FERNANDEZ
BALTIMORE-BASED PAINTER
Alfonso Fernandez is a visual artist whose evocative creations traverse the delicate intersection of culture, identity, and historical narratives.
1968
The series 1968 serves as an evocative visual narrative, a testament to the dichotomy between the jubilation of the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico and the harrowing echoes of the tragic massacre that marred this historical event.
reflexiones de una cultura
Reflexiones de Una Cultura is a deeply personal series encapsulating the vivid memories and cultural narratives conveyed by my mother—a tribute to the enduring legacy and traditions of our Mexican heritage. These artworks serve as an introspective exploration of my identity as a Mexican immigrant, a journey delving into the complex interplay between my roots and the evolving Mexican American culture that envelops me.
Entranced
Entranced encapsulates an artistic odyssey—a poignant reflection on the intricacies of oppression, immigration, and the multifaceted experiences of people of color. The series serves as a visual narrative, an exploration that unfolds against the backdrop of societal realities, inviting viewers to gaze upon the intersections of socio-economic systems, immigration, and cultural landscapes.
fathom
Fathom emerges as a transformative series, a bridge between realms, a manifestation of the intersection where the abstract meets the figurative—a transformative journey reflecting the dichotomy of being neither entirely from here nor there. It represents a significant stepping stone in my artistic evolution, marking a transition from the abstract to the figurative.
We were ones
We Were Ones is an artistic documentation born from the tumultuous events surrounding Freddie Gray, echoing the narrative of a city in upheaval during the uprising. Each painting serves as a poignant chronicle of the series of events that unfolded, capturing the destruction and resilience of a community grappling with systemic injustices, including the presence of a unique Intifada "shaking off" of the city Baltimore.
memories that remember us
Memories that Remember Us is a deeply personal exploration centered around the multifaceted experiences tied to Freddie Gray's narrative, with a more focused lens on my own journey. It delves into self-exploration, the significance of materials, and a newfound connection to indigenous roots catalyzed by a significant life event.
Moments away
Moments Away explores a chapter marked by the evolving health of my grandmother, capturing memories in black and white and primary colors that resonate with the emotional depth of this period in my life. The series delves into my longing to be closer to family during my grandmother's illness, a profound desire underscored by the thousands of miles separating me in Baltimore from my Mexican home—a place unvisited since childhood.
The points in space
The Point in Space unfolds as an exploration into materiality and the labor inherent in my act of painting, all conveyed through a series of panel artworks. This series encompasses a period of my artistic evolution where I engaged in digging and excavating paintings, seeking to reveal the hidden artifacts within the layers of pigment and texture. Each panel serves as a tableau, capturing the essence of a moment when I began to comprehend the transformative potential of painting. The exploration of materials and surfaces becomes a tactile journey, uncovering the abstract and the representation of bodies in space through the act of painting itself.
