Artist Mauro C. Martinez Opens the Portal To His Introspective Digital Dwelling in his New Show The Last Man 

Texas-based artist Mauro C. Martinez, acclaimed for his clever social commentary investigating meme-culture, presents his new solo exhibition The Last Man at Unit London. This unique presentation includes a series of large-scale oil paintings and Martinez’s exciting foray into sculptural work. 

The Last Man takes an in-depth look at our increased dependence on technology and the internet through a fresh and sympathetic lens post-pandemic. He examines how these devices have enabled and introduced new spaces of identity and community in response to the failure of modern institutions. The title references Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, describing the archetypal passive nihilist, tired of life, seeking comfort and security from the familiar, unable to self fulfill and reach his potential. 

Martinez points to the rising prevalence of the online gamer, brought on by the interconnectedness of the internet, the surge in remote work and its boost during the pandemic. The artist places us into the life of the gamer, we hold a pizza covered Playstation remote control, our world is a self-contained gaming “station” webbed with wires, a mini fridge, and urine-filled plastic bottles. Hardware transforms into sentient beings, a Playstation console embraces its accompanying remote in a tender scene titled Mother and Child, a Macbook cord rises from the ground like an entranced cobra.

These new works thrive on their transgression, comedy, cruelty, and a broad sense of empathy: what happens if you cannot afford that elite school, what if you don’t achieve your dream job? Martinez invites us to rethink the notion that technology is inherently opposed to “real life”, especially in times when these can no longer be decoupled. These devices are increasingly opening up space for creating unique communities in a world filled by hierarchical barriers. 

The Last Man opens 26 April, 2022 at Unit London and will run until 28 May 2022. 

About Mauro C. Martinez: 

Both documentarian and iconoclast, Mauro C. Martinez examines contemporary internet culture through the lens of traditional painting — and vice versa. He aims to make a redemptive case for painting’s continual potency as a historical and anthropological tool — painting is not dead.Martinez studied at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, and his work has been presented in group and solo exhibitions in the United States, Asia and the United Kingdom.

US Press contact: 

Alexandra Fanning | alexandra@alexandrafanning.com | (347) 468-0735

Gallery contact: press@unitlondon.com

About Unit London

Unit London was founded on the enterprising spirit of close childhood friends Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt. Frustrated by the prohibitive and confounding industry mechanisms that restrict broad access to the art world for artists, enthusiasts, and would-be collectors alike, Joe and Jonny opened a small pop-up gallery space in an empty charity shop at the ages of 22 and 23, determined to build a business that encouraged access, engagement and opportunity for committed and talented artists. As young gallery owners initially showing their own paintings, they set out to develop a roster of international artists that embodied a shifting global culture of information sharing and global connectivity. The pair were, and are, uniquely placed to influence the evolution of the art industry and play a significant part in realigning its ingrained value systems through the relentless and purposeful championing of exceptional artist talent. 

Today, Joe and Jonny lead a diverse and multi-talented team of individuals in their London gallery who share in the mission of supporting the world's most exciting artists, and making their work accessible to the widest possible audience - in the ultimate pursuit of making art a more practical and valuable aspect of our world's cultures and societies.