearly inspired by the lush colors and natural forms of what he calls "my little paradise on earth." Oscar-Martinez

The shock of isolation he experienced upon moving to the states at age 13, contrasted with the idyllic memories of his childhood, established a polarity that he explores at length in Isolation of Being on exhibit at Lubeznik Center for the Arts through November 7.

An accomplished artist who has had numerous group and solo exhibitions, Martínez resides in Chicago where he has been actively involved in the Chicago mural movement. Appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois to the Illinois Arts Council, he served as chair of Media Arts. He has served on various boards and commissions including as President of the Latino Institute of Chicago and founder of the Latin American Museum of Art.

His work has been exhibited in the Museum of Bellas Artes and the National Historical Museum in Mexico, the Field Museum of Chicago, the State of Illinois Museum in Springfield and its gallery in Chicago at the State of Illinois Building.

Oscar Martinez: Isolation of Being will run from September 18−November 7. Meet the artist at the free opening reception on September 25 from 6−8 p.m. (Chicago Time)

Additional events of interest include:

September 28−October 28
In the Shadow of Cortés: From Veracruz to Mexico City
History and art collide in this exhibit featuring the work of historian and author Kathleen Ann Myers and former National Geographic photographer Steve Raymer.

November 5, 5−8 p.m. (Chicago Time)
FREE First Fridays @ 5: El Día de los Muertos
Help us build an Ofrenda (altar) honoring the deceased by adding photos, candles, flowers, sugar skulls, favorite music or foods as we celebrate the season with art activities, music, refreshments and more!

lubeznik-center-for-the-artsThe Lubeznik Center is located at 101 W. 2nd St., at the lakefront in Michigan City, IN. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am to 5:00pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm. Galleries are closed on Mondays. For more information please visit www.lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900. All times are based on Chicago time.