Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.
Bio: Pow Martinez, 39, Manila (@_powmartinez_)
Title of work: The Dreamers (2022).
Where to see it: “State of Flux” at Silverlens Gallery (505 W 24 St, New York) until March 4.
Three words to describe it: Party, war, detached.
What was on your mind at the time: Problems of the world.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: The painting on top is based on Pamela Anderson in Baywatch.
How it reflects your practice as a whole: I always paint a scene with a happening that I am reacting to, focusing on specific things that interest me about the event, what I’m watching on Youtube at the moment, or browsing the web. For this painting, I was watching too much news—documentaries about war and conflict, the climate crises, etc. So I guess this painting is my way of absorbing or imagining myself in that situation.
One song that captures its essence: “I Love Livin in The City” by FEAR.