Often drawing on post-colonial theory, Brendan Fernandes’ work investigates the concepts of cultural identity and authenticity, and highlights the complexities of such terms in the context of globalization. His work has examined Western notions of an exotic Africa, as well as how culture is disseminated in the Western world. Through his use of language, dance, video and sound, Fernandes re-examines historical material with an eye towards experiential and affective elements.
Born in Kenya of Indian heritage, Brendan Fernandes immigrated to Canada in the 1990s. He completed the Independent Study Program of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and earned his MFA from The University of Western Ontario and his BFA from York University in Canada. He has exhibited internationally, including invitations to participate in The Third Guangzhou Triennial, Guangzhou, China (2008) and the Western New York Biennial through The Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, NY (2007).
Recent solo exhibitions include until we fearless at the Art Gallery of Hamilton (catalogue) and From Hiz Hands at Art in General in New York City (catalogue). Recent group exhibitions include Found in Translation at the R. Solomon Guggenheim Museum, NY, and Barroco Nova at McIntosh Gallery, The University of Western Ontario, London. He recently collaborated with Danish artist Nanna Debois Buhl on In Your Words at the Karen Blixen Museum in Denmark. Fernandes was also a finalist for the 2010 Sobey Award. He is based between Toronto and New York.
  
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