Fernando Arias

Artist Fernando Arias was born in Armenia, Colombia in 1963 and works between Bogotá, the remote Colombian pacific coast of Chocó and London. Through video, photography, installation and actions he explores the human condition. Recurring themes include conflict, sexuality, religion, social and environmental issues.
In addition to his personal practice, Arias involves other artists and professionals on projects through his Foundation Más Arte Más Acción (More Art More Action). Here, Arias devises interdisciplinary projects to explore challenging social and environmental issues, often involving people from communities silenced by lack of opportunity. The foundation stimulates cultural exchange and dialogue in order to strengthen contemporary arts practice in Colombia and beyond.

In 1994, Arias received the National Art Prize in Colombia and since then his work has regularly been exhibited internationally. In 1999, he represented Colombia at the 48º Venice Biennial. He also participated in the 3º Bogotá Biennial, 5º and 8º Habana Biennial, 2º Mercosur Biennial and 1º Tirana Biennial.
Arias has received several awards including becoming an Arts Collaboratory partner through Más Arte Más Acción; Curadoria 13 Salones Regionales/Zona Occidente, Prince Claus Foundation Awards; Arts Council England, BFI Black World and Tate Modern; One to One Bursary of Arts Council England and Live Art Development Agency; Grants for the Arts, Arts Council England; Space Studios London Award; Individual Artist Award by London Arts; Scottish Arts Council Awards and Bolsa Colcultura, Colombia.
Selected individual exhibitions include: NCArte Gallery, Bogota; East Central Gallery, London; Eduardo H Fernandes Gallery, Sao Paulo; Fundación Telefónica, Lima; Doque Gallery, Barcelona; Contemporary Art Gallery, Vancouver; Gate Foundation, Amsterdam; Chapter Arts Cardiff; London Printworks Trust and Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow.

Group shows/video festivals include: Oberhausen International Short Film Festival, Germany; Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival, Toronto, Canada, Stretch, Power Plant, Toronto; Fluid Wolverhampton Art Gallery UK; Body PoliticX Witte de With, Rotterdam.
Works in collections include: Daros Latinamerica (Zurich); Victoria & Albert Museum (London); Museo de Arte Moderno (Bogotá); Collection of Latin American Art Essex University; Banco de la República (Bogota) and various prestigious private collections.

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