Exhibitions
Featured Exhibitions
1970-2000 Off-Center: New Mexico Art
NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF ART VLADEM CONTEMPORARY
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
2024-2025
The New Mexico Museum of Art presents a landmark exhibition, Off-Center: New Mexico Art, 1970-2000, a survey of the last three decades of the twentieth century, a pivotal time in which numerous artists relocated to New Mexico, drawn by its distinctive climate and landscape, its rich diversity of cultures, and its strong reputation as a center for the visual arts. Scheduled from June 8, 2024, to May 4, 2025, at the New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary, Off-Center explores the depth and complexity of this period through a series of relevant and topical themes.
Artwork Title: 1492
Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art & The Legacy of Elaine Horwitch
BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
2021-2023
Traveling Exhibition: Tucson, Arizona; Cartersville, Georgia; Santa Fe, New Mexico; & San Antonio, Texas
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and influence of some of the most beloved artists from the Elaine Horwitch Galleries. Featuring an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, the collection captures the spirit of artistic innovation that defined the Southwest during a transformative era. These works serve as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and its pivotal role in shaping contemporary art.
Artwork Title: La Guadalupana
Seis de América Exposición
PETROPERÚ ART ROOM
LIMA, PERÚ
2006
Group Show: Celebrating Renowned Artists from Peru, Mexico, and the United States.
This dynamic group exhibition showcases the work of six highly regarded artists from Perú, México, and the United States, highlighting the diversity and richness of their perspectives.
Rudy contributed three compelling pieces to the exhibition:
• Indictment
• Recuerdos
• Frida: Modern Heroes
Proudly sponsored by PetroPerú.
Artwork Title: Frida: Modern Heroes
Arte Latino: Treasures From the Smithsonian American Museum
OAKLAND MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
2003
As part of the Smithsonian’s “Treasures to Go” nationwide exhibit, this show brought some of Arte Latino’s most rarely loaned masterpieces to audiences across the country. Over three years, the exhibition celebrated the richness of Latino art and culture, offering a unique opportunity to experience these extraordinary works outside their home institutions.
Artwork Title: Escape
Rudy Fernandez: Iconos Personales
MAZÁTLAN MUSEUM OF ART
MAZÁTLAN, SINALOA, MÉXICO
2001
This remarkable solo exhibition showcased the breadth and evolution of Rudy’s work over nearly three decades. Opening at the Museo de Arte de Mazatlán, México, the exhibition later traveled to the Museo Casa Rivera in Culiacán, Sinaloa. Among the many standout pieces was La Guadalupana: The Virgin as Cultural Icon, which captivated audiences with its profound cultural and artistic significance. The exhibitions ran from September through November 2001, offering a comprehensive look at Rudy’s artistic journey.
Artwork Title: M.A.R.S
La Luz: Contemporary Latino Art in the United States
NATIONAL HISPANIC CULTURAL CENTER OF NEW MEXICO
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
2000
This expansive exhibition featured the work of 49 nationally recognized Hispanic artists, each a leader in their respective art forms. Through their creations, these artists explored themes of political motivation, intellectual complexity, and aspirational dreams. Among the standout pieces was Rudy’s Destruction by Fire (1996), a striking example of his masterful command of mixed media, showcasing both technical skill and profound storytelling.
Artwork Title: Destruction by Fire
Absolut Vodka Invitational
SPIRIT MUSEUM
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
1990
Rudy was honored to be selected alongside other prominent Southwest artists to create a piece representing Absolut Vodka through their unique artistic vision. These works were featured in prominent magazine articles, advertisements, and the 1990 Absolut Vodka book. Rudy’s contribution earned a permanent place in the Absolut Vodka Museum’s collection in Stockholm, Sweden, cementing his legacy in this iconic collaboration.
Artwork Title: Absolut Fernandez
Hispanic Art in the United States-Thirty Contemporary Painters & Sculptors
NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
1990
This landmark exhibition showcased the works of 30 leading contemporary Hispanic painters and sculptors, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Hispanic art. Over its three-year tour, the show was featured at major art venues across the nation, including the prestigious Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C. The exhibition not only captivated audiences but also inspired the creation of an accompanying art book, solidifying its significance in the art world.
Artwork Title: Sal Si Puedes
Rituals & Rites of Passage
ELAINE HORWITCH GALLERY
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
1982
One of Rudy’s early milestone exhibitions took place at the renowned Elaine Horwitch Gallery in Santa Fe—a significant honor for any artist in her esteemed roster. The show featured an array of Rudy’s captivating multimedia sculptures, including the standout piece Rituals & Rites of Passage. This exhibition marked an important moment in his career, showcasing his innovative use of materials such as lead and his distinctive artistic vision.
Artwork Title: Rituals & Rites of Passage