BIOGRAPHY

Hello,

My name is Angel N. Perez-Martinez, but in the art scene I go by NEHESPADAMUS. The reason for this is due to two reasons; one is my name is very generic when it comes to Latino names and the other is to stand out with a unique name in a scene where it’s very competitive. I’m a gay Latinx multidisciplinary artist who works to perceive the human condition, through queer lenses. I reuse religious iconography because its these people who use their beliefs to inflict violence on people like me.

I was born on April 14th, 1995, in Portland, OR to a family of immigrants from Honduras. Growing up I was constantly moving and never having a set of permanent friends because I knew we were set to move sooner or later. It wasn’t until I moved to Riverside, CA where it became a little more permanent to build bonds with people to call friends.

It was here at La Sierra High School where my passion for the arts was driven to learn it by a teacher. When I started my college journey, I went to the local community college called Riverside City College. Here I was taught the classical Italian way, everything was drawn and painted from life and where I was able to learn the “rules” and foundational skills. During this time, I also met my mentor Leslie Brown who taught me not how to improve my art, but also life advice. I tended to work in printmaking, drawings, paintings, and illustrations. It wasn’t until I went to California State University San Bernardino where I was able to break the rules and do more experimental stuff because it was perfect chance due to the studio class spaces and the equipment available to students. I strayed a little from drawing and painting here and explored more 3D surfaces like Glass, Woodworking, Bronze, sculptures and Ceramic. However, I spent a huge amount of time in the printmaking studio it became like my second home. Now after years pursuing a BFA, I finally achieved it in the spring of 2024.

Currently, working on submitting work to galleries, and sketching ideas for my next big painting and print series. Also applying to universities for my MFA to eventually teach at the university level and to pass down my knowledge to the next generation.