Marcos Eduardo Batz Cajas

Marcos Batz

Artist statement
Biography
Exhibitions
Recognitions
Others

My work is based on observations of my surroundings: the lively streets of the city and the serene landscapes of the countryside. I paint in watercolors because their transparency provides an honest language, capable of capturing both the intensity of urban life and the calm of the natural world.

My urban landscapes explore the blend of urbanism and architecture that characterizes Guatemala. My brushstrokes narrate the daily lives of our people: the routine of those who work, the commutes through traffic, the incessant energy of the capital city. Each stroke seeks to invite reflection on the beauty hidden amid the chaos, to pause for a moment and discover that, even in the turmoil, there is harmony and poetry.

On the other hand, my countryside landscapes are a tribute to the nature and culture of our people. In them, I portray the tranquility of rural life, the nobility of its inhabitants, and the subtle but profound changes of the seasons. These works evoke the peace of open spaces and remind us that it doesn't take much to live fully: it is enough to appreciate the land, the roots, and the warmth of those who inhabit it.

My work is, in essence, an invitation to see with new eyes. To recognize that both urban and rural life have stories that deserve to be told, and that each of them reflects the identity and spirit of Guatemala.

Marcos Batz was born on August 22, 1972, in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. From a very young age, he discovered art as a language that would accompany him throughout his life. His first contact with creativity came at home: inspired by his father, whom he saw drawing architectural plans and enjoying music, as well as by the influence of his older brother, who also shared his passion for music. At the age of 12, he began to venture into music and, at the same time, to make his first sketches and drawings, always observing and reinterpreting what was happening around him.

His initial training was mainly self-taught, experimenting with different materials and techniques, until at the age of 17 he entered the Quetzaltenango School of Art. He then continued his apprenticeship with different teachers, perfecting his technique and exploring various artistic trends. In 2012, together with his brother Joel Batz, he opened his first studio, “Galeria del color,” in Antigua Guatemala. At the age of 30, he decided to devote himself professionally to art, giving himself completely to painting as his vocation and livelihood. Since then, he has enriched his training with classes, workshops, and experiences that have allowed him to consolidate his own style.

The central theme of his work has been Guatemalan culture, which has become a constant source of inspiration. His paintings evoke the rural and urban landscapes that marked his childhood, as well as the traditions, symbols, and colors that reflect his country’s identity. Over time, his work has diversified toward more contemporary and reflective themes, exploring surrealism as a narrative vehicle to question and reinterpret the modernity that Guatemala is experiencing. Each of his pieces is also a space for dialogue in which he seeks to convey a social and humanistic message, motivating new generations to discover the power of art as a means of transformation and sensitivity.

Art Exhibitions

2014 Junkabal Art Collective, Guatemala City.
2014 Arturo Martínez Competition and Exhibition, Quetzaltenango.
2016 Marta y María Foundation.
2016 Art Exhibition for Children, Funsilec Foundation.
2018 Exhibition, Intercontinental Hotel.
2020 Exhibition, Santo Domingo Hotel.
2022 Margarita Tejada Foundation.
2024 Santo Tomás de Aquino Museum.
2014-2025 Casa para las Artes Gallery.
2025 Art in May Rozas-Botrán Foundation.
2025 Sinergia Musa Gallery.
2025 Junkabal Art Collective.