about the artist
Eileen Marquez' socially-conscious art practice is rooted in her Cuban-American heritage, and her belief that she can change the world one painting, at a time. In her paintings, she transforms oil paint and fabric into magical environments of vivid color, texture and multiple meanings. She says her ‘Goddess Series of Inspiring Women’ is relevant today, more than ever, because girls and women need female role models to provide inspiration, hope and guidance in these difficult times. Her compositions fluctuate between traditional portraits and fantastical environments. She paints subjects such as Oprah Winfrey life-size and in a traditional manner, because she wants the viewer to have a direct dialogue with the "goddess", much as women have done throughout history in different cultures and religions.
Eileen's portraits have been likened to the work of contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley. Whereas Kehinde's backgrounds are decorative, Eileen's provide meaning and revelations about her subject. She begins each work by rumaging through her extensive collection of fabrics. She selects fabrics that will provide clues to the subjects' personality and vocation. For her portrait of Michelle Obama, she chose fabrics that represent the former First Lady's love of fashion; and then shaped them into floating hearts, symbolizing the public's love and fascination with Michelle.
After receiving her BFA from Florida International University, Eileen moved to New York to be near to the art scene developing in the East Village of Manhattan. She has exhibited her work throughout New York, and the United States, for over 20 years. Most recently, she was a docent at the Brooklyn Museum for 10 years, before relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2019.
Eileen's portraits have been likened to the work of contemporary artist Kehinde Wiley. Whereas Kehinde's backgrounds are decorative, Eileen's provide meaning and revelations about her subject. She begins each work by rumaging through her extensive collection of fabrics. She selects fabrics that will provide clues to the subjects' personality and vocation. For her portrait of Michelle Obama, she chose fabrics that represent the former First Lady's love of fashion; and then shaped them into floating hearts, symbolizing the public's love and fascination with Michelle.
After receiving her BFA from Florida International University, Eileen moved to New York to be near to the art scene developing in the East Village of Manhattan. She has exhibited her work throughout New York, and the United States, for over 20 years. Most recently, she was a docent at the Brooklyn Museum for 10 years, before relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2019.