MEET THE ARTIST: MARTIN DURAZO
Martin Durazo received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Art from Pitzer College. Durazo is the recipient of the 2012 C.O.L.A. Individual Artists Fellowship from the City of Los Angeles and a 2011 California Community Foundation Fellowship Award, funded by the Getty Trust. His work was included in the inaugural 2011 SUR Biennial and in 2010 he was an Artist-in-Residence at the 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica. He has exhibited at the Torrance Art Museum; PULSE Los Angeles Contemporary Art Fair; Pomona College Museum of Art; MexiCali Biennial 2013; Harris Art Gallery at the University of LaVerne; White Box in New York City; ArtForum Berlin and Art Basel Miami Beach. His work has been reviewed in Flash Art International, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, LA Weekly, Artweek, and Art Review. He has also been a producer for KPFK Radio, where he is regularly featured in discussion about art and social issues.
1. What artist(s) do you admire? Why?
I like the works of Sterling Ruby, Rasheed Johnson, Julian Schnabel and most of late, Richie Culver. They all share a rawness that seems very honest.
2. What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
I am a High School Teacher.
3. How would you best describe your practice?
My work is rooted in bringing found objects together to suggest a narrative that reflect the absurd nature of life.
4. What’s integral to the making of your work or of you being an artist?
At this point in my life I value time to rest and reflect.
5. What’s integral to the making of your work or of you being an artist?
At this point in my life I value time to rest and reflect.
6. What work do you most enjoying doing
It’s hard to pin point, at times I love to draw and water color in my note book. There was a time during the Covid lock down we had a new kitten that liked to push my brush around and help me paint. Most recently, I have to really find time to be clear of mind to paint, sculpt, or make video work.
7. What work do you most enjoying doing?
I don’t enjoy, or dislike, I just do.
8. What is your ideal day in studio?
Wake up, let my dog Mongo out, have tea or coffee and look around the studio and get to work. Have a break for lunch, maybe meet up with a friend.
9. To date, what is your most memorable piece or project?
About 10 years ago I worked on a body of work that was inspired by the difficult nature of narco-drug trafficking called Plato o Plomo.
10. What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I received a drawing from my former professor, Paul McCarthy for working on a video project collaboration of his with the late Jason Rhoades.
11. What are you trying to communicate with your art
Freedom.
12.Where do you go to get inspired?
Nowhere I would publicly admit.
13. Should art be funded?
YES! What kind? ALL
14. Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet?
Digital art
15. What is your dream project?
I would like to direct a feature film, maybe a biopic about The Plasmatics
16. Name three artists you would like to be compared to.
Jason Rhoades, Rasheed Johnson, Sterling Ruby
17. Who would you like to collaborate with?
Harmony Korine. Why? I enjoy his aesthetic. It has influenced my work over time.
17. What do you dislike about your work?
It’s too pretty sometimes
18. What food, drink, song inspires you?
Tequila
19. What do you like about your work?
It is inviting
20. What makes you angry?
Unfairness and cruelty.
21. Name something you love, and why.
I love everybody.
22. What couldn’t you do without?
LOVE