Daniel Joseph Martinez

If Only God Had Invented Coca Cola Sooner! Or, The Death of My Pet Monkey

Composed of Gestures Contained in a Transitory Decor by Daniel Joseph Martinez is from a series of text-based posters collectively titled If Only God Had Invented Coca Cola Sooner! Or, The Death of My Pet Monkey, which delves into themes of consumerism, mortality, and the absurdities of modern life. Stating its title in bold red typeface, the poster underscores the notion that gestures are not fixed, but rather are influenced by the contexts in which they occur. Through this piece, Martinez challenges viewers to consider how much of what we perceive as personal expression is dictated by external circumstances. The installation’s ephemeral quality serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the continuous construction and deconstruction of social and personal spaces, making it a profound commentary on the intersection of environment and identity. Martinez often utilizes provocative titles and imagery to challenge viewers’ perceptions. Combining visual elements with conceptual underpinnings—using the death of a pet monkey as a metaphor for lost innocence or the impact of consumer culture on natural life.. Martinez’s poster series invites viewers to reflect on the intersections of identity, impermanence, and the constructed nature of social environments, compelling them to question the underlying narratives that shape their understanding of the world.