This series is a part of my Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) thesis body of work.

“The subjectivity of my artwork originated from the subconscious need to overcome the hypermasculine practices and philosophies that I learned as a child. These practices and philosophies often caused a negative and toxic environment for myself, my family and friends. My artwork is a reminder of my pursuit to overcome these learned behaviors, to continue to explore positive mind-body practices and develop a mindset that is constructive and empowering.” – Mikey Hernandez 

ARTIST STATEMENT

I make large-scale, non-representational works on paper using watercolor, ink, gouache, chalk pastel, colored pencil and sometimes charcoal. My work explores the concept of mindfulness as the body is in a yoga pose. I am thinking of the body in a static position while being aware of the strength and energy involved in finding balance. At the same time, I’m considering the things we cannot see such as air circulation, body heat, blood circulation, and breathing. 

My process is a means to find balance using intention, chance and intuition. I use my sketches as a launching point to explore the body gesturally and determine where I will place my wet media. Intention begins with each piece on the floor, using a wet-on-wet technique and dropping ink, gouache and watercolor to create a pathway of color and forms. As water evaporates and the pigment shifts, chance often occurs as unexpected forms and pathways start to surface. I enhance and foster these forms and pathways using additive or subtractive measures. When the desired results have been achieved, I rotate the orientation of the painting in order to find the best balance. As I am thinking about the body finding balance in a pose, I am also thinking about finding balance within the composition. Using dry media such as soft pastels, colored pencils or charcoal, I lean on my intuition to choose areas where I can expand dimensionality and enhance implied textures. 

In the end, my paintings turn into an enigma, a topographical or cosmic-like landscape that often resembles a universe or nebula. They play ambiguously on the micro and the macro. They are a mindfulness means of exploring the relationship between chaos and balance. Each piece is a reminder of my desire to ground myself, find inner peace and question the purpose of my existence in this world and universe.

Abstract 22-31 Mixed media on paper on panel 2022-2024 Dimensions: 40” x 58” x 1″

Abstract 23-1 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 58” x 43” x 1″

Abstract 23-6 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 57” x 40” x 1″

Abstract 23-2 (Vertical) Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 58” x 43” x 1″

Abstract 23-3 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 43” x 58” x 1″

Abstract 24-8 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 68” x 40” x 1″ (each), 87” x 83” x 1″ (combined)

Abstract 24-1 Mixed media on paper on panel 2024 Dimensions: 80” x 43” x 1″ (each), 80” x 139” x 1″ (combined)

Each work is mysterious with an ethereal or fluid-like quality that is often perceived as a topographical or cosmic-like landscape and they play ambiguously on the micro and the macro. The scale of these works immediately catches the attention of the viewer, while the details in the textures draw people in closer. The colors provide a sense of emotion that can vary from tension to ease. 

Abstract 23-2 (Horizontal) Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 43” x 58” x 1″

Two detailed shots of Abstract 23-2

CUT OUTS

Sometimes the balance is found by “cutting out” the parts that don’t work in a composition and focusing on the parts that do work.

Abstract CO 23-5.1 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 30” x 30” x 1″

Abstract CO 23-5.2 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 42” x 35” x 1″

Abstract CO 23-10 Mixedmedia on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 35” x 26” x 1″

Abstract CO 23-7 Mixed media on paper on panel 2023-2024 Dimensions: 30” x 24” x 1″

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