Contributing to the growth of artist-run spaces in Phoenix
Fausto Fernandez's new studio, OPN Standards, opened in September 2024 near the Melrose District in Phoenix. This space functions as both a workshop and an exhibition venue, contributing to the growing movement of artist-run spaces in the city. The studio is intended to be a community hub where people can engage with his art, which is known for its innovative use of mixed media, layering photography, found objects, and traditional elements to create metaphorical representations of human behavior.
Fernandez has had a dynamic career, with public art projects in various cities and permanent collections in prestigious museums such as the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio and the Phoenix Art Museum. His work often explores themes of cultural identity, technology, and community, and his new studio is an extension of his commitment to engage with these ideas in a community-driven setting.
626 W Indian School Rd. Suite B
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
(Please do not send mail to this address)
Make an appointment
info@faustofernandez.com
“The name Open (OPN) Standards was inspired by an experience I had while serving as a judge at The Heard Museum. One of the categories required artists to explain why their work did not meet established standards—these were pieces that didn’t fit any traditional category. Since then, my friend Bill and I began using “Open Standards” to describe anything that was different, strange, or even humorously unconventional. So, when naming my new studio, we both laughed at the idea of calling it OPN Standards.
The concept of open standards also draws a parallel between art and technology. In the tech world, Open Standards refer to rules or specifications that are publicly accessible, shareable, and open for collaboration. They are developed through a transparent and participatory process—an idea that resonates with the ethos of this studio.”
