ARTIST STATEMENT
My work uses illustrative narratives through oil painting, ink work and artist books to depict the relationship between Catholicism and its perpetration of conventional gender roles in Latinx communities. These narratives are drawn from tales heard through the grapevine; anecdotes and horror stories passed down through generations; and my own observations and experiences growing up in the Catholic church in my border town of Brownsville, TX. I explore Catholicism’s direct, and even secular, influence upon the subconscious suppression of women.
By voicing traditional expectations, women are kept “in place” from reaching goals that do not align with the religion or society’s conventions. There’s constant pressure to marry, to marry young, to have children young, to not question, and, ultimately, to conform. Catholic items are used as metaphors to critique the role of ceremony within the church and investigate the impact of taking away a woman’s autonomy.
The making process parallels the point of the work itself. Figure paintings are “ruined” by a painted statement often said to Latina women during a milestone event or accomplishment in their lives. Instead of being met with joy and pride, many women are often met with words that undermine their own efforts and achievements. I explore the line of intention and spontaneity. With oils, I have more control. With ink, I’m forced to be quick and accept accidents. The aim of the work is to elicit awe, anger, confusion and horror while instilling strength to those who can relate to the themes.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Clarissa Martinez is a Mexican-American freelance illustrator and multidisciplinary artist from Brownsville, TX, where she also currently resides. She graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Art from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and an MFA in Illustration Practice from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her primary mediums include oils, watercolors, inks, digital painting, gif animation, and book arts. Her personal work often revolves around gender roles, critiques on Catholicism, personal trauma, self-healing and nature. Clarissa has had work shown in Baltimore, New York City, and in various parts of California and Texas. As a freelance illustrator, her clients include AARP, Liberal Education Magazine, Walmart and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages. She has experience in editorial illustration, mural illustration, and illustration for social media. She was part of the Spring 2024 session of the Poster Posse Protégé Program, a mentorship program for aspiring film poster artists and designers. Clarissa is a Lecturer I at UTRGV and adjunct instructor at Texas Southmost College, where she brings her education and experiences as a working artist to the classroom.
© Clarissa Martinez