TALES OF JOE HUESO
ART BY CAMILO MARTINEZ
Joe Hueso embodies authenticity, fearlessly remaining true to himself despite life's adversities.
In "Tales of Joe Hueso," Joe confronts mental health challenges such as burnout, depression, and anxiety, AndUseartto
Through his journey, Joe becomes a beacon of inspiration, urging others to embrace their individuality and pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.
original art from Tales of Joe Hueso
True to Yourself is a bold and raw portrayal of individuality in the middle of the noise. Joe Hueso, wearing his unmistakable red cap and bright yellow flamingo shirt, stands tall against a sea of monochrome versions of himself. The repeated faces, sketched in black and white, represent conformity, fear, and the echo chamber of external expectations.
The single splash of color on Joe’s shirt and one golden tooth transforms him into a beacon of authenticity. This piece invites viewers to question who they are beneath the masks, reminding them that staying true to their essence often means standing out , and standing alone.
Part of the Tales of Joe Hueso series, this work celebrates the courage of being unapologetically yourself in a world that constantly demands you fit in.
Title: True to Yourself
Medium: Mixed Media
Size: 24 × 36 in
Year: 2022
Joe Hueso’s Journey radiates optimism and transformation, capturing the moment when Joe steps out of darkness and into a world full of light, color, and possibility. Wearing a flamingo-print shirt and his signature red cap, Joe holds a lantern glowing with a bright red heart ,a beacon of hope and self-discovery.
Behind him, a giant sunflower watches with a knowing gaze, symbolizing resilience and growth. A playful flamingo offers its support, guiding Joe forward under a radiant rainbow that arcs toward a brilliant blue sea and sun. This surreal and uplifting piece represents the path toward healing, courage, and embracing the unknown with an open heart.
This work is part of the Tales of Joe Hueso series, where each scene explores mental health, transformation, and the rediscovery of joy through whimsical, symbolic narratives.
Title: Joe Hueso’s Journey
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 36 × 48 in
Year: 2025
Rejoice in the Rhythm bursts with energy, capturing a surreal night of music and color. The stormtrooper-headed guitarist, dressed in a bright yellow suit covered with playful doodles, becomes a symbol of defiance and celebration, breaking free from conformity while shredding under the warm glow of hanging lights.
Beside him, a blue-haired singer holds maracas with an almost entranced expression, bridging the gap between chaos and harmony. The red-and-white striped background evokes the intimacy of a neighborhood bar, while subtle details, like the “Miami St.” sign and the green scaled wall — root the piece in a familiar yet dreamlike setting.
This acrylic-on-canvas painting invites the viewer to embrace the noise, the movement, and the joy of losing yourself in music. Like many works in the Tales of Joe Hueso series, it transforms a simple scene into an exploration of identity, freedom, and the rhythms that connect us all.
The Choice captures a pivotal moment—the tension between conformity and self-expression, between the corporate handshake and the artistic rebellion. Joe Hueso stands at the crossroads, one hand accepting the briefcase of security, the other gripping a spray can, symbolizing the need to break free.
The framed background within the painting is more than a setting—it’s a portal to another world, where the ocean and moon offer a sense of freedom, and the sunflowers, a recurring motif, remind us of growth and resilience. Yet, looming figures in suits reflect societal pressure, their skeletal forms embodying the lifeless grind of expectations.
This piece is a reflection on personal choice—do we conform, or do we create? It challenges the viewer to consider their own path and reminds us that even in the face of pressure, the decision to embrace authenticity is always ours to make.
Title: The Choice
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 30 x 30 in (Framed)
Year: 2022
Ground Zero explores the moment when trauma, burnout, and stress fracture reality and force a split from the familiar world. In this space, Joe Hueso invites us into a realm where imperfections are not just accepted but celebrated, where healing is slow and deliberate, and where empathy, service, and love are the foundation.
The stripped-down, “bare bones” figures remind us that starting over from zero is a chance to rebuild with honesty and intention. Colors and forms collide to create a space that feels raw yet hopeful, holding both the pain of collapse and the possibility of renewal.
This piece embodies the spirit of Tales of Joe Hueso—a journey through breakdowns, breakthroughs, and the art of becoming whole again.
Title: Ground Zero - Celebration
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 48 × 48 in (Framed)
Year: 2022
A Muse’s Caress captures the intimate, electrifying moment when inspiration strikes. The two central figures, a blonde muse and a rock guitarist — seem suspended in a private exchange, surrounded by a chorus of Joe Hueso faces that watch silently from the background.
The guitarist’s vibrant red and yellow instrument contrasts with the muted palette, acting as a beacon of creativity and passion. The muse’s gentle touch suggests both tenderness and ignition, as though she is whispering the next note, lyric, or brushstroke into being.
This piece embodies the duality of art-making: the vulnerability of receiving inspiration and the fire of turning it into sound, color, and expression.
Title: A Muse’s Caress
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 30 x 40 in
Year: 2022
La Banda captures the heart of a late-night jam session, where Joe Hueso and his bandmates turn pain into rhythm and chaos into harmony. Dressed in bright greens and yellows, each figure carries both the weight of the world and the joy of release, their skeletal faces open wide in mid-song.
The upright bass, congas, and guitar weave together in an explosion of sound and color, while the red-and-white striped backdrop evokes a lively club stage. This piece is a celebration of music as medicine, a reminder that even in our most stripped-down moments, we can find connection, syncopation, and soul.
This work embodies the essence of Tales of Joe Hueso: transforming struggle into melody and finding community in the process.
Title: Joe Hueso's Band
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 60 x 48 in
Year: 2022
Salud is a raw and evocative exploration of celebration and excess, a toast that resonates beyond the surface. The repetition of Joe Hueso figures—each raising a bottle in unison—creates a rhythmic, almost hypnotic effect, reflecting the camaraderie and chaos often found in moments of uninhibited festivity.
The bold red background intensifies the piece, igniting a sense of urgency, passion, and perhaps even warning. The vibrant golden shirts, marked with subtle but intricate patterns, hint at unity and tradition, while the vacant expressions of the characters suggest something deeper beneath the surface of revelry.
Is this a genuine toast to life, or a masked ritual of conformity? Salud challenges the viewer to contemplate the fine line between joy and escapism, between genuine connection and the search for belonging.
Title: Salud
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas (Framed)
Size: 48 × 36 in (Framed)
Year: 2021
Reflections of the Unseen is a surreal exploration of perception, duality, and self-awareness. Two faces, mirroring yet distinct, stare outward with exaggerated eyes—one blue, one brown—suggesting the contradictions we carry within.
The piece challenges the idea of how we see ourselves versus how others perceive us, playing with color, symmetry, and distortion to reflect the hidden emotions and inner dialogues that often go unspoken. The teeth, stark and exposed, symbolize vulnerability, truth, or the rawness of self-expression—a moment of confrontation with one’s true self.
Through bold brushstrokes and expressive contrasts, this piece invites the viewer to question: What parts of ourselves remain unseen? And what truths do our reflections reveal?
Jazzing It Up embodies the soulful rhythm and improvisational essence of jazz, where music flows as freely as the ocean behind the stage. Joe Hueso, dressed in a signature flamingo shirt, commands the keys with an effortless cool, his presence a fusion of nostalgia and contemporary energy.
The bold contrast of the American flag backdrop and glowing stage lights creates a visual symphony of movement and sound. The thick, deliberate strokes and vibrant palette mirror the spontaneity of a live jazz performance—raw, dynamic, and electrifying.
A celebration of music’s timeless allure, Jazzing It Up pays homage to the unbreakable connection between artist and melody, where every note tells a story waiting to be heard.
Title: Jazzing It Up
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 22 x 40 in (Framed)
Year: 2022
In Joe Hueso – Surf’s Up, Camilo Martinez reimagines his signature character in a vibrant, carefree setting. Dressed in a flamingo-print shirt and board shorts, Joe Hueso embodies the spirit of adventure, freedom, and self-discovery, standing confidently beside his surfboard against a bold orange backdrop.
The piece captures a playful yet introspective energy, reflecting themes of embracing the present, letting go of fears, and riding the waves of life—both literally and metaphorically. With its striking color palette and expressive linework, this artwork invites viewers to reconnect with their inner child, spontaneity, and the pursuit of joy.
Title: Joe Hueso – Surf’s Up
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 60 x 40 in (framed)
Year: 2022
Inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s iconic song, Hey Joe captures the restless energy of a man on the run, searching for escape and freedom. The expressive strokes and psychedelic graffiti-style backdrop immerse the viewer in a story of rebellion, movement, and soul-searching.
Hendrix’s signature Stratocaster and peace symbol necklace embody the counterculture spirit, while layered lyrical fragments and ghostly figures whisper echoes of the past—reminding us that every journey carries both liberation and consequence
This piece is a tribute to music’s power to tell stories, to challenge, and to transcend time. Hendrix’s voice still asks the question: “Where are you going?”
Title: Hey Joe
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 30 x 40 in (Framed)
Year: 2023
Troopertinas – Lift Me Up is a bold exploration of identity, connection, and the desire for freedom in a chaotic world. The Troopertinas, recurring figures in Camilo Martinez’s work, embody the duality of anonymity and self-expression, challenging societal norms while embracing rebellion and camaraderie.
In this piece, two figures hold onto each other, their stormtrooper helmets masking their identities yet revealing a shared sense of defiance and unity. The vivid red and white striped background hints at both pop culture and the idea of spectacle, while the surreal elements—a miniature Charlie Brown figure, distorted musical instruments, and ghost-like figures—add layers of nostalgia, dissonance, and introspection.
The painting plays with themes of liberation and dependence, questioning how much of ourselves is shaped by external forces and how much is our own to reclaim. The bright yet raw color palette intensifies the emotional depth, making this a powerful statement on personal and collective struggle.
A tribute to friendship, rebellion, and the search for meaning behind the mask, Troopertina – Lift Me Up invites viewers to look beyond the surface and embrace the tension between conformity and self-discovery.
Title: Troopertina – Lift Me Up
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 30 x 40 in (Framed)
Year: 2024
Rehearsal captures the raw energy and camaraderie of a jam session, where music transcends boundaries and identities. In this intimate scene, Joe Hueso takes to the keys while a Troopertina guitarist and an unmasked vocalist bring the melody to life. Sunlight pours through an open door, symbolizing creativity in motion—unfiltered, spontaneous, and deeply connected.
The setting evokes nostalgia, a moment suspended in time where passion and music intertwine. Vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes bring warmth to the composition, making it a celebration of artistic expression and unity.
This piece was featured in a private exhibition in Barranquilla, Colombia, 2024, and is available upon request.
Title: Rehearsal
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 48 x 36 in (Framed)
Year: 2024
All Together Now envisions a world where music unites all—beyond race, religion, gender, or background. At the heart of this electrifying scene stands Joe Hueso, embodying the universal spirit of self-expression, leading a global chorus where differences dissolve, and a shared rhythm pulses through every soul.
The crowd is a tapestry of cultures, each figure carrying a unique story yet bound together by the power of sound and movement. Masked and unmasked, free and searching, they converge in a visual symphony of inclusion and celebration. The vibrant hues and layered textures mirror the raw energy of a live concert—where music, the great equalizer, creates a space of belonging for all.
A statement on unity and the transformative power of art, All Together Now reminds us that despite our individual paths, we all move to the same universal beat.
Title: All Together Now
Medium: Mixed Media (Markers, Acrylic, Oil)
Size: 36 x 48 in (Framed)
Year: 2023
With deep blues and fiery tones, All About That Blues is a rhythmic tribute to the raw energy and soul of American blues music. Joe Hueso and his bandmates take the stage, their skeletal expressions revealing both the passion and struggle that fuel the blues. The composition is steeped in nostalgia, evoking smoky jazz clubs and the stories told through every note played.
The lead guitarist, dressed in a deep purple suit and two-tone shoes, channels the spirit of legends, his Les Paul guitar vibrating with emotion. Behind him, a flag-striped backdrop and glowing lights create a stage where music becomes a universal language—one of pain, resilience, and hope.
This piece is more than a performance—it’s an invitation to feel, to connect, and to honor the legacy of blues, where every chord tells a story.
Title: All About That Blues
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 30 x 40 in (Framed)
Year: 2022
Celia is a vibrant homage to the Queen of Salsa and the power of music to lift the spirit. Set against a glowing orange backdrop, the scene bursts with rhythm and color, singers, percussionists, and horn players fill the frame, each character contributing to a collective celebration.
At the heart of the composition stands Celia, radiant in a bright dress, leading the band with her voice and presence. Around her, Joe Hueso anchors the scene at the piano, a reminder that music remains a bridge between worlds, between pain and joy, between the past and the future.
The checkerboard floor and layered figures create a sense of movement and depth, echoing the energy of a live performance. Celia is both a tribute and an invitation, to sing louder, dance harder, and choose life no matter the circumstances.
Title: Celia
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 36 x 48 in
Year: 2025
72×24” Acrylic on Canvas , 2025, cm25
– First in the Miami Sports Fandom Series
By @camilomartinezart @funkydisonante
Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to the Hurricanes—from passing the Orange Bowl on US1 to wearing my first Canes hat through high school and college. This bold and energetic piece celebrates the unshakable spirit of Miami Hurricanes fans. As the first in a six-part series honoring Miami’s sports culture, “All About The U” captures the raw energy, tribal dedication, and colorful chaos of true fandom. It pays tribute to those unforgettable memories and the fans who becomepart of the game—painting their bodies, showing up loud, and turning every cheer into momentum.
They’re not just spectators. They’re part of the team.
And this one’s for them.
🧡💚 Let’s go ‘Canes!
“True to Yourself," celebrates the beauty of embracing individuality and pursuing one's dreams with unwavering determination.
Camilo Martinez

Tales of Joe Hueso is a three-panel narrative that captures the humor, chaos, and surreal poetry of human connection. Joe Hueso stands at the center, surrounded by friends, floating lights, and the vibrant pulse of a bar-like setting, a scene that feels both familiar and dreamlike.
The triptych unfolds like a conversation:
Left Panel (24×48 in): A quiet, introspective moment — a woman stands in contemplation, drink in hand, gazing outward as if lost in thought.
Center Panel (36×48 in): The heart of the story, Joe Hueso and companions burst with expression, maracas in hand, music playing, and the chaotic chorus of background faces adding humor and depth.
Right Panel (24×48 in): A softer, reflective counterbalance, another figure with wide eyes looks away, holding her glass, caught between presence and daydream.
Together, these panels form a complete story of connection, introspection, and the surreal moments that make up a night out. Viewers are invited to stand before it and feel as though they’ve walked into the middle of a shared memory.
Title: Tales of Joe Hueso (Triptych)
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas (Triptych)
Size: Center panel 36 × 48 in, Side panels 24 × 48 in each
Year: 2023