We the People
Evan Feldman
Director
efeldman@gpgallery.com
Opening reception with the artist: Friday, June 16, 5-8PM
Q&A with Fernando Andrade and Gil Rocha: Saturday, June 17, 2 PM
Moderated by Rebecca Gomez, Curator, National Hispanic Cultural Center
Gerald Peters Contemporary is pleased to present We The People, an exhibition of new graphite drawings by Texas-based artist Fernando Andrade. The work continues the artist’s decade-long examination of human vulnerability and increased gun violence.
A native of Acuña, Mexico (located six miles south of Del Rio, Texas), Andrade’s first iteration of the series focused on the violent activities of drug cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border. Now, the artist turns his attention to the prevalence of gun violence within our communities and schools. Utilizing his meticulously executed drawings, Andrade depicts children – both singularly and in small groups – smiling and playing with what appear to be stick guns. Closer examination reveals the gun shape to be cut away and replaced with 100-dollar bills.
The softness of the graphite and tenderness with which Andrade depicts his figures stands in strong contrast to the difficult subject at hand. Succinct and compelling, the works reflect deep tragedy and loss and compel us to consider the underlying motivations affecting future generations.
“I am interested in the history of firearms within our political system. The works, a reflection of our actions, serve as a reminder of reoccurring events across time and land, where money and power are at the forefront of law-making. Because of the choices and greed of the few, countless lives will continue to be affected across our communities.”
Andrade graduated from San Antonio College in 2008 and has received numerous honors including Fellowships from the Vermont Studio Center, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and most recently, the International Artist Residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin. His work is in the collections of the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Argo Group, and numerous private collections.
Fernando Andrade
Liberty 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
Fernando Andrade
Union 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
With these drawings, I want to focus on our history with firearms and the political system. I believe these works are a reflection of our actions and a constant reminder of reoccurring events across time and land, where money and power are at the forefront of law-making. Because of the choices and greed of the few, countless lives will continue to be affected across our communities.
Fernando Andrade
Fernando Andrade
Justice 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
Fernando Andrade
Posterity 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
Fernando Andrade
Tranquility 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
Fernando Andrade
Welfare 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
Fernando Andrade
Defence 2022
graphite and $100 note on hand-cut paper
25 1/4 x 31 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
