MAGIC HARVEST | NARSISO MARTINEZ

Narsiso Martinez (Oaxaca, 1977) has developed an artistic practice deeply connected to social and cultural issues, with a focus on the condition of agricultural workers. His artworks explore the difficult daily life of those who, often invisible to society, ensure the supply of fresh produce in the large-scale distribution market. Through drawings and multimedia installations, Martinez gives voice to these workers, transforming recycled materials into powerful tools of denunciation.
The artist himself has experienced farm labor, which leads him to a formal approach that employs materials consistent with this context: the surfaces he uses are nothing more than discarded fruit and vegetable boxes, recovered before disposal.

A striking example of his work is Magic Harvest, a 2019 installation. The piece consists of six stacked boxes, on which a life-size figure of a farmworker is depicted. The subject wears typical attire for working under the sun: a comfortable jumpsuit, sneakers, a light-colored cap with a visor, and a bandana covering the nose and mouth. The uniqueness of the artwork lies in the artist’s technique: the drawing extends across two of the four sides of the boxes, creating a three-dimensional effect that invites the viewer to observe the piece from multiple angles.
The use of charcoal gives the figure a ‘dirty’ and rough appearance, perfectly in tune with the harshness of the subject matter. Additionally, Martinez chooses to leave the original graphics and branding on the boxes visible—such as the famous Chiquita banana logo—creating a contrast between the appealing corporate imagery and the harsh conditions of the workers who make agricultural production possible. This choice highlights the direct and relentless nature of his denunciation, which leaves no room for compromise and is in no way softened.

Through his art, Martinez pays tribute to the dignity of those who work behind the scenes. His works do not merely document reality; they challenge the viewer to look beyond appearances, to reflect on the value of human labor, and to question the sustainability and ethics of the modern agricultural system.

Narsiso Martinez
Magic Harvest, 2019
Ink, Charcoal, and Gouache on Found Produce Boxes
180,34 x 59,69 x 40,64 cm (71 x 23.5 x 16 Inches)
Courtesy of the artist and Charlie James Gallery, Los Angeles. Photo © 2019 Michael Underwood.

26/03/25