Venazir Martinez

I am Venazir Martinez, a Filipina street muralist and visual anthropreneur, I started Project Hilabana in 2018, a public art initiative that transforms urban landscapes into living narratives of Filipino identity and diaspora. Hilabana—meaning “woven path”—is anchored by the red thread, a symbol of the invisible bonds connecting people, cultures, and histories. A thesis that started in the University of the Philippines Baguio.

Through murals like Ani– Harvested Hopes in San Francisco and collaborations with programs like New York’s City Canvas, I strive to capture the resilience, hopes, and dreams of migrant communities. My work bridges past and present, celebrating the enduring spirit of the Filipino people.

Expanding internationally with exhibitions at Duke University and the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, I’ve seen how Hilabana sparks dialogue and connection across cultures. My vision is to weave a global tapestry of murals, each one mapping shared human experiences and reimagining our collective place in an interconnected world.