Diego Martinez‘s Art Career Gains Momentum with San Antonio exhibition, NFT Sales
Table of Contents
EL PASO, TX - August 21, 2025 - El Paso artist Diego Martinez, widely recognized as “Robot,” is experiencing a surge in national attention as his work is showcased in exhibitions and gains traction in the digital art world. Martinez’s creative endeavors are increasingly being recognized beyond the Borderland, with collectors and galleries taking notice.
Upcoming Exhibition in San Antonio
On Saturday, August 23, Martinez will participate in ”All About Me,” an exhibition of self-portraits at Uplift Gallery, located at 452 W. Mitchell St. in San Antonio. The show, beginning at 7 p.m., will feature works from 45 regional artists curated by Albert Gonzalez. Martinez’s contribution will be an 11 x 14 inch self-portrait.
“San Antonio is gonna be an art show with my friend Albert Gonzalez,who is part of UpLift Gallery … where he’s showcasing 45 artists in the region,” Martinez explained.”It’s 11 x 14 paintings, and it has to be a self-portrait.”
A Personal and Reflective Portrait
Martinez’s self-portrait incorporates a childhood photograph with his brother,layered with multiple coats of paint and varnish. he described the piece as a connection to a past self, symbolized by a “robot in a tree,” and a reflection on the ongoing journey of life.
“I did a lot of layers and clear coats,” Martinez said. “I used the image to connect to the robot in a tree, kind of like a full circle moment, but also just very self-aware that you know the journey is still in a sense going as long as I’m living. And, so there’s beauty in that and I wanted to just kind of showcase that as a self-portrait.”
He further elaborated on the emotional core of the work, stating, “It’s really hard for me to look at myself as the main character in this ‘movie’ that we were playing out, but this piece was really engaging for me. I just wanted to (express) love and positivity.”
Expanding Reach Through Digital Art
Martinez’s artistic reach extends beyond customary galleries. Recently, one of his non-fungible tokens (NFTs) was displayed on a video marquee in Manhattan, New York City. This success is attributed to his involvement with Oneloveartdao, a collective that nominated 200 artists globally, allowing the public to vote for their favorites.
“That was part of oneloveartdao,” Martinez said. “About 200 artists from around the world were nominated for the event.People then voted on who should be included.”
Did You Know? The NFT market has experienced notable growth in recent years, providing artists with new avenues for showcasing and selling their work. According to a report by Statista, the global NFT market was valued at approximately $51.7 billion in 2022 [Statista NFT Market size].
Collaboration and Mentorship
in October, Martinez will collaborate with Baron Batch, a former NFL running back and current multidisciplinary artist, in Odessa, Texas. The four-day residency will involve creating a mural for a local food bank and collaborative canvas paintings. Batch will also host free art drops, making original artwork accessible to the community, and provide mentorship to Martinez on the business side of art.
“I’m heading close to 150 sold items and shipments, so you know something that I started not even two years ago has been interesting to see the growth as far as online sales,” Martinez stated.
Martinez credits social media platforms like youtube and TikTok for expanding his audience and driving sales. He also highlighted the support of Fitfam the step,an Instagram account that shared his Manhattan NFT display,resulting in a 700-follower increase in one month.
Pro Tip: Artists can leverage social media to build a following, showcase their work, and connect with potential buyers.Consistent posting, engaging content, and targeted hashtags are key to success.
He also acknowledged the long-standing mentorship of Hal Marcus, owner of the Hal Marcus Gallery at 1308 N. Oregon St. in El Paso, which is open Wednesdays from noon to 5 p.m.
“Hal Marcus, for me, has been a mentor as I was a kid,” Martinez said. “He’s been someone that I could look up to as an inspiring figure as far as setting the tone, the blueprint, and the guide to what it is to be a full-time El Paso artist.”
Family as a Foundation
Martinez also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife,April,who provides stability and encouragement throughout his artistic journey.
“She’s been the stability … so having that person that I can confide in and also count on to have my back when things get tough … that inspires me to be a good partner.”
Looking Ahead
Martinez remains focused on his artistic pursuits, embracing each day with a sense of presence and openness to new opportunities.He is optimistic about the future and committed to continuing his creative exploration.
“I’m taking each day as being present and enjoying the journey and knowing that things come in mysterious ways, and so we’ll see what happens,” Martinez said. “The year seems to be getting better, and that’s all I can ask for.”
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio Exhibition (“All About Me”) | August 23, 2025 | Uplift Gallery, San Antonio, TX |
| Collaboration with Baron Batch | October 2025 | Odessa, TX |
| NFT Display in Manhattan | Recent | New York City, NY |
The Rise of El Paso Artists
El Paso’s vibrant arts community is gaining increasing recognition nationally.Artists like Diego Martinez are contributing to a growing movement that celebrates the region’s unique cultural heritage and artistic talent. The city’s affordable cost of living and supportive creative habitat are attracting artists from across the country, fostering a dynamic and innovative art scene.
Frequently Asked Questions about Diego Martinez
- What type of art does Diego Martinez create? Diego Martinez creates a diverse range of artwork, including paintings, digital art (NFTs), and murals.
- Where can I see Diego Martinez’s work? his work can be viewed at the Hal Marcus Gallery in El Paso and at upcoming exhibitions like the one in San Antonio.
- What is Diego Martinez’s artistic style? His style blends personal reflection with vibrant imagery, often incorporating elements of his heritage and experiences.
- How has social media impacted Diego Martinez’s
