Bio

Pow Martinez (b. 1983, Manila, Philippines; lives and works in Manila) is a Filipino artist known for his expressionistic style of painting, blending bold colors with demonic, mutant-like characters to create compelling canvases. Often resembling a beautiful nightmare, Martinez combines the mundanities of everyday life with elements of pop culture, resulting in darkly humorous works depicting society’s overconsumption.

Martinez is a recipient of the 2010 Ateneo Art Award for his exhibition 1 Billion Years at West Gallery, Philippines. He exhibits internationally and has worked with different media, from painting to sound. His recent exhibitions include State of Flux (2023) at Silverlens New York; City Prince/sses (2019) at Palais de Tokyo in Paris; Art Jakarta 2019 with Silverlens and ROH Projects; 50 Years in Hollywood (2019) at Pinto Art Museum in New York; Art Basel Hong Kong 2019 with Silverlens; WXXX (2019), West Gallery, Manila. Martinez has also held a number of solo shows in major galleries in Manila, the most recent of which is Clunker (2022) at Silverlens Manila. Early in 2022, Martinez had his first solo exhibition in Madrid entitled Underground Spiritual Unit at Galeria Yusto/ Giner. In 2018, he had a solo exhibition in Indonesia. Titled Aesthetic Police, the exhibition is an outcome of his month-long residency program at OPQRStudio in Bandung.

Pow Martinez (b. 1983, Manila, Philippines; lives and works in Manila) is a Filipino artist known for his expressionistic style of painting, blending bold colors with demonic, mutant-like characters to create compelling canvases. Often resembling a beautiful nightmare, Martinez combines the mundanities of everyday life with elements of pop culture, resulting in darkly humorous works depicting society’s overconsumption.

Martinez is a recipient of the 2010 Ateneo Art Award for his exhibition 1 Billion Years at West Gallery, Philippines. He exhibits internationally and has worked with different media, from painting to sound. His recent exhibitions include State of Flux (2023) at Silverlens New York; City Prince/sses (2019) at Palais de Tokyo in Paris; Art Jakarta 2019 with Silverlens and ROH Projects; 50 Years in Hollywood (2019) at Pinto Art Museum in New York; Art Basel Hong Kong 2019 with Silverlens; WXXX (2019), West Gallery, Manila. Martinez has also held a number of solo shows in major galleries in Manila, the most recent of which is Clunker (2022) at Silverlens Manila. Early in 2022, Martinez had his first solo exhibition in Madrid entitled Underground Spiritual Unit at Galeria Yusto/ Giner. In 2018, he had a solo exhibition in Indonesia. Titled Aesthetic Police, the exhibition is an outcome of his month-long residency program at OPQRStudio in Bandung.

Mambo A Go’ Go’
2022
8789
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oil on canvas
60.25h x 72w in • 153.04h x 182.88w cm
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Affluenza
2021
8788
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oil on canvas
58h x 64w in ∙ 147.32h x 162.56w cm
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In Affluenza, the subject stands alone in a humorously exaggerated position amidst objects signifying wealth: an ancient vase, a tasteful still-life painting, a decorative rug, and a framed portrait of a white dog. The title can be interpreted as a play of words—affluent, influenza, and influencer—a tongue-in-cheek commentary on social media and its effect on society.
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Swim Team (Blue)
2012
603
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oil on canvas
96h x 120w in • 243.84h x 304.80w cm
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family portrait
2009
612
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oil on canvas
42h x 50w in
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Analog Boy
2015
608
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oil on canvas
60h x 72w in • 152.40h x 182.88w cm
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Scene Queen
2014
604
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acrylic on canvas
60h x 60w in • 152.40h x 152.40w cm
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Instagram Star
2017
611
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oil on canvas
60h x 72w in • 152.40h x 182.88w cm
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relax, we came to party
2017
610
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oil on canvas
84h x 96w in • 213.36h x 243.84w cm
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we come in peace
2017
607
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oil on canvas
72h x 84w in • 182.88h x 213.36w cm
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Explorers
2018
609
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oil on canvas
70.87h x 70.87w in • 180h x 180w cm
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across the border
2020
605
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oil on canvas
60.50h x 60w in • 153.67h x 152.40w cm
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divine intervention
2020
606
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oil and acrylic on canvas
57.50h x 55w in • 146.05h x 139.70w cm
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Selected Exhibitions

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