MARTINEZ, V. KIM

Statement
I define situations in space; they are not literal, topographical, localizable places, but rather intellectual concepts, images that reflect structural and textual metaphors. For me the definition of a space is predicated on human presence and initiative.

 Biography
V. Kim Martinez is an Associate Professor of painting and drawing in the Department of Art and Art History, University of Utah, since fall 2001.  She received her terminal degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  Her fellowships include: The Sara Lee Foundation, Ragsdale, Vermont Studio Center, Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, Social and Public Arts Resource Center, The School of the Arts Institute of Chicago George L. & Ann Roman Siegel Foundation, International Iron Casters, the University of Utah John R. Parks and Tanner Humanities Center Professors Off-Campus.  Kim has an active visual artist record, exhibiting locally in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Park City, Ephraim, and Springville.  Nationally in New York, Illinois, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska and Vermont.  Internationally in Mexico, China, Palestine, Columbia, Guatemala, and Brazil.  She is the recipient of the 2003 Salt Lake City Mayors Visual Artist Award, recognizing her community involvement and contribution to the Utah Department of Corrections, Veterans Administration, Utah Hispanic Women’s Association, First Step House and Art Access/Art Positive! In 2006 she received the University of Utah, College of Fine Arts, Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching, Research, and Service.  Her community grants include: The National Endowment for the Arts “Challenge America”, through the Utah Arts Council, Utah Transit Authority, City of South Salt Lake, Salt Lake County, Primary Children’s Medical Center, State of Utah Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the University of Utah Housing & Residential Education.  

Formally, my material application is controlled, this technique indicates a somber attempt at objectivity, to avoid sentimentality. The political content of my work is about the use and abuse of power. I analyze political, social and psychological, norms which demand adaptation, integration, and assimilation of everyone outside its borders.

 Kim has been an active member of Artnauts since 2003