Bio

Carlos Martinez Fernandez is a Mexican-American painter based in Aurora, Illinois. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Carlos’ paintings narrate autobiographical stories from the perspective of an immigrant from Mexico. He paints his figures as “aliens” evoking both senses of the word - a harsh word for an immigrant and a word for an otherworldly figure. Martinez also paints literal and figurative borders like fences and mountains. He has exhibited at Waubonsee Community College and is in their permanent collection. Recent exhibitions include “Art Bash” and “As Above So Below” at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

CV

Carlos Martinez Fernandez

B. 2000, Michoacán, Mexico. Lives in Aurora, Illinois.

Education

2025 Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.

2023 Associate in Arts, Waubonsee Community College, Aurora, Illinois.

Group Exhibitions

2024 

Sci-Night, Artesan Gallery, Aurora, IL

ArtBash, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

2023 

As Above So Below, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL.

Skyway Selections, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL.

2020 

Skyway Selections, Waubonsee Community College, Sugar Grove, IL.

2018
Scholastic Art and Writing Regional Show, Gold Key Award, Downers Grove, IL.

Publications

2023 Featured Artist, Horizons Annual Release Creative Writing and Art Book

Relevant Work Experience

2023 Federal Student Worker, Art Department, Waubonsee Community College.

Permanent Collections
2023 Waubonsee Community College