‘In the Works’, the centerpiece of Narsiso Martinez‘s solo exhibition Charlie James Gallerycovers three walls and is made from dozens of found boxes of products. In the center of the piece and above a doorway is a long table, resplendent with apples, kiwis, oranges and grapes, all topped by a chandelier.
On either side of the dinner, farm workers climb ladders or sit on the ground, sorting the harvest into the boxes from which the composition is made. Back in the center, the faceless attendees at the table enjoy the literal fruit of the workers’ labor.
In Growing joyfullyMartinez (previously) continues his exploration of the labor system, relationships, and power imbalances. He draws on his experience when he emigrated from Oaxaca at the age of 20, determined to find a more sustainable livelihood in the US.
Martinez completed high school at the age of 29 and then went on to study fine arts in college. While pursuing an MFA, he began working seasonal jobs in the vast apple orchards of eastern Washington, where he met other farm workers and heard their stories.
The artist was struck by the way in which individuals in the American agricultural system, on whom the intense physical labor on which the entire framework depends, goes unnoticed by those who rely on freshly stocked produce at the supermarket.
Beginning with photographs, Martinez uses visual languages of prestige—drawing specifically on Catholic portraits’ emphasis on luxurious fabrics and gold-leaf backdrops—to empower and uplift employees.
For example, in “Resist,” a young man is depicted in the frame of a berry box, with a gold back, and wearing a graduation gown. The cap surrounds his head like a halo, evoking the divine and signaling the glorious potential of education.
By elevating the simple cardboard box into a picture frame and depicting hardworking people in their valued individuality, Martinez explores who and what society values.
Growing joyfully continues through October 26 in Los Angeles. Discover more of Martinez’s work Instagram.
