Artist Bio

Thalía Martinez is an oil painter from the Metro Detroit area in Michigan. She is based out of a home studio and is currently working on her art degree in college. Her art was displayed in The Village Arts Factory in the AP art show for a month in 2025. Her piece "First Love" won the "Special Award" in the PCEP art show in 2024. She also won 1st place 9th-12th grade in the VFW Post 2898, 2024 Art Competition. Thalia was also accepted to the College for Creative Studies with her high school portfolio.

Thalía is heavily inspired by books with complex meaning and narration, such as Normal People by Sally Rooney. As well as movies with intense visuals and profound depth such as, The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Outsiders. Above all Thalía is inspired by her own culture. Growing up as a first generation American she has experienced so much Mexican culture throughout her life. The rich culture is something that she constantly aims to explore and implement into her art. This aspect is very important to her as a first generation American as well as just being a Latina artist.

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Artist Statement

My subjects within my art are most frequently people, along with any other symbolism that feels right to me. The symbolism may be fruits, plants, animals or bugs. My goal when painting is to get my entire idea out with any elements that may amplify the subject within the piece. The main concept of my work is identity. Oftentimes I find myself painting my own experiences and feelings. However, I also find it important to illustrate the struggles and experiences that shape myself as well as others. I enjoy being able to express how people are treated on my canvas and how that may feel or impact them. Psychology and mental health plays a big part in most of my paintings. Speaking on manipulation, abandonment, disconnection heartbreak and obsession are some topics that I have found interesting to paint. I primarily work with oil paints as I love the soft realistic look. I like to contrast the soft, blended look with the deeper, possibly negative meaning behind my painting.There are many different artists that I admire however the most prevalent are Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera. I am mainly interested in artists within my own Mexican culture, as well as other minorities in the art industry.