Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the final weekend of our exceptional solo exhibitions currently in The Martin: SALAD DAYS by Joaquin Valdez Macher & CONFETTI by Pam Marlene Taylor. From 6-9pm we’ll be showing off their exhibitions together for one last time.

ABOUT THE SHOWS

SALAD DAYS [from the artist]: A vibrant and diverse palette of colors helps me put together each artistic piece I work on. My paintings emphasize a non-naturalistic use of happy colors, slick line work, interesting patterns and a balanced composition. Using acrylics on canvas I like to bring back to life moments, people and places. I usually like to look for interior spaces or old b&w photographies that tell an interesting story.

CONFETTI: In an alternate reality you are born with a deathday instead of a birthday. You know the day you will die, but you do not know the year. Every year on your deathday you surround yourself with friends and family to celebrate what could be your final moments. Deathday parties are similar to our reality’s birthday parties, complete with cake, balloons, presents, a special song, and confetti. In this reality, similar to our own, most people are expected to die when they are older and early deaths are especially mourned, but the fear of death is compartmentalized and concentrated into just one special day a year. You may assume people in this reality become reckless, being immortal 364 days a year, but since they still experience pain and suffer injuries, their realty is not much different than our own, as most of us, in our reality, approach our days assuming it is not our last.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Joaquin Valdez Macher is a self-taught artist based in Chicago. With an educational background in marketing and advertising, his paintings demonstrate influence from elements of line and striking color. Joaquin’s subjects are illustrative, however unlike their graphic-art counterparts, Joaquin’s work imparts strong narrative that is easily translated and highly emotive.

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Joaquin lived in Spain for four years where he obtained his degree in Advertising and Public Relations. Following his professional success in marketing, Joaquin invested the visual skills he acquired into his vocation as a freelance artist, producing several pieces on canvas for various galleries and clients. With “perseverance, passion and creativity” at the core of his work, Valdez’s artistic aim continues to be the ongoing development of his skills and talent in both illustration and painting.

With a progressive approach and a relatively recent addition to the contemporary art scene, Joaquin Valdez Macher is an artist to watch.

Pam Marlene Taylor (she/her) is an artist and curator living in Nashville, TN. She weaves tapestries on hand-built looms and explores feminism and death through her work. She is represented by The Red Arrow Gallery in the state of Tennessee and belongs to public collections such as Nashville Metro Arts Lending Library and Women Made Gallery in Chicago, as well as many private collections.

ABOUT THE GALLERY + CURATOR

The Martin is an artist-first full service gallery & creative space located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. Founded & Curated by Whitney LaMora, the space has boasted over 400 public events since it’s opening in 2018 and dozens of exhibitions since it’s reopen in 2021 post-quarantine. Follow us at @themartinchicago.

All businesses at 2500 W Chicago Ave are ADA accessible. Are you someone who requires accommodations? Reach out before you come in or call Split-Rail at 773-697-4413 when you arrive.

Want dinner at Split-Rail before or after the show? We recommend making a reservation. Plan to stay for a cocktail at Dorothy (21+)!

Official Website

More events on this date

Tags: Chicago, Confetti, Joaquin Valdez Macher, Pam Marlene Taylor, Salad Days, SALAD DAYS & CONFETTI exhibitions closing reception!, The Martin, West Town