Artist Spotlight: Martirene Alcantara

This week we recognize Martirene Alcantara as our client spotlight. A resident of New York, Martirene is a photographer and art director with a unique artistic style. Born in Mexico City to two fine art painters, Martirene grew up “infused by the visual world” around her and chose photography as a way to express herself. She became a full time artist in in 1991, and has gone on to become the photographer and art director of many projects in advertising, museums, art publications, and more. She has four pieces that are a part of the New York MoMA Permanent Collection. We are honored to feature Martirene and learn more about her life, her work, and her passion for art. 

Martirene has been inspired by art and photography since she was a child. “I can’t remember exactly what inspired me to become a photographer, but I do remember seeing photographs of me holding a camera since I was five years old.” Her favorite part about being a photographer is the outlet for creativity it provides. “Photography for me is an extension of me, an outlet to my creativity. To be able to capture and create things others can't see is a pleasure and a challenge.”

One of Martirene’s most doted projects is her Fading Memories series. She describes it as, “An abstract expressionist landscape that brings me back to my parent’s work, in particular a painting by my mother created back in the 80s.” Her work has been described as “a convergence zone between photography and painting.” This is evident in the series. 

A piece from "Fading Memories"

Finding a process is important in photography for not only the photographer but the viewer as well. Martirene has it down to a T within her work. “My process is not a systematic operation. It starts with observation, and using a vocabulary of light and contrast, I obtain the strict transformation of the form into abstraction, creating a personal universe. In this process I explore the essence of the subject until it evolves into the final image. This transformation awakes the desire to interpret the origin of each line and the metamorphosis of the solid into the ephemeral, discovering a series of sensations when connecting them with one’s own experiences. Consequently, the relation of the spectator to the artwork doesn't remain in the mere appreciation, but detonates a process of introspection that each viewer experiences in their unique way.”

When looking for inspiration, Martirene looks within before and during a project. “My inspiration comes from my own mind. I admire many artists, but my ideas are very personal.” Her advice to aspiring photographers: “Observe, listen to your gut, always work on projects that make you happy, not to please others. Don’t copy, and don’t let it become “a job.” If you don’t enjoy doing it, and are not passionate about hanging your work on your wall, you will end up hating it.”

One of four of Martirene's pieces featured in the New York MoMA Permanent Collection.

Martirene is currently working on a new series entitled “Fading Memories” to commemorate her parents. She began the series at the beginning of 2020 and hopes to finish it with 40 completed pieces for an exhibit and publication by the end of 2021.

She came across Golden State Art when researching companies that would provide great products and service. "I am very picky about the art materials I use, so by researching the net for a reliable company with good quality products and satisfactory customer service, I found Golden State Art. Golden State Art enhances my work with top quality mats and frames." We are happy to serve Martirene and artists and photographers like her, and hope to help make bringing your art to life a little easier. 

To stay up to date on her current series, explore past and future projects, and connect with Martirene, visit her website at https://www.martirenealcantara.com/

Follow her on Instagram at @Martirene_Alcantara, @Martirene, and @World_Art_Residencies and on Facebook @MartireneAlcantaraPhotography

Below you can view a few of Martirene’s pieces, including more from her “Fading Memories” project.