Express Yourself is a series showcasing artists as they share how their native country Mexico has inspired their work over the years, garnering them recognition, awards and exhibitions around the globe.
Gilo Fernandez
A Zapopan native, Gilo has been painting since the age of four. He’s studied the theory and technique of Renaissance art in Florence, Italy and his first solo exhibition Expressions in Color debuted in 2010. In Cabo, he’s become a renowned interior architect and designer with projects like Soleado Residences, where he painted a mural for the lobby. His work is currently being exhibited in several San Jose del Cabo galleries and at One&Only Palmilla, among others. More recently, he completed a colorful, larger-than-life acrylic guitar for newly opened Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos.
Instagram: @gilofdz.art
Proudest achievement: Hard Rock Los Cabos Fish Barrel Guitar
Favorite piece of work: Hard Rock Los Cabos Fish Barrel Guitar
How has Mexico inspired your work? I take inspiration mostly from the sea and the beautiful marine diversity of the Pacific Ocean. I love surfing so lots of my pieces are inspired by the ocean, its dynamic nature and all the life that is happening there. It’s like a hidden, magical world I get to discover every time.
What does art mean to you? Art to me is the opportunity to capture scenes from my everyday experiences and express through color and brushstrokes how I see the world.
What other artists inspire you? I really like Bosch’s narrative style. Also, Dalí and VanGogh. I deeply admire Banksy’s courage too.