Artwork copyright Narsiso Martinez. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2020.

Artwork copyright Narsiso Martinez. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Artwork copyright Narsiso Martinez. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Artwork copyright Narsiso Martinez. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Artwork copyright Narsiso Martinez. Photo courtesy of the curator, Cozette Phillips, 2021.

Ultimate Flavor, 2020

Narsiso Martinez
(Mexican American, born 1977)

Location: Ridgeview Elementary, Yakima

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Narsiso Martinez’ ‘Ultimate Flavor’ shows the hard work and working conditions of the American farmworker. He presents the faces of the people doing the work needed to fill produce sections and restaurant kitchens around the country. Martinez’ imagery is made more powerful because it is painted on a found apple box and uses the box’s printed apple imagery within the painting. He draws from his own experience as a farmworker in the apple orchards of Eastern Washington State.

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Cozette Phillips in April 2021 at Ridgeview Elementary, in Yakima, Central Washington. Phillips worked with the local art selection committee, who wanted art that reflects their farming communities, their relationship with nature, and the largely Hispanic student body. The artworks are soothing and peaceful for a community that works hard.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Narsiso Martinez creates paintings, drawings, and mixed-media installations. His work focuses on portraits of farmworkers, often using found produce boxes in his artworks.
Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Martinez migrated to the United States when he was 20 years old. He attended Evans Community Adult School in Los Angeles, California, and completed high school at age 29. Martinez worked for nine seasons as a farmworker in Eastern Washington to fund his college education. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from Los Angeles City College in 2009. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2012 and a Master of Fine Arts degree in 2018, both from California State University Long Beach. He is based in Long Beach, California.