Latin America

Carlos Fernández

Untitled

2014

Untitled, 2014

Part of the exhibition PIÑA MATRIZ (2014) at Despacio Art, this untitled work by Carlos Fernández is a wood panel (formerly a section of a wooden table top) that bears the residue of insects interacting with fermented pineapple. The exhibition considered the production of pineapple monocultures and the agricultural monopolies for this product. Fernández used the exhibition space to portray alternative possibilities of diversified and ecologically sustainable production that could be mobilized in place of mass produced pineapple monocultures. One of the interactive works in the exhibition was a clay vessel containing fermented pineapple chicha; a drink intended to be shared by humans and small insects. After being attracted to the clay container of pineapple chicha the insects carried the sugars to different areas of the table, which after a month of further fermentation resulted in this symbolic ‘drawing’ of a wild pineapple.

Carlos Fernández lives and works in the mountains surrounding the capital city of San José, Costa Rica. Independent of location and surrounded by constant inspiration, Fernández has no reason to separate his daily life from art. Drawing on his background in agronomy and horticulture, he works primarily in painting, but also explores other mediums and models to realize his projects as both an artist and teacher. His practice provides insight into the processes and cycles that power the visible changes in the local agricultural industry and the land. The close relationship between art and daily life in Fernández’s practice underscores his conviction to portray nature, whether that be on a canvas that is constantly repainted, in his agronomy classes, or any other process that permits interaction.

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Carlos Fernández Untitled

Carlos Fernández

Untitled