Renata Fernández, OP Series Number 3, 2023, oil pastel on paper, 30x42cm

Renata Fernandez. b. 1971, Venezuela. Based in London since 2003.

Fernandez delves into themes that revolve around immigration, notions of territory, identity, and displacement. These societal issues serve as a potent source of inspiration and contemplation for her, whilst showing a deep yet subtle emotion, as she strives to bring attention to the sociopolitical aspects inherent in the found imagery she incorporates into her work.

Through a multidisciplinary and self-referential approach Fernandez weaves together a reconstructed memory of landscapes and inhabited spaces, using a static narrative where monster-like plants and outdoor furniture act as signifiers. Her artistic process stems from mostly appropriated social media posts. As Fernandez incorporates this ready-made visuals into her work, she reflects upon how people perceive and define the world through the permanently fast  evolving media, the importance and influence of self-publishing as to what has become more visible, and the impermanence of the permanence of the earth of images in the digital realm that we would rarely see again…

Drawing on her background in journalism, social sciences, and theatre set design, Fernandez employs her diverse skill set to source, curate, and present her artwork thoughtfully, emphasising the inherent materiality of her works. She remains dedicated to hand-intensive processes, perpetually exploring and experimenting with materials.

 Fernandez studied Fine Art -painting and sculpture- in the Armando Reveron University Institute (now called UNEARTE), Social Sciences, Media and Drama-Set Design in Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, all in Caracas. Venezuela.