November 8 - December 7, 2024
From Clamp Light Studio & Gallery:
“I’m not a cowboy is a solo exhibition by Mark Anthony Martinez, where the artist questions the mythos of the west. A multimedia exhibition “I’m not a cowboy” draws a metaphorical line in the sand, wherein Martinez invites his audience to “shoot” a cowboy.
The artist himself, named after a character from the television show The Rifleman (ABC 1958-1963) – Martinez, expresses the cognitive dissonance of someone who is ostensibly “MEXICAN” but named after a decidedly white protagonist.
Featuring original footage (filmed earlier this year), alongside new text works and even incorporating the usage of a classic NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) Zapper – the exhibition asks the audience to consider their own role in manufacturing and reifying western exceptionalism.
I’m not a cowboy will open to the public, with an opening reception 6–9pm Friday November, 8, 2024 at Clamplight Studios & Gallery. The exhibition will run through December 7, 2024 and otherwise be open by appointment. A closing reception will be held 6-9p December 7.
Artist Biography:
Mark Anthony Martinez is a conceptual artist and curator based in his hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Martinez holds a BFA from the Pacific Northwest College of Art (2012) and an MFA from Portland State University (2014). Martinez has served as Visual Arts Director to the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center (2015-2017), Gallery Manager for the Michael and Noemi Neidorff Gallery at Trinity University (2018) and, co-curator for the experimental pop-up space, Fake Gallery (2019) as well as the project space JANUARY (2023). He’s also exhibited in group shows around the country, including; Co-Prosperity Sphere, Chicago, Il. (2014), The Open as part of the Nicholas Frank Public Library, Milwaukee, Wi. (2017), Mexic-Arte in Austin, TX. (2017) and, The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center Inc., New York, NY (2019). He is currently collaborating with SMART project space at 1906 S. Flores, developing curatorial programming for 2025.”
Reception: November 8, 2024 | 6–9 pm
Closing: December 7, 2024 | 6–9 pm
1704 Blanco Rd, Suite 104
San Antonio, 78212 TX
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