San Martín de Porres 1579 - 1639
for The Walthamstow Art Trail 2026
At Saint Saviour's Church, Walthamstow 210 Markhouse Rd, London E17 8EP 6 - 14th of June 2026 Opening times: Sat 6-13: 11 - 4 pm Thur 11: 12 - 4 pm Sun 7 - 14: 12 - 4 pm |
This acrylic painting of Saint Martin de Porres is not intended to be a literal reproduction of traditional images of the saint. While I drew inspiration from some of the existing representations of him, I ultimately chose to create my own interpretation.
One of the most significant aspects of this reinterpretation is his hair. I depicted Saint Martin with a fuller, freer Afro hairstyle. Hair is an important part of my identity, and growing up in a country where straight hair was often considered the ideal, wearing my natural hair became, in many ways, an act of self-acceptance and quiet rebellion. It represents respect for who I am and where I come from. I like to think that this spirit of authenticity has been inherited by the saint I portray. In many traditional depictions, Saint Martin appears alongside several animals. In this painting, I chose to include a dog, or perhaps a wolf, with gentle and candid eyes. This animal symbolises fidelity, honour, kindness, and unconditional love. Its golden-yellow colour echoes the saint’s aura, creating a visual connection between the two figures. Although the Dominican habit is traditionally brown, I decided to introduce colour into his clothing. I intended to present a contemporary vision of the saint. Colour plays a central role in my artistic practice because it represents life, hope, and transformation. The green background symbolises growth and renewal, while the blue robe conveys nobility, responsibility, and integrity. Inspired by the work of South American indigenist artists such as Oswaldo Guayasamín, I chose to emphasise Saint Martin’s hands and feet. I am aware that barefoot representations are more commonly associated with Franciscan traditions; however, I intentionally portrayed him without shoes to highlight qualities of humility and connection to the earth. It also serves as a subtle reminder of his origins, acknowledging that his mother was an enslaved woman. The final element is the inscription of the saint’s name and birth date within the composition. This feature was inspired by Orthodox religious icons, where text is integrated into the image itself and presented prominently as an essential part of the visual narrative. Through these artistic choices, I aim to honour Saint Martin de Porres not only as a historical and religious figure but also as a symbol of dignity, compassion, resilience, and human authenticity. |
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