The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

For the seventh installment of Aldrich Projects, Amanda Martínez will present three sculptures in the Leir Atrium inspired by earth building techniques indigenous to the arid ecoregions that traverse the post-colonial nations of the United States and Mexico. The sculptures are representative of Martínez’s practice that is characterized by an interest in blending elemental techniques with modern materials. This new series is also guided by Martínez’s time learning adobe construction in New Mexico, where she connected with the tactile memories that connect her with a lineage of adoberos from the region, including her grandfather and great grandfather. She understands this work as a form of learning and healing, reuniting her to lifeways that were severed by the migration caused by settler-colonialism and the imposition of borders. This first solo museum presentation in the US will include a “touch tour” of haptic learning aids in the Museum’s Studio that provide different access points for visitors to engage with her work.