Eddie Martinez will represent San Marino at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Portrait of Eddie Martinez by Jason Schmidt. Courtesy of BLUM.
Eddie Martinez has been selected to represent the Republic of San Marino at the upcoming Venice Biennale in an exhibition titled “Nomader.” Curated by Alison M. Gingeras, the pavilion will showcase Martinez’s latest work across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and drawing. The exhibition runs from April 20th to November 24th at the Pavilion of the Republic of San Marino, organized by FR Istituto d’Arte Contemporanea S.p.a.
San Marino has historically invited artists of various nationalities to represent it in past editions of the Biennale. This practice is symbolic of the country’s legacy of offering refuge to immigrants.
Born in 1977 and based in Brooklyn, New York, Martinez is known for his vibrant, gestural, often large-scale works that incorporate recurring motifs such as bugs, ducks, and skulls. His approach incorporates various materials and techniques, from oil and enamel to collage and found objects, engaging with art historical references in innovative ways.
In recent years, Martinez has presented several solo museum exhibitions, including at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit and the Yuz Museum in Shanghai. His works are held in prestigious public collections worldwide, such as the Morgan Library in New York, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, and the Saatchi Collection in London.