Robert Martinez – 2020 Brinton 101

Robert Martinez was born on the Wind River Reservation in Riverton Wyoming. He attended Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design and in 3 years he graduated becoming the Youngest Native American to graduate at that time.

His Northern Arapaho & Chicano heritage remains a constant inspiration and source of ideas for his work.  Living in Wyoming amongst the hard-working people of the west and experiencing their issues also influence his creations.  The past and present often resonate strongly throughout his work.

Robert was recently honored with his home state’s highest creative honor, the Wyoming Governors Art Award.  You can currently see select pieces of his work as part of the permanent collection for the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian in Washington DC, The Plains Indian Museum at the Bill Cody Center of the West, and the Red Cloud Heritage Museum.

Robert’s current work uses the historical imagery, myth’s and stories of the West & Arapaho Culture to create images that have a statement on the issues of today. Using a strong contrast of lights, darks, and painting in intense vibrant color, he creates striking imagery that is confronting and engages the viewer.