#solgatestudios — News & Stories — Martin Backhauss Photography

Yusuf is from the township of Bweyogerere in the Wakiso District of Southern Uganda. Located in the hills of what some would call a suburb of Kampala is popularly known as the Home of Ugandan Soccer, and is situated along the travel route to and from Kenya.

Growing up in a place known for its natural beauty, Yusuf found inspiration in the world around him. Magnetized by the allure of subjectivity provided by nature and the daily routines that reflected life — specifically the feelings & stories of people in society; he felt compelled to interpret the tenor of these narratives as an untold discourse. I was able to spend a day with the artist and document him creating art and hear his incredible journey and stories.

“My approach is to educate and translate what living a harmonious life means to me.”

— Yusuf Salle

Oakland Art Murmur (OAM) seeks to amplify the voices of Oakland’s artists and arts workers and seeks to connect the public to the eclectic and incredible art of Oakland. We are motivated to expand equity in the arts and empower artists of all backgrounds and experiences. To that end, OAM seeks to promote historically underserved artists and art spaces.This series will put a face to artists, curators and creative visionaries working within our city, from newly emerging to those already highly recognized. It’s be the story of how they work, what compels them and what challenges them.

Fernando Reyes has evolved from a San Francisco banker to a full-time artist, from a self-taught artist to a formally trained one. His current focus is in abstract art in both paper cutouts and oil painting.

I was able to visit and portrait Fernando at his studio in Oakland. I documented his art and creative process visually.

A visit to the studio of Oakland Originals artist Fernando Reyes, and a look at his newest abstract work. http://www.freyesart.com