March 7 - May 2, 2025
From the Laredo Center for the Arts:
“Inspired by her family and the culture she grew up with in Laredo, Angelica Raquel draws from shared stories, familial experiences, and her life from the border, to Central Texas. Acting as a new generational storyteller, Raquel explores narratives rooted in folklore and the stories told by her late Grandfather. By retelling and reinventing these tales through a multitude of mediums, Raquel’s work brings oral traditions into a physical presence, expanding on leyendas (legends) that teach lessons, societal shifts, family roles, and examine mankind’s relationship with nature and the unknown. Ominous warnings towards ill intending men and magical women acting as protectors of the innocent are constant themes throughout the work, placing an importance on the archetype and roles of women in families and communities. Many of her stories can be traced to named relatives within the family, who recount their experiences with wonder, and a little fear. In recent works, Raquel tells her own experiences as a young girl connecting to nature, reminiscing on the magic around the animals and land that once made up her family’s beloved ranch. Her multidisciplinary studio practice, which includes painting, drawing, metal tooling, felting, and rug hooking, act as the different voices through which a story can be told. Raquel’s use of craft techniques and latin folk art motifs aim to elevate and honor her ancestors and the visual language and stories she grew up with.
Artist Bio:
Angelica Raquel Martinez is a multidisciplinary Artist who was born and raised in the border city of Laredo TX, where she draws inspiration from her childhood and relatives to create her work. In addition to examining her own dreams and stories, Angelica explores narratives rooted in the folklore and familial storytelling shared by her late grandfather; taking the mantle to share and reinvent the stories and myths that have connected generations of family members. Angelica relocated to Central Texas where she earned her BFA from Texas State University in 2016 before settling in San Antonio Texas where she earned her MFA from UTSA in 2020. Angelica’s work has been exhibited nationally, most notable include Gerald Peters Contemporary in Santa Fe, NM and solo exhibitions at The Museum of The Southwest in Midland TX, and Lawndale Art Center in Houston, TX where she currently serves on the Artist Advisory Board.”
Reception: March 7, 2025 | 6–9 pm
Closing: May 2, 2025 | 6–9 pm
Artist talk: April 12, 2025 | 12–1:30 pm
Workshop: April 12, 2025 | 2–4 pm
500 San Agustin
Laredo, 78040 TX
956-725-1715
Get directions