José Martínez

Oaxaca, México

José Ángel García Martínez (known as the artist José Martínez) is from the Oaxacan community of San Antonio del Barrio Usila Tuxtepec, Oaxaca. At an early age, he decided that he wanted to be an artist. His enrollment at the university in the capital of his state, Oaxaca de Juárez, exposed him to the visual arts, especially painting, drawing, woodcuts, lithography and linography.  Engraving, especially linocuts and wood blocks became his focus.  Thematically, José’s works have spiritual overtones drawn directly from Biblical stories. His art has been exhibited throughout Mexico and in Brazil, U.S.A., Japan, Canada, Israel, Cuba and England.  

As well as his own workshop where he develops work with his wife, Rosario Salvador, he is involved in the mission of T.A.C., a collective of graphic artists who teach and mentor Oaxacan youths interested in learning  graphic art. José is considered a master printer who lends his printing talent to other Oaxacan-based graphic artists such as Iván Bautista, Edith Chávez and Alberto Cruz.