About the Exhibit:
My current body of work explores themes associated with contemporary Mexican and Mexican American cultures. I am inspired by my personal experiences growing up as a Mexican immigrant in California and the Midwest.
Mexican and Mexican American symbols play a large role in my prints. The symbols span from ancient Mesoamerican imagery to contemporary popular cultural objects. Life experiences and a traditional Mexican upbringing have influenced my thoughts and beliefs; and ultimately have been inspirational to the imagery and meaning in my current work.
About the Artist:
Marco Hernandez is a Mexican Artist/Printmaker who currently resides in Kansas. He received his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Kansas State University in December of 2015. After receiving his MFA degree, he was hired as an art instructor at Kansas State University and he became the Printmaking area coordinator for one semester. In the fall of 2016, Mr. Hernandez was hired as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Print Media at Wichita State University. He is currently still teaching at Wichita State University and his current position is Assistant Teaching Professor of Print Media and Foundations Coordinator.
Mr. Hernandez’s work has been exhibited in many national and international exhibitions which include the International Print Center New York, Delta National, Americas: Paperworks/All Media, and the Atlanta Print Biennial. His work has been exhibited in several countries including Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Poland, and Croatia and has received numerous awards including purchase awards, merit awards, best of show, and solo show invitations. Mr. Hernandez has also received two artist fellowships and has attended several artist residencies including the Vermont Studio Center, Zea Mays Printmaking, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
The theme and imagery of his work relates to his culture and unique upbringing in the United States. Mr. Hernandez is very optimistic about his future as an artist and educator; he is determined to keep making art for the rest of his life.