The University YMCA announces the upcoming Art at the Y exhibition “Transformation of Being,” which will feature the paintings of Oscar Luis Martínez. An alumnus of the U. of I., Martínez is well-known for the historic murals that he painted on the walls of the former La Casa Cultural Latina building on Chalmers Street in Champaign. The exhibition will be on view in the Murphy Gallery at the Y March 10-April 22.
The exhibition opens March 10 with a viewing at 5 p.m. followed by a gallery talk with the artist at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
This series of paintings by Martínez is about making sense of an incomprehensible world and forging new definitions of the outer world from the inner self.
Martínez was actively involved in the Chicago mural movement and has painted numerous murals throughout the city. One of his murals at the U. of I. is considered a historical landmark locally. The mural – with its bold depictions of heritage and social justice, of individual and community strength – has been a cornerstone and rallying point for the U. of I. campus Latino community since Martínez painted it on the walls of the former La Casa Cultural Latina building in 1974. After four years of studying science and art at the U. of I., he received a bachelor of science degree in medical art in 1977. Martínez resides in Chicago.
He is an accomplished artist who has had numerous group and solo exhibitions throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and the Southeastern and Midwest regions of the United States. Among his many credits, his work has been shown at museums nationally and internationally, and his work has been featured on television and in newspapers and magazines.
Art at the Y is located at the Murphy Gallery at the University YMCA, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign. The gallery’s hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
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