Marta Pérez García: Exploring Trauma and Resilience Through Sculpture

Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico in 1965, Marta Pérez García is a Puerto Rican artist whose oeuvre delves into profound themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the enduring impact of trauma—particularly gender violence. Her artistic journey commenced with formal training at Louisiana State University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1987, followed by an MFA from Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University in Philadelphia in 1993. These formative experiences instilled a meticulous approach to craft and a steadfast dedication to confronting difficult subjects with sensitivity and artistic innovation.

Early Influences: The Island’s Narrative Tradition

García’s artistic vision was deeply rooted in her upbringing in Puerto Rico, where she absorbed the rich cultural heritage of the island—a tradition steeped in storytelling and symbolism. This heritage instilled a profound appreciation for visual narratives that convey complex emotions and explore universal human experiences. These influences permeate her work, informing her stylistic choices and thematic concerns.

Technique: The Woodcarving Reduction Process – A Dialogue Between Material and Form

She is celebrated for her distinctive woodcarving reduction process, a technique that demands extraordinary patience, precision, and an unwavering commitment to detail. This method involves painstakingly sculpting wooden boards—often monumental in scale—to create intricate figures destined for printmaking. The process begins with sketching a design directly onto the board, followed by successive stages of carving away excess material until only the desired form remains. Each step is carefully considered, mirroring García’s meticulous exploration of complex emotional landscapes and reflecting her belief that art can serve as a conduit for confronting difficult truths. As she describes it, “The reduction process is in itself a metaphor for the violence and frailty of life as the demise of the carved wood gradually makes way for bright pigment on paper to mark the birth of the print.”

Notable Projects: Confronting Gender Violence Through Sculpture

Among her accomplishments stands *I’m Gonna Get You*, an installation at the Reeves Center that powerfully confronts gender violence through a striking assemblage of sculptural elements. This ambitious project utilizes collaborative efforts with local organizations, empowering survivors and transforming spaces into platforms for reflection and action. García's artistic focus shifted dramatically in recent years toward addressing this critical concern—particularly within marginalized communities—resulting in immersive multimedia projects designed to amplify voices and foster dialogue. The installation’s centerpiece is a monumental sculpture crafted from handmade paper and reinforced with wire, nails, and metal spikes – a deliberate choice that underscores the artist’s commitment to confronting trauma head-on.

Recognition & Legacy: Collections and Fellowships

García’s artworks are held in prestigious collections including Museo Arte de Puerto Rico, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico, and the Library of Congress, Washington DC. Furthermore, she has been awarded Public Art Building Communities Grants and artist fellowships from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities—affirming her dedication to artistic experimentation and social engagement. Her work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing her place as a significant voice in contemporary art and inspiring ongoing conversations about resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of visual storytelling.