
V. Kim Martinez in her studio. Image courtesy of the University of Utah Department of Art and Art History.
At the end of 2024, V. Kim Martinez finished a four-year tenure as chair of the Department of Art and Art History. She begins the new year on sabbatical, preparing for a two-month residency in a recently devastated Los Angeles.
Martinez is an artist and educator whose work extends far beyond the studio, fostering community engagement and mentorship. As a professor at the University of Utah, she integrates public art projects into her curriculum, leading students in the creation of murals that reflect the histories and identities of local communities. Her collaborative efforts, from South Salt Lake to Murray City, have not only transformed public spaces but have also provided students with hands-on experience in community-based art. Martinez’s own artistic practice explores social and environmental issues, often informed by immersive research and firsthand experiences. In 2019, she was selected by our readers as one of “Utah’s Most Influential Artists” (see here) and she currently serves as a board member of Artists of Utah, 15 Bytes’ parent organization.
In anticipation of a longer article on her residency at the 18th Street Art Center, to be published this spring, we check in with Martinez as she prepares to leave.
As you prepare for your residency, what kinds of thoughts are going through your head?
What kinds of contingencies (urban myths or otherwise) have you heard about or been thinking about in relation to the fires and how it might affect the residency?
Embarking on artist research in an area that has faced such significant devastation brings with it a sense of trepidation. My foremost concern is to ensure that my presence does not impede the recovery efforts of the community. However, as an outsider, I have the unique opportunity to witness and interpret experiences in ways that might enrich the narrative of recovery. I initially chose this residency because of its proximity to one of California’s most polluted beaches, a symbol of broader environmental challenges. My current series, “Tantalus,” draws inspiration from my travels through communities impacted by industrial/human pollution. Navigating these constrained spaces enables me to perceive the stories of others in diverse and profound ways, free from preconceived notions and shaped instead by lived experience. My creative process is rooted in inquiry; I begin by posing critical questions that propel me on a journey of research and direct engagement with the individuals whose stories I aim to tell. Emerging from a Chicano art tradition, my work harnesses the power of art to reveal and critique societal issues, employing iconography and symbols that resonate deeply within that context. Typically, my work seeks to expose the imbalances of power and the shortcomings of institutions, to bring these vital conversations to the forefront of public discourse, in places like Santa Monica.

“Tantalus: Swede Town,” 2017, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 84 inches
How are you anticipating the residency differently because of the recent tragedy in regards to the type of work you’ll do? What kinds of contingencies (urban myths or otherwise) have you heard about or been thinking about in relation to the fires and how it might affect the residency?
Initially, I had intended to focus on a few larger paintings. However, due to the urgency of the situation, I am now preparing smaller observational pieces. My approach has shifted to creating a series of quick, gestural paintings that capture the essence of a field notebook. I envision that these works could later serve as a foundation for larger pieces. I plan to incorporate imagery along with calligraphic text, which may include personal narratives from community members I interact with. Ultimately, the final direction of the work will be influenced by how the space affects me once I am there.
Additionally, I am collaborating with the SPARC LA design team on new sections of the Great Wall of Los Angeles. I have designed several sections and will work with the painting team on the final portions of the mural. I anticipate that the recent fires will significantly impact both the work and the individuals on the team.
Every January we check in with Utah artists to see what the new year holds in store for them.
Categories: Visual Arts | What's New
Great that a Utahn will have a hand through her art in the aftermath of the terrible wildfires we have all witnessed and some have experienced. I have no doubt that Kim’s work will be thoughtful, moving and important. Wishing you strength, Kim, over the next two months, hoping you have some time for yourself, meet some wonderful people, helping them to cope with post- and continuing trauma in their lives.
We are lucky to have Kim and her work here in Utah.