Presented by Mild Manners Gallery, RVCA and the Artist Network Program with support by Special Group Studios, ‘Cosas Antes Y Después (Things Before And After)’ is the latest solo exhibition from Sydney-based multidisciplinary artist Nadia Hernández. Born in Merida, Venezuela, her practice continues to orbit and explore Venezuelan folklore, using painting, collage, craft, object, and text to reflect on the intersecting ideologies of social and political change.
“It’s the binding core of a culture, its customs, art forms and beliefs are there to bring people together – my work is about finding oneself through folklore in order to call for reflection, solidarity, and union”, says Hernández.
Returning to her homeland after an absence of eight years, Hernández wanted to “absorb every moment, documenting daily events, such as the long lines of people waiting to buy food, the long lines of people waiting in the banks, seeing old friends, attending a protest with my grandfather (La Toma De Venezuela), people selling pre-made coffee on the street, being overwhelmed by the beauty of the mountains, meeting a man who made orange juice in El Valle, and so much more.”
“I wanted to take in the beauty and the decay, the hope of change, and document it in my work, expand on that story, continue to use symbols and continue to build that visual legend which commenced with the work in 100% Certain, to tell a complex story, never normalising the situation, aiming for relatability, reflecting and linking it to current worldwide events, seeking a solution regardless of the length of time required, aiming to inspire a breath of action, an idea, a conversation.”
Mild Manners Off Site Gallery – Special Group Studios
23 March to 4 April, 2017
Opening reception Thursday March 23, 6-8pm
270 Devonshire St, Surry Hills, Sydney
Nadia Hernández, No Más Miseria (No More Misery), paper construction, framed with Tasmanian black wood, 41 x 41cm
Nadia Hernández, Preservando Y Promoviendo Tradiciones Populares (Preserving And Promoting Popular Traditions), 2016, paper construction on paper (framed), 85 x 65cm
Courtesy the artist and Mild Manners Gallery, Sydney
