Creative Conversations 049: Kim Fernandez On Blending Art & Music
Interview by Luke Byatt
We caught up with Perth based creative Kim Fernandez, who bridges the intrinsic link between music and visual art. Kim morphs retro Playboy magazines into collages of some of your favourite musicians including the likes of xxxtentacion (RIP), Kehlani, Brent Faiyaz, Billie Eilish and so many more. Kim talks us through how music has influenced her over the years, and her upcoming exhibition, KAPTIVE at Good Will Basement (The Rechabite) on Saturday the 24th of July.
Futuremag Music: Before we jump into it, could you give us some insight into your relationship with music and art?
Kim Fernandez: Without art my artwork wouldn’t exist and music has such a large influence on my life. I feel like music can definitely be my only companion at times. I know I’m not the only person to say they’ve turned on music so they don’t feel alone. So when I knew I wanted to pursue my dreams of being an artist, I hundred percent knew music was going to be involved.
I specialise in collage works made out of vintage playboy magazines, growing up I’ve always listened to Hip Hop, so when I started working with collage, I just wanted to make portraits of musicians I really loved and listened to daily, and I just ran with it when those portraits ended up being very popular. Making these portraits has really showed me that there are sooooo many people out there that really love and appreciate Hip Hop music, and that’s something that has always made me feel apart of something larger than just my art. Not only does music tie in with my artwork, but it helps the process as well, sometimes these portraits take days, so I’m always listening to music while making these collages and sometimes even getting inspired for my next piece from the music I listen to.
Futuremag Music: You're launching KAPTIVE, a multifaceted live experience blending your art and some of Perth's leading DJs for an unforgettable experience on Saturday 24 July. Could you give us a run down of the night and what people can expect from the evening?
Kim Fernandez: This is my second art event that I’m throwing. My first show followed the basic guidelines of an exhibition. Being an artist I’ve been to my fair share of exhibitions, and although I really appreciate them, I really wanted to do something different with my next art show. Instead of people walking around with a glass of wine in their hand and staring at canvas’, I’d love people to let loose and get lost in the experience. Which is why I’m going to be turning my collages into animations that will be projected through out a night club (Good Will Basement at The Rechabite) and since my artwork has such a connection to music, what better way than to play the music that inspired all of this? The best way I can describe this experience is an art party. An amalgamation of art, music and people.
Futuremag Music: In your eyes, how inter-tied is visual art and the music scene? How do you see the mediums evolving and interacting in the future?
Kim Fernandez: I’d love to see music grow more deeply into the art scene, whether that be more DJs playing at exhibitions, or more artwork being made inspired by music. I feel like art and music are literally two of the most amazing forms of entertainment we have on this planet, so why can’t we have both at the same time more often?!
Futuremag Music: To round it out, if you could describe yourself and your art as a cocktail what would be in it?
Kim Fernandez: I’d love to think of my art and I as a Jalapeño Margarita! Bright, colourful, full of flavour and of course spicy.
