Ribbon Fence is a series of colorful monoprints by Victoria Martinez newly published by Process/Process. Join us for a special reception and exhibition viewing.

Working at our Pilsen print studio, Martinez composed each image in real time, first by painting the wrought iron fences common to Chicago’s Lower West Side with ink made from hibiscus flowers; then, by running ribbon-like, vinyl tape through the press in playful arrangements; and finally, by adding shapes in various colors. The works in Ribbon Fence incorporate plastic ribbon sourced from a nearby hardware store and natural pigments.

Victoria Martinez is an interdisciplinary artist who honors her Mexican-American ancestry through textile-based projects including painting and public art. Her work is inspired by ancient sites, architecture, and the urban environment. Martinez has exhibited at venues including the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, CT, the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, IL, the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, TX, and Museo Universitario Del Chopo in Mexico City. As a woman making abstract work, Martinez is interested in “taking up space,” tapping into cultural memories and practices, and engaging the history of painting itself.