Reflejos

Linda Fernandez is a multicultural artist, educator and advocate for the arts in public spaces. She is a founding member of Amber Art and Design, an artist collective based in Philadelphia that creates public art through engagement with community members. Linda’s artistic practice is rooted in collaboration. Her work involves coordinating the creative exchange of messages, artwork and personal artifacts between people across physical, social and cultural divides. As a result, interactions through exchange create solidarity, unity and a sense of belonging which are important human needs. These collaborative works provide a platform for a diversity of voices, ideas and dreams. Linda has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Tyler School of Art, a certificate in Contemporary Art from Metafora Escola de Arte Contemporaneo in Barcelona, Spain, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. She is an alumni of Community Arts Education Leadership Institute, National Urban Fellows and the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute’s Intercultural Advocacy Fellowship.

Artist Statement

I’m inspired by how culture and history shape our identity; what it means to be part of a multicultural diaspora living in the U.S. and how this affects our daily lives. My work is inspired by the tiles or baldosas of Cuba and losas criollas of Puerto Rico, the birthplaces of my ancestors. Examining these relics of the past I explore the history of colonization of those lands by Spain, a country that was previously ruled by the Moors of North Africa. The art we see under our feet carries the influence of all of these people and places. My work adds to this history, using the templates of my ancestors, I create symbols and designs that speak to my identity and culture as part of this ancestral continuum in the diaspora to explain who we are and where we come from. I place importance on elevating stories of the past, particularly the African influence on Spanish art, and documenting this current moment in time to add my voice to this story.

Art Meets Tattoos

Bridging the gap between independent fine art and custom tattooing is what Central Tattoo Studio does.  Explore our Tattoo Artists Portfolios to see how these fine art foundations translate into custom body work and book your appointment for body art today.