By Margarita Ponce
Photography by Margarita Ponce
El Paso has always been rooted in a deep sense of culture and community, reflected in its people, nurtured by the artists, tasted in local flavors and carried by its own creative pulse. With vibrant horizons stretching across the Southwest, mountain trails only minutes away, it is no surprise that artists tend to draw inspiration from the beautiful landscape of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Gabriel Marquez has spent years refining his signature art style that is distinctively and uniquely his, From his upbringing in El Paso, through his creative journey in Seattle to his return back home. Known for his attention to detail and intricate linework, every brushstroke holds a story of its own.
Photograph by Margarita Ponce
His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and public art projects, including Seattle’s SODO Track mural program, the Federal Way Light Rail Extension project, the El Paso Childrens Museum, La Nube Museum, Lincoln Park and the beloved coyote mural that stands just outside of his gallery.
Marquez specializes in painting and graphic design, blending fluid linework and intuitive drawings that display symbolism, mystical creatures, animals, plants and portraits of women. Through detailed and linear compositions, he examines how movement and stillness can coexist with one another. Intentionally painting his animals against blank, untouched spaces, or solid fields of color, reflecting the vastness of the desert landscape itself.
“A lot of the backgrounds that I have are kind of just blank, because maybe I’m so used to seeing land going on forever” -Marques
Marquez hosts exhibitions and markets at the gallery, steadily gaining traction while giving back to the local and creative community. Each event gathers a lively mix of vendors and artists, presenting everything from local flavors, paintings to prints, ceramics, glasswork, jewelry, resin pieces, and much more. Right next door, the boutiques open their doors and welcome anyone who loves thrifting, rare finds and vintage gems. (@funfunkyfabvintage / @shoppineapplevintage) A nearby brewery offers a range of unique craft flavors for all to enjoy (@oldsheepdogbrewery) and just across the street, The Paradox gallery welcomes visitors into an immersive art experience unlike anything else in the city (@paradoximmersiveart)
“When people commute to this part of town, they are welcomed by a bunch of murals that have been created by Chicano artists here in El Paso. My space is right next to it, right under the heart of the spaghetti bowl. You got the bridge to Juarez right above us and being here is very special,” Marquez shares.
Located in Lincoln Park, the gallery sits at the very heartbeat of the border. The surrounding neighborhoods hold a unique blend of culture, art and history. When markets, exhibitions and events come alive here, they bring shared experiences together. Although El Paso is a border town, events and spaces like these help the community feel united and connected.
Check out Gabriel Marquez’s work, upcoming exhibitions and markets by following his page (@mysticdesertstudio) located at 3900 Rosa Ave. You are bound to discover something new with every visit.
