Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15 each year, honors individuals of Hispanic origin who have made significant contributions to society. One of those people happens to be Soraida Martinez. 

Martinez, born on July 30, 1956 in Manhattan, is a Latina artist of Puerto Rican descent who is known for her contemporary abstract expressionism and for creating the art form known as Verdadism. 

Martinez graduated from Rowan University in 1981 earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a specialization in design. She also has a Liberal Arts degree in psychology from Cumberland State College. 

What sets Martinez apart from other creators in the art world is her desire to use her art to elevate the voices of Historically, Persistently or Systematically Marginalized (HPSM) groups.

Martinez’s contributions to the art world began in 1986, in her design studio in Marlton, New York. 

But it was in 1992, in the comfort of her home studio, that Martinez developed the art form called Verdadism. Martinez created the by combining the Spanish word for truth (Verdad) and the English suffix for theory (ism).

Martinez said, “The primary purpose behind the paintings of Verdadism is to precipitate social change, to promote an understanding of humanity and to teach tolerance and the self-empowerment of the individual.”

According to soraida.com, Martinez’s website, “Verdadism paintings are always accompanied by a written social commentary based on [her] personal life experiences and observations on American society.” Her paintings combined topics such as racism, sexism, identity and self empowerment with truth. 

NDHS Spanish teacher, Mrs. Shumway said, “I think she has a lot to say about social issues today.  According to Google, she accompanies each piece of art with a written social commentary.”   

Ultimately, Verdadism was created to raise awareness on social issues. Through this art, Martinez illustrates the societal struggles for the artists from marginalized groups such as people of color and women. 

By using hard lines, vivid colors, and thick shapes skillfully painted across a canvas, Martinez shared her deepest emotions and provoked real conversations about social issues, and influenced other artists to do the same. Because of these messages and her style, her art was very well received by many artists. 

Sophomore Camille Bayreuther said, “She [Soraida Martinez} sounds like a very cool person, and I like her style and messages. I really like how she depicts the human figure.” 

The style of Verdadism isn’t restricted to paintings. Twentieth century writers, singers, and thinkers have embraced this style to share their emotions and experiences to the world.

Besides her creation of Verdadism, Martinez has many other artistic achievements. She has been a product illustrator for J.G Duran International, a French Crystal Company. She has also been  a freelance artist and an in-house Art Director and Graphic Designer.

Through her artistic strokes and words, Martinez created something brand new for the world to share and enjoy. Her art is something that has affected others positively.