Artist Talk with Brendan Fernandes

How can movement create new spaces for connection and belonging? What stories do our bodies tell?

Join artist Brendan Fernandes for a conversation about his creative practice at the intersection of dance and visual art. Fernandes will discuss how his work engages themes of migration, identity, queer culture, protest, and collective movement. His projects often take hybrid forms, described as “part ballet, part queer dance party, part political protest,” and are rooted in collaboration and fostering solidarity. We invite you to reflect on how creativity, movement, and collective action can shape how we relate to each other and ourselves.

Brendan Fernandes (b. 1979, Nairobi, Kenya) is an internationally recognized Canadian artist working at the intersection of dance and visual arts. Currently based in Chicago, his practice addresses issues of race, queer culture, migration, protest, and other forms of collective movement. Constantly seeking to create new spaces and forms of agency, Fernandes’ work often takes on hybrid forms: part ballet, part queer dance party, part political protest always rooted in collaboration and fostering solidarity.

Images:

• Esker Foundation Fall 2026 opening reception by Elyse Bouvier
• Brendan Fernandes, Noise See III, 2026. Courtesy the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; and Susan Inglett Gallery, New York.

Respect and Inclusion

By registering for this Program you agree to co-create, in collaboration with Esker Staff, Artists and Volunteers, an atmosphere of mutual inclusion and respect for all persons. This includes speaking, acting and behaving in a way that is absent of violence, harassment, racism, intimidation, bullying or discrimination of any kind regardless of, and not limited to gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, age and ability. This includes in online/digital forums.

Media Consent

By participating in a program or event at Esker Foundation you consent to having Recordings taken (images, photographs, videos, audio recordings or other media) of yourself and/or your dependent(s) to be included in Esker Foundation’s Recordings Bank. This is a collection of Recordings intended to showcase the gallery’s activities, primarily for archival and reporting purposes. They may also be used for promotional purposes: on Esker Foundation’s website, social media or marketing materials. Esker Foundation will not use these Recordings for commercial purposes. Participants will be notified when Recordings are being taken, and may always opt out on the day of the program.

Should you require any support, or have any questions, please reach out to: programs - @ - eskerfoundation.com