Cristina Martinez is an artist from Tacoma, Washington, based in Seattle. Her work is deeply informed by the resilience and strength of the Mexican women who raised her - her mother, grandmother, and aunts - and reflects themes of visibility, endurance, and collective empowerment.

Initially trained in fashion illustration, Martinez moved to painting as a more expansive form of expression, creating both intimate portraits and abstract works. Central to her practice is an intentional focus on Black and Brown women, honoring those historically underrepresented while paying homage to her own lineage.

Butterflies frequently appear in her work as symbols of transformation and connection to Mother Earth, inspired by her grandmother, who raised and released butterflies as part of their life cycle. These motifs speak to growth, renewal, and the journey of becoming.

Martinez’s philosophy found widespread recognition through her viral Water Me series, which transformed personal vulnerability into a resonant, universal narrative. Her work has since appeared in galleries, public spaces, fashion collaborations, and on album covers.

Her recent projects include the sold-out solo exhibition To the Ones Who Remain Unbroken, a 52-foot mural at 3 World Trade Center, and collaborations with brands such as Nordstrom, Disney, and Spotify.