Carolina "Caro" Martinez: Art in Chaos In the intimate confines of her East Village studio, Carolina "Caro" Martinez builds worlds. Layers of paint and collage—scratched, torn, reassembled—speak of lives lived and places left behind. The small, shared space where she works bursts with works-in-progress, each piece a window into her evolution as an artist and storyteller. The grit of Houston and the pulse of New York City find their way into her compositions, creating a body of work that feels grounded yet boundless.
Martinez’s art emerges from a sense of spontaneity and necessity. “I feel like I’m chasing a feeling, not an outcome,” she shares. Her process is organic, almost meditative. Found objects—cigarette boxes, nightclub wristbands, scraps of paper—are layered with sweeping brushstrokes and deliberate text, often obscured and then uncovered again. What’s left behind is more than a painting; it’s an urban diary—a conversation between her present self and the past she honors yet refuses to be bound by.
A Lifelong Artist
“I’ve always been an artist,” Caro says, describing her creative journey as an inseparable part of her identity rather than a conscious decision. From using sticky notes and nail polish as a child to creating large-scale décollage-inspired paintings, Caro’s process has always been deeply intuitive. Her artistry took a professional turn when she began sharing her vulnerable, unfinished work on social media. That openness earned her recognition and provided a platform to transform her passion into a career.
A Lifelong Artist
What sets Caro apart isn’t just the raw intensity of her work but the quiet way she challenges convention. Her art rejects the boundaries of formalism while maintaining a certain grace. She paints cityscapes with a sense of longing, telephone poles standing as silhouettes against abstract skies, symbols of connection and distance all at once. Her recurring motifs—a robed figure or bursts of warm, golden hues—feel deeply personal yet open to interpretation.
Her choice of medium is both intentional and impulsive. "I don’t look for meaning in the clippings or the objects I use," she shares. "I find something interesting and put it on the canvas. It’s up to the universe to decide what it becomes." But even in her seeming spontaneity, there’s a deep awareness, an understanding that art doesn’t just reflect life but becomes life itself—a collection of everything she’s experienced, touched, or loved. These fragments, buried beneath layers of paint, tell stories of heartbreak, healing, and growth."I find something interesting and put it on the canvas. It’s up to the universe to decide what it becomes." But even in her seeming spontaneity, there’s a deep awareness, an understanding that art doesn’t just reflect life but becomes life itself—a collection of everything she’s experienced, touched, or loved. These fragments, buried beneath layers of paint, tell stories of heartbreak, healing, and growth.
The Future in Layers
As Caro approaches her Valentine’s Day show—a turning point in her career—she finds herself reflecting on the evolution of her work. "It’s a goodbye to the chaos of my past," she says. This new phase embraces subtler emotions, with muted tones and themes of nostalgia and growth. The energy remains, but it feels calmer, more refined.
Even as her art shifts, her values remain anchored in community and collaboration. She sees art as a shared experience, one that thrives on connection and dialogue. "I want people to feel something when they see my work," she explains. "Even if it’s not what I felt—it’s the feeling that matters."
Through her layered canvases and dynamic vision, Caro invites us into her world, offering glimpses of beauty and grit, despair and hope, all stitched together with her unmistakable touch.
Interview with Caro
Which artists do you collaborate with or draw inspiration from?
This question has always been difficult for me because there wasn’t a single moment when I became an artist. I’ve always been one. Even now, I feel like a child doodling for fun, mixing colors out of curiosity rather than purpose. The insecurities, fears, and inhibitions I’ve carried through childhood and adolescence are still with me today. The only difference now is that people take me seriously.
Imperfect, and deeply personal—with my small circle of followers felt terrifying at first. I’ve always been a shy girl, so exposing myself in that way felt like standing naked in a room full of people.
iI remember dedicating two hours a day to art—not because I thought it would lead to anything, but because it was the only thing that made me feel better. It was my release. That vulnerability sparked something. It became a practice, a ritual. Yet, a part of me wondered if I was wasting time.
It was eye-opening to see my efforts validated by my peers (almost immediately at that). This encouragement gave me a push I never expected. It was like someone lit a fire in me, and I’ve been running with it ever since. What was your main source of inspiration to pursue a career in art? New York City has been a source of endless inspiration. The city’s grit, chaos, and opportunity constantly push me forward. But the motivation? That came from the people in my life.
My sister, who introduced me to great music and opened my eyes to the beauty of art. She always told me to keep an open mind. She loved music—she wanted to be on the radio—and she was a dancer. I couldn’t have been older than nine when she gave me her entire music library on an iPod. I remember falling in love with the album covers and becoming curious about the artists behind the visuals. Designing an album cover is still a dream of mine—a full-circle moment waiting to happen.
Growing up, I was deeply aware of Houston’s local music scene. The lore, the sounds, the legacy—all of it came from the same city I called home. It inspired me to start a movement of my own, to represent where I come from, to tell my story and my testimony. Local art is inspiring—it’s where all the magic happens.
I also think of my former partner, Alex, who believed in me when I couldn’t see my own potential. And my parents, who sacrificed so much to give me the resources that got me here today.
Most importantly, I think of the unexpected encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who saw something in my work that I hadn’t. They recognized my dedication and work ethic in a way that made me finally see it myself.
I think about my nieces and my younger self a lot. Baby Caro searched for representation in the arts but never quite found it. I want to be the person she was looking for. I want to show my nieces—and anyone who comes from where I do—that there is space and opportunity for us in the art world. Which artists do you collaborate with or draw inspiration from? Local artists have my heart. I owe everything I have to the New York City art scene—the artists who relentlessly chase something bigger than themselves, who grind and believe in their vision, no matter what. It’s a community driven by passion, hustle, and authenticity. Artists like Kikiisun, Rim the Artist, and C. (seriously, check out agtraphaus.com!) remind me daily of the power of collaboration. These are people who embody the real, gritty side of artistry. They stay grounded, doing what they love and connecting with others for the sake of the work itself. No pretension, just pure dedication to the craft.
Do you have a distinct style or theme in your work? If so, how would you describe it? My work is abstract expressionism with graffiti influences, reflecting themes of hope, despair, and personal experiences. Cityscapes, warm tones, and recurring motifs like robed women embody my journey and heritage. Where can people view or purchase your artwork? I’m working on my website—I know it’s long overdue. Soon, soon. It’s in the works: carocarocaro.com (domain name, secured!) For now, I operate mostly over Instagram, especially in these wintertimes.
Otherwise, I usually have a show or two lined up every month: Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, you name it. I got some good stuff on the roster for this year. All dates and times are announced on my instagram, so keep an eye out! @CAROALLCAPS What are some of the most recent exhibitions or shows you’ve participated in? I worked pretty closely with Detox Gallery this year. I was happy to be invited both as an exhibitor and as a live painter. Vickie is great—she’s sharp and knows what she’s doing.
The Soiree (Soirée Henzo) is, I think, one of the coolest things I’ve been a part of. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many faces from the art community gathered in one place. There was everything: open decks, mood lighting, booze. It went on till late, all in the heart of Chelsea. Seeing that line out the door of the venue was indescribable. I’ve never seen anything like it. Not to mention the whole night was wonderful. The energy was palpable. Jake has something special in his hands. I’m waiting patiently and looking forward to the next one.
What projects are you currently working on or have planned for the near future? I’m focused on my Valentine’s Day show, blending my art with event planning. This marks a new phase in my work, moving towards a more refined and reflective approach. How can people stay updated on your latest work and follow your journey? For now, Instagram. A website is coming, and I’m excited for it to include a newsletter and blog. There are things that don’t belong on Instagram but would fit well on a blog. Instagram can feel exhausting—I’m not sure why—so I’m looking forward to having a dedicated space for my work and thoughts.
Until then, Instagram is the only place where I share my art and behind-the-scenes work. I also like to share opportunities for other artists (writers, musicians, and actors, etc.) so keep an eye out. I’m easy to reach, so feel free. I love getting to know people. Especially those who appreciate the journey and the art… and the journey of the artist!