Art on the Ave Creative Spaces Oculus Presents Gustavo Fernández

Thanks to ART ON THE AVE and WESTFIELD WORLD TRADE CENTER (Shops at the Oculus) Latin American artist Gustavo Fernández will fill the Oculus with color as the new artist in residence at the creative space.

Passionate about color since childhood, Gustavo Fernández sees the world as a kaleidoscope of different shades, shapes, and shared ideals. The people he meets, the places he sees, and the experiences he lives become a part of his painter’s palette.

Born in Venezuela with Cuban roots, Fernandez moved to NYC in the middle of the pandemic to live out his dream of making art in the Big Apple.

He is inspired by people and stories- the way they intertwine and connect us, create shared experience, and ultimately lead to true empathy.

“For me, in art as in life, it’s all about love”.  Gustavo Fernandez

Fernández is part of the Art on the Ave community of artists, you can learn about his colors and appreciate his work now in the studio located in the oculus.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gustavofernandezart/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Gustavofernandezart

Oculus Creative Space
From the H&M entrance – 18 Church St, New York, NY 10007, go two levels down the escalator to the South concourse of the Oculus on the Ground floor.

Art on the Ave activates the streetscape by transforming vacant storefronts into street-facing galleries where local artists have a chance to exhibit work. It puts artists at the center of important conversations that we need to have as a community and provides a wider public the opportunity to enjoy art and engage in the dialogue.

Artists’ response to Art on the Ave has been remarkable, highlighting the deep well of creativity and compassion that talented artists bring to the city.

The most gratifying aspect of Art on the Ave has been the reaction from local people and businesses. Since the first installation in 2020, we have been overwhelmed by offers to donate time, space, money, talent, and ideas.

From the volunteers who run guided tours, to the businesses that house art and offer promotions, to the schools and community groups who organize visits, Art on the Ave seems to inspire people wherever it goes. We could not mount these exhibits without this community support.

Art is a community.

And the art sells!! People who would never describe themselves as ‘collectors’ – people who just stumbled across a piece unexpectedly on their walk to work, a trip to the supermarket, or their daily jog- are buying art.

We’ve discovered a community of artists that work for all occasions. Some are hugely charismatic speakers that will bring a piece to life by telling vivid stories. Some are great with kids, helping us to engage local schools. These artists have been lively guests on our podcasts, tour guides on ‘gallery walks’, and welcoming hosts in our open studios. They have all gained valuable exposure through Art on the Ave.

Art on the Ave has also expanded to new spaces and places. What started as the romantic idea of brightening one street, has since spread to areas across the city. We’ve been to the top of the Freedom Tower, taken over a subway station, a food court, and ‘popped up’ in the Oculus. People have asked us to put new work in health clubs, coffee shops, and hotels. 

We create an outdoor gallery walk. We hope you’ll walk it with us.

Art is an opportunity. We aim to spotlight artists who have been traditionally underrepresented. We are looking for artists with a story to tell and a new perspective to share.

We enlist vacant retail storefronts to act as display spaces for our exhibition. We work with local businesses to house art, offer promotions, and add a level of interaction for the community. Activity needs to return to the city, and art can bring that activity. It can serve as a tool to instill a sense of confidence in the neighborhood.

Contact information
Art on the Ave
info@artontheavenyc.com
(646) 276 3915
https://www.instagram.com/artontheavenyc/
https://twitter.com/ArtontheAve1