Elena Martinez, Founder and Curator of Lumina Gallery, standing in the gallery space

Our Story

Founded in 2015 by Elena Martinez, Lumina Gallery began as a vision to create a space where contemporary art could flourish and connect with diverse audiences. What started as a modest showcase has grown into one of the city's most respected contemporary art venues.

Our mission is to illuminate the extraordinary talent of both emerging and established artists while fostering meaningful connections between art and community. We believe that art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform perspectives.

Every exhibition at Lumina Gallery is carefully curated to present a dialogue between different artistic voices, creating an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.

"Art is the universal language that speaks to the soul, transcending boundaries and connecting us to our shared humanity." - Elena Martinez, Founder & Chief Curator

At Lumina Gallery, we believe in the transformative power of contemporary art. Our vision is to be a beacon of creativity that illuminates new perspectives and celebrates the diverse voices of today's artistic landscape.

We are committed to supporting artists at every stage of their careers, providing a platform where their unique voices can be heard and appreciated. Through thoughtful curation and community engagement, we strive to make art accessible and meaningful to all.

Elena Martinez

Founder & Chief Curator

  • Master of Arts
    Art History & Museum Studies
    Columbia University, 2010
  • 15+ years in contemporary art curation
    Former Associate Curator at MoMA PS1

Marcus Chen

Gallery Director

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts
    Art Business & Gallery Management
    Parsons School of Design, 2018
  • Digital Art & Mixed Media
    Contemporary Art Center, 2022
  • Art Business & Gallery Relations
    Professional Artist Program, 2021

Creative Process

01

Inspiration

Ideas often come from unexpected places – a shadow on the wall, the texture of weathered concrete, or the interplay of colors in nature.

02

Exploration

I begin with sketches and color studies, exploring different compositions and techniques before committing to the final piece.

03

Creation

The actual creation process is both meditative and dynamic, allowing for spontaneous discoveries while maintaining the overall vision.

04

Reflection

Each completed work informs the next, creating a continuous dialogue between past experiences and future possibilities.

The Studio

My studio is a sanctuary of creativity, filled with natural light and surrounded by works in various stages of completion. It's a space where experimentation is encouraged and mistakes become opportunities for discovery.

The organized chaos of brushes, paints, and canvases creates an environment where inspiration can strike at any moment. Every corner tells a story of artistic exploration and creative growth.

Artist studio workspace