“Transmutation” by May-ling Martinez

Trans·mu·ta·tion: the action of changing or the state of being changed into another form.

Early in the process of creating her mural, artist May-ling Martinez stands near her work in progress.

Longtime Space 4 Art resident artist May-ling Martinez recently debuted her largest art work to date– a giant mural in the alley behind Bread and Salt Arts Center at 1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego. This alley is a high-traffic throughway, so this mural will benefit local residents of Barrio Logan and Logan Heights for years to come.

Called Transmutation, Martinez’s mural is about shift and change. “Much of my work is open-ended and nonspecific because I create a space of reflection. I’m exploring personal ideas. I’m creating a space to contemplate and look within.” Her mural is in panels, so you can read it as a whole story or part by part. “Its aesthetic,” May-ling says, “is that of books without text.” 

You can read May-ling’s mural as a whole story or part by part.

“There are references to openings in the body. The piece starts with a lot of negative space, but as you move to the left, it starts filling in with things like flowers, rocks, crystals. The iconography of a rope appears– what is your interpretation of the rope? What about the rope engages you? When we try to make sense of it and bring our own histories– when we try to decipher the work, we really become a part of it.”

What is your interpretation of the rope? What about the rope engages you?

A great time to view Transmutation is during the Barrio Logan Art Crawl, occurring the second Saturday of each month from 5-8 PM. Otherwise, the lights are on daily from 6:00-9:00 PM. Go drive by when you can!