The Fine Art Auction welcomes emerging artist MAD CHARCOAL

The Fine Art Auction continues its’ curation of Emerging Artists and Josh Hernandez aka Mad Charcoal is one of the most exciting and innovative Artists we now introduce to our Collectors.

“THE GREY AREA BETWEEN REALISM AND ABSTRACTION”

Redefining Contemporary Art Through Charcoal

Josh Hernandez, widely known by his artistic alias Mad Charcoal, is a contemporary artist whose striking and evocative work has exploded onto the Art Scene: his work garnering extraordinary attention in recent years. With literally millions of followers on Instagram and an astounding 7 million Tik Tok followers, he is truly one of the most talented young Artists to emerge: Renowned for his mastery of charcoal, Hernandez creates pieces that transcend traditional definitions of art, blending hyperrealism with emotional depth to produce works that resonate deeply with viewers. His rise in the art world has been marked by an uncompromising dedication to exploring human emotion, the fragility of existence, and the power of narrative.

With a deft hand and an eye for detail, he crafts intricate, large-scale compositions that are at once haunting and captivating. His subjects—ranging from raw portraits of human faces to dynamic depictions of movement—seem to leap off the canvas, alive with intensity. The stark contrasts of light and shadow in his pieces evoke a visceral reaction, challenging viewers to confront the underlying themes of struggle, resilience, and humanity that permeate his work.

We are honored to present his work at The Fine Art Auction.

“Watching a face emerge from Joshua Hernandez’s swirls and smudges of charcoal seems like a sort of magic. It’s as if the image already existed, and Hernandez has simply pulled it out from the background. His process seems almost random. He’ll take a stick of charcoal and start drawing loose, free strokes with no apparent direction. He uses his fingers to smear the charcoal, or maybe he’ll pull out an eraser and rub away some of what he’s laid down. A jawline begins to appear, followed by an eye or a cheekbone. And suddenly, there’s a portrait that hovers between abstraction and realism, calm and chaos. While Hernandez has a special passion for charcoal (Mad Charcoal is the name of his company as well as his social media handle), he also incorporates acrylic, ink and pastels. “There’s overlap,” he says. “I’ll use some charcoal on a painting or some paint on a drawing. I’m not too strict about that.” Phoenix Home & Garden April 2024

Hernandez wasn’t expecting to be a full-time artist. He had a thriving career as a graphic designer, work he began doing even before earning his degree in the discipline from Arizona State University. It was his wife, Jordan, who suggested he share some videos of his drawing process online. “I posted a video, and it immediately garnered tons of views on TikTok and Instagram,” he says. “I started making more videos and uploading my drawings, and it grew very naturally.”

Mad Charcoal’s impact also extends beyond his art to his influence within the broader creative community. He has embraced social media platforms to showcase his process and interact with a global audience, democratizing access to fine art and fostering a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of his craft. His willingness to share insights into his creative journey has inspired countless aspiring artists, demonstrating that with persistence and innovation, it is possible to achieve recognition in an increasingly competitive field.

Moreover, Hernandez’s work addresses critical social and cultural issues, adding another layer of significance to his art. By highlighting themes such as identity, inequality, and resilience, he invites viewers to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. In this way, his art serves as a mirror, challenging society to confront its own complexities while celebrating the shared human experience.

Through his groundbreaking use of charcoal, his ability to evoke profound emotion, and his dedication to inspiring others, he has established himself as an essential voice in modern art.