Diego Martinez‘s⁣ Art Career ​Gains⁤ Momentum with San Antonio⁢ exhibition, NFT Sales

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.

The Role of Social ​Media and Local ⁣Support

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.”