We are pleased to present the work of Michael Fernandes and other talented artists in our exhibition, 2020 Governor General Awards in Visual and Media Arts and we are glad to work with Michael to share a glimpse of his recent work with the AGA audience. Below, you'll find images, video and text from Michael.
October 26, 2020
Civil rights leader and former United States Representative John Lewis passed away on July 17, 2020. Michael Fernandes distinctly remembers this moment on July 27th as Lewis’ motorcade passes Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, DC. Michael shares this short clip taken on his iPhone in memoriam.
August 13, 2020
In his own words, Michael describes his work:
"My work aims to be simple and direct with no need for flash or special effects. In some ways, I err on the side of recreational rather than professional. I have become more invested in work where play and fun reside. Purposely, acknowledging we are all in the same canoe. I am an artist I have no skills. My iPhone is the tool I have chosen to trigger these visual conversations. The ubiquitous phone delivers us all."
Today
This one
No Football this Fall
Garment for unprecedented times
Even with your shirt off
You are feeling hot
You have no idea how cool i am
Under here
We die every day
To avoid being killed
Art is what an individual says it is.
June 22, 2020
On #BlackoutTuesday, we reached out to some of the Black artists and artists of colour we are proud to work with this year to share their stories and reflections. Artist Michael Fernandes who will be featured in our upcoming exhibition, 2020 Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts, asked us to share Dr. Cornel West's CNN interview here.