You never know what to expect when you enter an art exhibit for the first time, and those who are new to Daniel Martin Diaz and his work may have been hit with a ton of bricks at theArizona State Museum. The “Anatomy of Sorrow” exhibit is being featured on the campus of the University of Arizona at the Arizona State Museum’s Native Goods Gallery.

The exhibit hit the campus Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 26. September is National Hispanic Heritage Month and Diaz’s work was chosen by the museum to help celebrate the month.

On Saturday, Sept. 20 Diaz was present at the exhibit greeting fans and art enthusiasts alike. His artwork is divine, and his taste original. It has some Celtic origins mixed in with Mexican roots. Diaz says that his inspiration mixes in generations of then and now.

“I am inspired by the vast amount of human suffering, both past and present,” said Diaz. “I am also inspired by much of the art by the Northern European masters of the 16th century, and retablos and ex votos from this region of the world.”

In one of his paintings featured at the exhibit, “Arbor Vitae”, is a tree that is still alive and full of fruit with a crow sitting in the middle. Latin words are seen over the tree. The art piece does not feature death which is what you will see in many of his paintings.

An exhibit such as this one in Tucson is not anything new to the artist. Diaz has been featured in many parts of the world.

“I have been exhibiting my work for about 12 years in galleries and museums from Los Angeles to New York to Rome and many places in between,” explained Diaz. “This is my second exhibition at the Arizona State Museum, the first being in 2005. I am very honored to have this opportunity to show my work here at the museum and around the world. It's a great feeling to be able to share what I do with the public.”

Another one of Diaz’s photos that was featured was called “Sorrowful Mysteries” has a burning cross over a heart that is wrapped in barbed wire. There is a cut at the lower left side of the heart, which is where Christ was pierced with the spear while he was being crucified.

The use of Latin is standard in almost all of Diaz’s paintings. He says Latis is somewhat of a mystery to many art lovers and that is what Diaz is going for.

“Because Latin has become rare in today's society,” said Diaz. “I wanted to include it in my work because it evokes a sense of mystery and antiquity that has many of the viewers of my work asking questions about it's meaning, which is really what art should be doing, inspiring us to ask questions.”

Diaz is a prolific artist and has benefited from his creative endeavors. However, although he makes profit from his artwork, Diaz says that there is a greater meaning behind it.

“I have been fortunate enough to be able to create some unusual artwork and that people have been interested in buying it,” Diaz said. “I don't create it with the intent of whether or not it will sell, and somehow my pieces speak to different people in different ways and I am always surprised to see which pieces they chose to buy. The great thing is that many of my collectors are first time art collectors who have found a new appreciation for art and we have become great friends through art.”

Information on Diaz’s work and career can be found on his Web site.