My artwork explores the theme of home as a feeling of connection to people, memory, and the natural world. I’m interested in how home can exist within us, across landscapes, and through ancestral memory. I draw inspiration from Latin American tilework, vibrant color palettes, and organic patterns that reference nature’s rhythms. These visual elements become metaphors for identity, migration, and the layered histories of the diaspora. I’m inspired by Spanish tilework, which became popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean through colonization of these lands. In response to this colonial influence, I create tile inspired paintings with symbols to remix the status quo and proclaim identity. By using the tile as both symbol and structure, I reimagine forms rooted in colonial history as spaces for reclamation and healing.
Through painting, textiles, and participatory workshops, I invite others to reflect on what makes them feel at home and what spaces, memories, or connections foster a sense of belonging. In collaborative settings, I guide participants to design their own symbols that represent identity, resilience, and care. These collective symbols become part of larger works that honor the power of shared authorship and the many ways we construct home together.
Linda Fernandez is a multicultural artist and educator whose work features bright colors, designs and symbols that reflect her Cuban, Polish and Puertorican heritage. She's inspired by the ways in which nature, architecture and history weave together to tell stories of people and the places they call home. Her work merges themes of identity and home across physical, social and cultural divides by exploring Caribbean heritage through a diasporic lens. 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.
2018
MPA, Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. New York, NY
2008
Certificate in Contemporary Art, Metafora Studio Arts, Barcelona, Spain
2006
BS, Tyler School of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Finca Morada, Miami, FL
Walden School, Media, PA
Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, PA
Arts Everywhere, Trout River, Newfoundland
Living Arts, Tulsa, OK
Village of Arts and Humanities, SPACES, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Cultural Treasures Grantee
Leeway Window of Opportunity Grantee
Art is PHL grantee
Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute Innovative Cultural Advocacy Fellowship
National Urban Fellow
Philip J. Rutledge Award for "The Role of Artists in Anti- Displacement"
Leeway Foundation Art and Change grantee
Community Arts Education Leadership Institute
2025
Fox29 Good Day Uncut: Hispanic Heritage Art Show
• Mural Design, Production, and Installation
• Public Space Design and consultation
• Community Engagement
• Arts Education
2025
Don’t be Absurd, CAMP Gallery, Miami, FL
Curated by Melanie Prapopoulos
From 215 con Mucho, Mucho Amor, Creative Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Curated by Tu Hyunh
Wooder Ice, The Arts League, Philadelphia PA
Curated by Debora Charmelus & Zindzi Harley
Group Show, A Community Art Gallery at Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia PA
Curated by Crystal Trotman
2024
Profound Simplicity, Imperfect Gallery, Philadelphia PA
Curated by Renny Molenaar
Mambo, Flaco’s Dance Factory, Jenkintown, PA
Curated by Marck “Flaco” Best
Reflejos de Cuba, Cherry Street Pier, Philadelphia, PA
Curated by Sarah Eberle
Raíces y Reflejos, Fabrica de Arte Cubano, Havana, Cuba
Curated by Nelson Ponce
2023
Home is..., Saint Francis College, Brooklyn, NY
Curated by Bianca Mona
Providence Biennial: Poesis, Waterfire Arts Center, Providence, RI
Curated by Joel Rosario Tapia
Common Space/Espacio Común, Icebox Project Space, Philadelphia, PA
Curated by Jose Ortiz Pagan
Jawn 7, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA “
Curated by Leah Douglas
2019
Sundial, Solo Exhibition, Central Tattoo Studio, Philadelphia, PA
Curated by Melissa Montiel
2019
Tin Can Trust, Allentown Art Museum, Allentown, PA
Curated by: Diane Smith
2022 - Ongoing
Cobbs Creek Art Club, Christy Rec Center & Cobbs Creek Environmental Center, Philadelphia, PA
2022
Framing the Future of the Roundhouse, Commissioned by City of Philadelphia Department of City Planning and Public Property
2020 - 2022
Heat Response, Partnered with Trust for Public Land
2021 - 2022
Philadelphia Navy Yard Master Plan, Commissioned by Field Operations
2021
Philadelphia Discovery Center Master Plan, Partnered with Studio Zewde
2020
Graffiti Pier Master Plan, Partnered with Studio Zewde and Delaware River Waterfront Corporation
2019
Mander Recreation Center Master Plan, Partnered with Studio Zewde, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Strawberry Mansion CDC, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
