Dasic Fernández: The Urban Poet
Dasic Fernández is a Chilean street artist based in New York, whose vibrant graffiti murals have garnered international acclaim and cemented his place as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary urban art. Born in Santiago in 1984, Fernández’s artistic journey began with simple tags—stylized lettering proclaiming his name on buildings—a formative experience that instilled within him a deep connection to public space and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of visual expression. His studies at Universidad de Chile provided him with a foundational understanding of architecture, shaping his perspective on how art interacts with urban landscapes and influencing his approach to monumental projects.
- Early Influences: Fernández’s passion for graffiti stemmed from his fascination with hip-hop culture in the 1990s Chilean streets. This initial encounter ignited a desire to explore artistic mediums that could engage directly with communities and challenge conventional notions of artmaking. He describes it as “a dialogue between my dreams and reality,” a deliberate effort to transcend rational thought and tap into subconscious impulses—a technique that distinguishes him from many other artists.
- Architectural Roots: His architectural background instilled in him a meticulous attention to detail, spatial composition, and structural integrity—elements he seamlessly integrates into his murals, creating immersive experiences that resonate on both an aesthetic and conceptual level. He emphasizes the importance of “balance and harmony,” principles derived from his studies at Universidad de Chile, guiding the arrangement of elements within his artworks.
Fernández’s creative process defies categorization, eschewing academic rigor in favor of an intuitive connection to natural patterns, organic shapes, and the boundless spectrum of subject matter residing within his imagination. He meticulously considers color palettes—utilizing hues that evoke specific moods and sensations—mirroring the psychological impact of landscapes and architectural spaces. This approach yields artworks characterized by remarkable vibrancy and emotional depth, reflecting Fernández’s profound engagement with the human condition.
- Notable Projects: His career has been marked by ambitious undertakings, including the creation of “The Clock of the Times” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – a project exceeding 100 square meters—and collaborations with Rebel Díaz Arts Collective to protest Arizona's anti-immigration law. These projects demonstrate his commitment to social commentary and his ability to generate impactful visual narratives.
- Wynwood Walls Recognition: Fernández’s contribution to Wynwood Walls, Miami, cemented his reputation as a leading figure in the global street art movement—a testament to his unwavering dedication to artistic exploration and social engagement.
“Love, above every feeling, is the essence of art and humanity,” he states passionately. “This journey begins and ends with love.” He believes that “painting on the street carries great responsibility—both artistic and social.” Through his unwavering dedication to artistic experimentation and his profound empathy for human experience, Fernández has established himself as an artist whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of creatives—a true champion of urban art and a beacon of hope for fostering dialogue and promoting positive change within our communities.
Inspired by his love of Santiago, his hometown, Dasic Fernández designed and completely transformed Paseo Bandera. More recently, he painted “The Clock of the Times,” creating an oasis of vibrant color and phantasmagoria in the middle of the Arabic Desert. An incomprehensibly massive undertaking in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which we believe to be the single largest street art project ever executed on this planet. Dasic Fernández is truly a one man show—someone brave enough to relentlessly endeavor to use his art as a tool to remind us all to dream big.
