Early Life and Artistic Foundations

Fernanda Kusel, a rising figure in the Argentine contemporary art scene, was born in Buenos Aires in 1991. Her artistic journey began remarkably early, at the tender age of five, under the tutelage of Rita Brañas and Silvia Flichman. This foundational period instilled in her not merely technical skill but a deep sensitivity to the expressive potential of painting—a sensibility that would become a hallmark of her work. Kusel’s initial studies weren't simply about mastering form; they were an immersion into the very language of visual storytelling, fostering an intuitive understanding of color, texture, and composition. Later, from 2012 to 2016, she honed her skills further in Victor Chab’s workshop, a period marked by experimentation and a growing confidence in her own artistic voice. This formal training provided the structure needed to explore more complex themes and techniques.

Exploring Memory and Identity Through Layered Abstraction

Kusel's art is deeply rooted in an exploration of memory and identity, rendered through evocative works characterized by layered abstraction. Her canvases aren’t depictions of reality but rather distillations of experience—fragments of recollection, emotional resonances, and the subtle distortions inherent in the act of remembering. She builds up surfaces with a deliberate complexity, employing mixed media and oil paints to create textures that invite close contemplation. These layers are not merely aesthetic choices; they represent the multifaceted nature of personal history, the way memories overlap, intertwine, and sometimes obscure one another. The resulting images often feel both familiar and elusive, prompting viewers to engage in their own process of interpretation.

Influences and Artistic Development

While Kusel’s style is distinctly her own, it's informed by a rich artistic lineage. Her early mentors, Brañas and Flichman, undoubtedly shaped her approach to painting, emphasizing the importance of emotional honesty and expressive freedom. The influence of Victor Chab is also palpable in her work—his workshop fostered a spirit of experimentation and encouraged students to push the boundaries of traditional techniques. In 2019, a clinic with Leila Tschopp further refined her conceptual framework, prompting her to delve deeper into the psychological dimensions of her art. Kusel’s exploration extends beyond painting; she is currently venturing into video installations and objects, seeking new avenues to expand her artistic language.

Recognition and International Presence

Kusel's dedication and unique vision have garnered significant recognition within both Argentina and internationally. Her work has been included in numerous national exhibitions, including the Biennial Federal Prize and the Provincial Youth Art Salon, earning her accolades such as the “Honorable Chamber of Senators of the Province of Buenos Aires” Award. More importantly, her art has found a home in collections across the globe—in Switzerland, Austria, the United States, Scotland, Holland, Uganda, and Venezuela, among others. This international presence speaks to the universal resonance of her themes and the compelling power of her visual language. In 2024, the Museo Emilio Caraffa acquired two of her pieces for its collection, a testament to her growing significance within the art world.

Current Practice and Future Directions

Today, Kusel continues to live and work in Buenos Aires, actively participating in the city’s vibrant artistic community. She is currently involved in the Artists Program at the Universidad Torcuato Di Tella, further enriching her practice through academic exploration and collaboration. Her recent exhibitions, such as those featured on Instagram by MORFO gallery, highlight her ongoing engagement with themes of time, memory, and the complexities of human connection. Kusel’s work is characterized by an atmosphere of estrangement and inadequacy—a deliberate unsettling that invites viewers to confront their own perceptions of reality. She proposes a dialogue between the image and the real, exploring the tension between fidelity and betrayal, and the problem of codes within aesthetic languages. Her upcoming group show, ISSUE I at MORFO gallery, promises to further showcase her evolving artistic vision.