Biography

Kevin Zaid Martinez, is a multidisciplinary, Minneapolis based painter, teacher, and public muralist. He primarily works with oil paint to document and paint portraits of community leaders and role models. Art has been a passage of healing for him as a survivor of abuse, discrimination, and cancer. He explores trauma theory and how one can turn grievances into “manifestations of warmth.” Zaid’s color palette is warm and fiery, pertaining to the idea of “home” He evokes a colorful and metaphorical fire that survivors obtain in a process of anger, solitude, and a passion for finding happiness in the smallest of objects. 

Zaid graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2021, with a BFA in Fine Arts, Graphic Design and Teaching. He is an aspiring educator and multilinguist working with students in Minneapolis Public Schools, via the Spanish immersion program. His experience working with people of different backgrounds and in special education allowed him to strive for accessibility. He currently focuses on working with community engagement and offering art classes to students in the MPLS schools district. You can find him creating murals along Northeast, and Central Minneapolis with the help of students or volunteers.

He has exhibited at various locations such as the MSP St. Paul, International Airport, The Graves Foundation, IDS Center, Pride Cultural Arts Center in Minneapolis, Bloomington Center For Arts, and participates in seasonal art fairs.