The Last Man

London, United Kingdom–Texas-based artist Mauro C. Martinez, acclaimed for his clever social commentary investigating meme-culture, presents his new solo exhibition The Last Man at Unit London. This unique presentation includes a series of large-scale oil paintings and Martinez’s exciting foray into sculptural work.

The Last Man takes an in-depth look at our increased dependence on technology and the internet through a fresh and sympathetic lens post-pandemic. He examines how these devices have enabled and introduced new spaces of identity and community in response to the failure of modern institutions. The title references Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, describing the archetypal passive nihilist, tired of life, seeking comfort and security from the familiar, unable to self fulfill and reach his potential.

Martinez points to the rising prevalence of the online gamer, brought on by the interconnectedness of the internet, the surge in remote work and its boost during the pandemic. The artist places us into the life of the gamer, we hold a pizza covered Playstation remote control, our world is a self-contained gaming “station” webbed with wires, a mini fridge, and urine-filled plastic bottles. Hardware transforms into sentient beings, a Playstation console embraces its accompanying remote in a tender scene titled Mother and Child, a Macbook cord rises from the ground like an entranced cobra.

These new works thrive on their transgression, comedy, cruelty, and a broad sense of empathy: what happens if you cannot afford that elite school, what if you don’t achieve your dream job? Martinez invites us to rethink the notion that technology is inherently opposed to “real life”, especially in times when these can no longer be decoupled. These devices are increasingly opening up space for creating unique communities in a world filled by hierarchical barriers.

The Last Man opens 26 April, 2022 at Unit London and will run until 28 May 2022.