PATRICIA MARÍN SPRING
Mosaics

Meet the Artist

Born in Cartagena, Chile, Patricia Marin continually developed her artistic talents in parallel to her professional activities with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).
 Her life experiences and journeys along Latin America during the 80s and 90s – exploring Brazil, El Salvador, Los Angeles and New York, have shaped her art and affinity toward culture and the sense of belonging and admiration of different landscapes and societies. Another ever-present element in her work is the social sensibility which has accompanied her throughout her entire life.


Her work is highlighted by the harmony and cadence of colors, as well as by the innovative use of textures and different media, including mosaic, glass, three dimensional sculptures, and large outdoor pieces. During an initial experimentation with mosaics, Patricia realized that her work would have her specialize in creating exclusive designs, urban murals and commercial and residential applications.During the later phase of her work, shedeveloped projects of larger dimensions, such as 60 foot murals that embellish the exterior walls of a religious chapel, three dimensional sculptures, wine barrels, fountains, pools, park benches and even bus stops.

She is currently working on the installation of a 100 footx10 foot outdoor mosaic mural commissioned by the city of Iquique in northern Chile as a celebration of its bicentennial anniversary. Originally conceived with input from both government agencies as well as the community, this piece will highlight local history, developments of native tribes, the Spanish conquest and the struggle for independence.

Her artistic credentials include the Art Student League of New York; Universidad Católica de Chile, Byzantine Mosaic at the University of Ravenna, Italy and the Art Mosaic Institute in Oakland, California.  Patricia Marin’s work has been showcased at various exhibitions in New York, NY (USA), Natal (Brazil), Santiago (Chile), Long Beach, and Los Angeles, California (USA).
As a current member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA), Patricia Marin spends her time between Santiago Chile and Los Angeles, California.  Her work was recently exhibited at various mosaic and art events, including the “TESSERAE / THE ART OF MOSAIC” juried event, sponsored by the Arts Council of Long Beach as well as the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. 
   
 




TRAINING

Highlights of Exhibitions and Achievements

2000 – present: Lo Abarca, Chile
Lo Abarca project
With the backdrop of a rural town in the V Region of Chile, over 40 mosaic murals are displayed along its unpaved streets.  Its church, cemetery, kids’ playground and even the street names are decorated with picturesque mosaics.  It is an iconographic testament in which the history of a town is told through its art.  Its objectives are to rescue the important cultural heritage of one of the country’s oldest communities and encourage the community to recognize its cultural past and present, thus creating a feeling of belonging. The highlight is an impressive commissioned mosaic mural on the wall of the town chapel.  Its mystical themes include several singing monks, a pipe organ, church bells, and nuns in traditional 19th century outfits.

2010 – 2012:Iquique, Chile
Commissioned project of a 100ft x 10ft tall mosaic mural to be the centerpiece of a commemorative monument. The Municipality of the city of Iquique (a city in northern Chile) is currently completing this structure dedicated to celebrate the Bicentennial of Chile’s independence as well as homage to the La Tirana Virgin, which is the most important local religious festivity of Northern Chile. This project required a detailed study of local history, the Chilean wars of conquest, and the celebration of La Tirana. The theme had to be approved the Mayor, MyrtaDubost and by local authorities. The piece was developed in sections at the artists’ Santiago studio and will be installed in Iquique in June 2012. 

2012 – 2013: Santiago, Chile
Ongoing project that includes creation and coordination of First Chilean Student Mosaic Contest.  Organize steering committee, guidelines and suggested themes.Set up of legal framework, secure potential sponsors.  The theme of Conservation and Ecology was selected, under a new “green” frame of mind.

September 2011:Long Beach, CA
Tesserae“THE ART OF MOSAIC”
George F. Fishman, Juror
2nd City Council Gallery
435 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach CA
Arts Council of Long Beach, Los Angeles County Arts Commission
Work exhibited: “Wine Cellar” glass mosaic

November 2011:Long Beach, CA
Gallery Expo
“DIA DE LOS MUERTOS”
4321 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach CA
Work exhibited: “Diablada de Chile” mosaic

 

January 2012:Long Beach, CA
Gallery Expo
“Open Call”
4321 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach CA
A collection of art work created by Long Beach and  Los Angeles area artists. Paintings (watercolors, oils, pastels), mixed media, drawings, sculptures, installations and photography.
Work exhibited: “Wolves on the prowl” glass mosaic

“I create art to express the way in which I observe the world – how it is, and how it can be.I am fascinated by illusions and contradictions.I try to unite elements of colors with textures.My art is strongly rooted with a feeling of belonging, and a connection to the land.”