Nadia Hernández
Nadia Hernández is an emerging artist whose work draws on what she is most passionate about - the current political climate of her home country, Venezuela.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
Sangrante Imataca - courtesy of Nadia Hernández and Blackartprojects.
Nadia Hernández is a Sydney-based artist whose love of art began at an early age. The world inspires her practice including, “music, culture, joy, and a sense of urgency predetermined by a desire to wish to experience as much as possible.” She is well-known collaborating with brands such as Corona, Camp Cove Swim, surfer Stephanie Gilmore, City of Sydney ‘2017-18 New Year’s Eve’, and Thinking Mu, a sustainable and ethical Spanish fashion label. Nadia shares, “it’s an essential part of my practice and gives the highly critical inner monologue exhibition monster a break!”
Voy Llegando A La Frontera by Nadia Hernández.
Sangrante Imataca - courtesy of Nadia Hernández and Blackartprojects.
Nadia moved to Sydney when she was 17 after her mom received a job offer that allowed them to apply for residency and citizenship. The current political situation in her home country, Venezuela, made them unlikely to move back. She explains, “Venezuela is a country in crisis living under a dictatorial regime,” says Nadia.
Nadia Hernández + Camp Cove Swim print collaboration.
Nadia Hernández + Camp Cove Swim print collaboration.
“The fact that people are resisting the constant state of violence and still practicing art, putting on exhibitions and partaking in popular traditions is incredible; it’s the best version of what we can be.”
Image courtesy of Monster Children Creative and La Casa Corona.
Con Los Pies Sobre Mi Tierra by Nadia Hernández.
Venezuela, her family, community, and surroundings drive Nadia’s artist practice, as well as a love of the bright colours that appear throughout her artworks, murals, and fashion collaborations. It also becomes a way for Nadia’s artworks to discuss the political and ponderous themes, without isolating the audience at first.
Nadia is also a director at the legendary Firstdraft gallery in Woolloomooloo, which has been running for over 30 years as an artist-run space. She adds the experience is “amazing, and extremely rewarding, and has made me feel part of the emerging arts community, finally! I used to feel very anxious in art spaces, but a bit of that fear has finally subsided.”
Planchonella House, 2018 - courtesy of Sean Fenessy and Jesse Bennett Studio.
Nadia Hernández will be exhibiting at the Blackartprojects stall at Sydney Contemporary Art Fair from 12th to 15th of September 2019.