Love, archival print by Sandra Chen Weinstein
Mi Viaje y las Batallas (My Journey and the Battles) solo exhibit by Marco Hernandez, grand prize winner of the 2018 National Small Works Competition.
Opening Reception Saturday, July 6, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Born in Mexico, Hernandez came to the United States as a child. Introduced to a new culture and language, while growing up in a traditional Mexican family, he faced the challenge of understanding his roots and culture in a new land. The images in this exhibition reflect his personal history, but they have a wider resonance because every immigrant's story is one of a journey and battles.Hernandez's work reflects historical research as well experimentation in printmaking technique and process. He incorporates visual imagery from sources as diverse as black and white photos of the Mexican revolution, etchings by Francisco Goya, Mesoamerican games, and modern American toys.The result is work like El Juego Peligroso, a piece that juxtaposes the artist throwing water balloons with peasant revolutionaries. It catches a viewer's attention with a cartoonish quality; but its commentary on the history of modern Mexico, from the early 20th century civil war to present day drug wars is sober.In another piece, ancient Indians are watering corn and cactus with super soakers.Voland Arriba del Caracol is a self-portrait in which Hernandez is floating over the ancient Mayan observatory at Chichen Itza researching his culture.Marco Hernandez's work has been exhibited in many national and international exhibitions including the International Print Center, Delta National, Boston Printmakers Biennial, and the Atlanta Print Biennial. He has received numerous awards, fellowships and artist residencies including the Vermont Studio Center, Zea Mays Printmaking Shop, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. He has an Master of Fine Arts from Kansas State University and teaches at Wichita State University.
About the Washington Print Club
Founded in 1964, the Washington Print Club is open to all who are interested in fine art prints and the graphic arts. The Club organizes frequent programs for its members, including curator-led tours of important print-related exhibitions, visits to significant private collections and artist studios, panel discussions, and lectures.
Each year, the Club awards a cash prize to the best print student in an arts program at a college or university in the Baltimore-Washington area. The first prize award in the National Small Works Exhibition is another way the Club supports and encourages artists working in print.