This month I had the privilege of interviewing artist, Peter Marin. Marin’s exhibition, “Weight as Real” now hangs in the Nicholson Gallery at The ArtsCenter. During this interview we discussed a variety of topics such as the inspiration behind “Weight as Real.” Below is an excerpt from our conversation. For more information about Peter Marin, contact petermarinartworks@gmail.com.

How long have you been painting?

I have been painting for 31 years.

What are your inspirations for your exhibition?

The practice of painting, and the subjects of color and structure are the sources for my work.

What do like most about creating masterpieces?

Masterpieces? I am not sure I can comment on that. I can comment on making work, however. I enjoy the learning that comes from practicing painting.

What do you hope visitors and art lovers would get out of your exhibition?

I hope visitors enjoy the experience of color and structure as the subject of the work and that they coalesce the range of personal reactions based on the work’s content.

About Peter Marin

Peter Marín was born and raised in Mexico City. Marín has been painting for 30 years, is the owner of Peter Marin Artworks and is currently represented by Charlotte Russell Contemporary

Marín’s abstract painting references architecture, landscape, sacred geometry, identity and uses the languages of color and structure. Working outside the expected Latino narrative serves to amplify the notion that Latino artists work in diverse idioms.   Marin’s works to further the discussion on abstraction, moving it from formalist, reductivist proposals to a more richly layered vision rendering his personal sensibility.

In addition to pursuing abstraction, Marín also works in Mexican craft art to maintain, transmit and celebrate his traditions. He produces varying scale ofrendas using and creating Mexican artesanias, in particular those surrounding Día de Muertos, which includes papel picado, clay, papel mâché, retablos, dioramas and sugar skulls. He recently created and installed a colossal ofrenda for “Frida, Diego and the Mexican Modernists,” at the @ncartmuseum

Marín received a BA from UC Berkeley and an MFA from Hunter College. In 2019, Marín received the Latino Diamante Award for Arts and Culture, given by Diamante, Inc, NC’s first Latino arts organization. Currently he is an adjunct assistant professor with Wake Tech Community College and Living Arts College. He has 23 years of teaching experience with various populations, including undergraduate, graduate, youth at risk, victims of violence, teens and active adults. Marín also offers arts consultation and education services to private and non-profit sectors and currently mentors a community of 35 painters.

Marin studio is located in Artspace, downtown Raleigh.