about the artist
Since 2003, Ernel has made public art in the city of Philadelphia and elsewhere, working individually and also a founding member of the Amber Art and Design. He has also worked with various non-profits and social services to provide art to disenfranchised youth. Ernel’s artistic practice focuses on creative methods to give urban communities the tools to tell their stories through art-making. He uses their stories as a framework to produce social-practice artwork to engage and build dialogue. He believes that art enriches communities and is the path to “true” collaboration.
Ernel Martinez was born in Belize. He was raised in South Central Los Angeles and Detroit. His introduction to the art world came in the form of graffiti. He studied art at Pratt Institute and attainted his BFA from the Kutztown University. In 2004 he received his MFA from the University of Pennsylvania.
Learn about Ernel’s vision for a community-driven “museum” exhibition showcasing the stories of Olney residents alongside archival materials and items culled from public sources and individual personal collections.
Event & Activity Dates for Ernel Martinez
- After a long season of waiting for the right opportunity to arise during COVID, Ernel Martinez will be debuting S.O.L.O Lab (Single Occupancy Library in Olney) this fall.
- Modeled after the pop-up “library” free book exchanges, the S.O.L.O Lab is a mobile sit-down space for contemplation and quiet study as well as an active tool for community engagement and programs.
- Look for a calendar of events and stops for the S.O.L.O. Lab all through-out 2021-2022.
notes from the field
Ernel Martinez’s mural “Sacrifices Made” is still currently installed on the storefront of Diva Beauty Supply and viewable at 5526 North 5th Street, Olney, Philadelphia 19120. It will be up for viewing at this location indefinitely. It features Colin Kaepernick, a former NFL player and social justice activist who was ostracized by the league for protesting the killing of black people at the hands of police officers, along with some of the victims of this systemic violence.
