Nadia Hernandez has Venezuela in her bones, and though the artist now lives in Sydney, her homeland is still an intrinsic part of her creative practice. Her recent solo exhibition 100% Certain at Sydney’s Mild Manners gallery was a celebration of the idiosyncrasies of Venezuelan culture; her work can be seen as both a commentary on social change and a series of visual love letters to a land now far away.
The Venzuelan folklore of Hernandez’s Merida childhood shines through in this collection — a reaction to the current political situation in the country which, according to the artist, has seen the traditional beliefs misappropriated and manipulated by those in power. Change, rebirth and union are the three themes explored in 100% Certain, and the works can be divided into three types. Perhaps the most accessible are those that combine text and imagery. These bold paper cut-out works employ a vibrant, almost fluorescent symbolism to deliver their message, in sharp contrast to the more intricate monochrome ink works. A third type sees Hernandez call on her design skills, using acrylic and beeswax on pine to convey her sentiments in more sculptural form.
El Pueblo Pone Y El Pueblo Quita, 2015
The People Place And The People Remove
Paper on Paper
42cm x 59.5cm
Perspex framing
with limestone mount & Tasmanian oak
La Fuerza Es La Union, 2015
Strength Comes From Union
Paper on Paper
59.5cm x 84cm
Perspex framing
with blue mount & Tasmanian oak
A Mis Hermanas Venezolanas, 2015
To My Venezuelan Sisters
Paper on Paper
84cm x 59.5cm
Perspex framing
with pink mount & Tasmanian oak
Personaje De Un Sueno, 2015
Character From A Dream
Acrylic and beeswax on pine
15cm x 64.5cm
Todos Somos Todos, 2015
Everyone Is Everyone
Paper on Paper
42cm x 59.5cm
Perspex framing
with limestone mount & Tasmanian oak
