CHANDLER, Ariz. – Artists tend to spend hours conceptualizing and perfecting their artwork. What if they work with a medium that only allows them a few hours to create a piece? Does the perfectionism fall off? Are they forced to think differently?
In “The Art of Letting Go,” curator and monosilk enthusiast Edgar “8ahau” Fernandez invited 11 other Phoenix-area artists to create monosilk prints. To create this artwork, artists draw onto a screen and then create a print by pulling a squeegee across the top of the silkscreen. Only one print is created from the pull.
Ranging from novice to expert printmaker, each artist brought their various techniques and styles to the process in a series of open studios. During their studio time, they were given one directive– to use a specific type of pencil and crayon to draw on the screen. The result is a unique single edition print. “The Art of Letting Go” invitational exhibition highlights a medium that is seldom celebrated while also helping artists find the freedom to let go.
Fernandez, who led the open studios and is the co-curator of the exhibition, said, “This process has been a fun learning experience for me. As the co-curator I have learned the healing aspects of letting go while creating and teaching other artists this unique mono printmaking process. This experience has also been nostalgic, reminding me of my printmaking classes at ASU working together as a community.”
About the exhibition, “The initial idea for this exhibition was conceived during a studio visit with Edgar a few years ago. While Edgar may be known for his murals throughout the Valley, what drew me to his work were his prints, particularly the monosilk prints. During the studio visit, we discussed how this technique is not always celebrated like other printmaking techniques. It was then that we discussed possibly have a show that would highlight this type of printmaking,” said Vision Gallery Curator, Jillian Nakornthap.
“The Art of Letting Go” will be on view through Jan. 10, 2025 at the Gallery at CCA. The gallery is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave. and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-5 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday. Free admission.
- Closing Reception
6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
The reception is free, but guests are encouraged to reserve a spot on Eventbrite.
Find more information on exhibitions at Vision Gallery or call 480-782-2695.
Artwork credit: Edgar Fernandez, "Energía," 2024, Mono silkscreen print on paper
Vision Gallery and Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery
The Vision Gallery, and its sister gallery at the Chandler Center for the Arts, are fine arts galleries exhibiting more than 300 regional artists and home to two Art-O-Mats in Chandler. Visitors can discover a varied palette of original artworks from oil and acrylic canvasses to ceramic works, sculpture, jewelry and more. Exhibits are rotated on a regular basis and are free for the public to view at this nonprofit gallery supported by the Chandler Cultural Foundation. A portion of all art sales are used to fund the Vision Kids program, a series of education workshops offered to the community free of charge. Both galleries are regularly featured in articles and other media at the local and state level. Learn more at Vision Gallery.
About Edgar “8ahau” Fernandez
Edgar “8ahau” Fernandez was born in Los Angeles, California in 1990. In 2000 his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Edgar embraced his Xicano identity and passion for creating resilient work that continues the legacy of his ancestors. It was the process of collaborating with his community that sparked his motivation to be a full-time artist. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting at Arizona State University. An award-winning artist featured in solo exhibitions, group shows, residencies, and mural projects. Edgar's focus is to create artwork that is timeless and will continue to inspire generations to come. Learn more at Edgar "8ahau" Fernandez.
Media contact:
Jillian Nakornthap
Vision Gallery Curator
480-782-2882