Borderlandia In Red by Andrea Muñoz Martinez of XOXO AMMO

Borderlandia In Red
Andrea Muñoz Martinez
Ink on canvas
12”h x 27”w x 2”d - Framed
3 - 12”h x 9”w x 2”d
2025

Borderlandia is a reimagined landscape full of life and movement, not divided by borders. Contemplate the beauty that exists in a land where people negotiate their place, where people thrive and struggle, and where people resist the idea of unjust borders. The many layers and marks made in repetition with vibrant color is mindful and healing. Abstract painting is a way of observing the hope and horror of the borderlands and can help us imagine a better future for this land.The grid pattern symbolizes footsteps, monarchs and mesquite thorns. The swirling parallel lines symbolize a river. And the radial pattern represents chispas or sparks, flowers to honor a loved one, and the energy that is expressed when a border is crossed, built or destroyed. These paintings are a reflection of my energy and the energy exerted when a spark is made, and the positivity that is created within communities to shield one another from hostility, prejudice, judgement, or daily struggles.

Get to Know the Austin Artist:
I am a Latina/ Chicana artist born in Uvalde, TX. My landscapes, portraits, photographs and performance art render a re-imagined Nepantla, called Borderlandia. I moved to Austin in 2005 and received my BFA from U.T. After I earned my MFA at UCDavis, I moved back to Austin to make and teach art. I teach painting at the Dougherty Arts Center. And I’m a gallery assistant at Art For The People Gallery. Visit me at the gallery every Sunday, Tuesday and Second Saturday!