Playa del Carmen Artist Armando Martínez Exhibits Retrospective at City Gallery

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A retrospective exhibition by local artist Armando Martínez opened this week at the municipal art gallery, showcasing over three decades of his work.

The exhibition, titled “Retrospectiva: La Persistencia de la Pintura” (Retrospective: The Persistence of Painting), is organized by the Playa del Carmen Municipal Institute of Culture and the Arts (IMCAP). It will remain on display until May 9.

Ernesto Santiago Martínez Cuéllar, the institute’s director general, welcomed attendees on behalf of Mayor Estefanía Mercado. “This is an important afternoon for the city. We are honored. Thank you for opening the door to your art,” he said, inviting residents and tourists to visit the exhibition.

Martínez Cuéllar also invited the public to attend a performance of “B612” by dance instructor Lourdes Luna at the City Theater on Thursday at 7 p.m., as part of the “Abril es Danza” (April is Dance) program.

The gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.

Armando Martínez, a professor with more than 30 years of artistic career—22 of them spent in Playa del Carmen—has participated in over 100 solo and group exhibitions. “I draw what moves me. It can later become a painting. I always work on two large tables. I only use the easel to refine details,” he noted.

He explained that his work aims to allow the public to observe drawing and painting in parallel. Martínez has also worked on preserving Playa del Carmen’s cultural heritage for eight years and is the creator of the turtle sculptures adorning the roundabout next to Plaza Las Américas.

The exhibition is part of Mayor Mercado’s efforts to forge alliances with the artistic community, facilitating broader dissemination of local works through IMCAP venues.