Artist Statement

In this series, I make large-scale, non-representational works on paper. 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 my pre-mixed wet media 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, I lean on my intuition to choose areas where I can expand dimensionality and enhance implied textures. 

Ultimately, these paintings become enigmatic landscapes which often resemble cosmic or topographical spaces that blur the line between the micro and the macro. They serve as visual meditations on chaos and order, groundedness and wonder. In a world that often feels overwhelming, each piece is a reminder to search for inner peace, balance, and the meaning in our life. As I find my way through my artwork, I invite viewers to embark on their own journey of interpretation, contemplation and discovery.

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The Details in Each Piece…

“Visitors often share that upon entering the space, they are met with a sense of awe and quiet wonder. A painting captures their attention and gently draws them closer. As they stand before it, more begins to reveal itself such as layers of color, shifting forms, subtle textures. What first felt immediate becomes immersive. Many leave with a sense of peace and reflection. How and why this happens is difficult to explain, but I am grateful that it does.” -Mikey Hernandez

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

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Finding Balance
Master of Fine Art Thesis Exhibition
Umbrella Gallery – Dallas, Texas
March 1 – April 14, 2024