Soraida Martinez facts for kids

Soraida Martinez, born on July 30, 1956, in Harlem, New York, is an American artist. She is famous for her modern, abstract paintings. Her art often shares important messages about society. Soraida also created her own art style called Verdadism.

Early Life and Education

Soraida Martinez was born in New York in 1956. Her family comes from Puerto Rico. She started painting when she was only eight years old.

When she was 14, Soraida moved to Vineland, New Jersey. She studied art at Glassboro State College. She earned a degree in fine arts with a focus on design in 1981. Before that, she also studied psychology at Cumberland County College in 1978.

Art Career and Style

Since 1986, Soraida Martinez has owned her own art and design studio. Her paintings are very abstract, meaning they don't show things exactly as they look. They often have clear, sharp lines.

Each of her paintings comes with a written message. These messages are usually about society and often come from her own life experiences. People have called her paintings "bold" and "daring."

Soraida is also known for speaking out about important topics. She helps people think about subjects that are sometimes hard to talk about in regular American society.

What is Verdadism?

Since 1992, Soraida Martinez has been known for creating Verdadism. This art style uses abstract paintings with strong lines. Each painting is paired with a written message about society.

The word "Verdadism" comes from "verdad," which means "truth" in Spanish. The "ism" part means it's a theory or belief. So, Verdadism means "truth-ism."

Verdadism has inspired many other artists and writers. Teachers also use it to help students learn about diversity and understanding different cultures.

Soraida's art aims to connect two important parts: the pictures and the words. Viewers are drawn to both her abstract paintings and her messages about people and life. Soraida says her art shows her true self and the truth inside her. She uses her art to speak out against unfair treatment based on race or gender. She also speaks against ideas that don't value everyone's voice. She believes people should find strength in their own truth.

Soraida Martinez has received many awards for her unique art style. Her Verdadism paintings explore many social and philosophical ideas. They also address unfair treatment and stereotypes. Her goal is to promote hope, peace, tolerance, and positive social change. In 1999, she wrote a book about her art called Soraida's Verdadism: The Intellectual Voice of a Puerto Rican Woman on Canvas; Unique, Controversial Images and Style.

The Verdadism art style has been shown in many magazines, newspapers, radio, and TV shows. Many of her paintings have been used as covers for books and school journals. Schools and teachers use her paintings and art book to teach students about tolerance and diversity. Her Verdadism Art Book is even used as a textbook at Willamette University.

Awards and Special Recognition

In 1996, the governor of New Jersey, Christine Todd Whitman, chose Soraida Martinez to join the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. She was a member until 2000.

In 2008, Soraida was recognized as one of the 15 most important Hispanic Americans in the arts. This group included famous actors, artists, and writers. In 2013, the Huffington Post named her one of the ten best Latino artists in the U.S.

Through her art, Soraida Martinez helps others. She visits young children in schools. She encourages and inspires them to work hard and reach their full potential. Many universities, organizations, and companies often ask her to show her Verdadism art and share her ideas.

Inspiring Words

Soraida Martinez has shared many powerful thoughts:

• "Art can plant a seed in someone's mind."
• "I tell... kids about empowering themselves through education. And they see me as a role model. A professional artist. A Puerto Rican woman. I made it. But I wish someone had told me what I'm telling them."