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Draft:Zach Fernandez

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Zach Fernandez, born on March 22, 1986, is an American pop artist based in Los Angeles. He explores reality and consciousness through his art, which is influenced by memes and popular culture.[1] His work mixes street art, graffiti, and pop art, featuring bold themes and a recognizable style.[1][2]

Early life and education

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Fernandez was born in Upland, California, and grew up in a rough environment by his parents' divorce and frequent relocations across Southern California. Despite these challenges, he developed an early passion for art, often using it as a means of expression during his formative years. Fernandez attended multiple schools before his senior year, which he spent at Casa by The Sea[3], a behavior modification school in Ensenada, Mexico. [4]

Career

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Fernandez gained widespread recognition on January 1, 2017, when he altered the iconic Hollywood sign to read "Hollyweed,"[1] drawing attention to the legalization of cannabis in California.[5][6][6] This act launched him into the spotlight and solidified his reputation as a challenging artist. Subsequently, Fernandez continued to push boundaries with his art, including a call for the accusation of then-President Donald Trump on the Golden Gate Bridge.[1][7]

In 2019, Fernandez launched his own cannabis brand, Hollyweed,[8]at Hall of Flowers in Santa Rosa, CA. In addition to his public art installations, Fernandez has been involved in various artistic endeavors, including the creation of the world's first cannabis- made movie poster for the film The Gentlemen in 2020. He also made his directorial debut with the short film The Reel in 2021, exploring themes of identity and creativity.[citation needed]

Controversy

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On January 1, 2017, Zach Fernandez gained significant attention after altering the iconic Hollywood sign to read "Hollyweed."[2]The stunt, reminiscent of a similar alteration in 1976 celebrating relaxed marijuana laws, was intended to provoke discussion about cannabis legislation in California.[6] Fernandez, who operates under the pseudonym "Jesushands,"[2] admitted to planning and executing the alteration using sheets and clamps to modify the sign's letters.[1][2][9]

This sparked controversy and legal repercussions for Fernandez.[5][10]  He voluntarily surrendered to the Los Angeles Police Department and was subsequently arrested on charges of trespassing[5][6][10],[8] a misdemeanor offense. Fernandez defended his actions as a symbolic gesture of spreading peace but authorities viewed the act as vandalism and a breach of public property.[5][6][10][8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Alleged 'Hollyweed' Mastermind Explains Why He Vandalized the Hollywood Sign". www.complex.com. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  2. ^ a b c d "'Hollyweed' Sign Culprit In Hiding, Fears Arrest (PHOTO)". TMZ. 2017-01-06. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  3. ^ "Life Without Consanguinity: Zachary Cahill — Mousse Magazine and Publishing". www.moussemagazine.it. 2017-05-12. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
  4. ^ https://www.wturley.com/wp-content/files/StGeorgeUtah.pdf
  5. ^ a b c d X (2017-03-13). "A painting with your meds? An art gallery pops up inside a cannabis dispensary". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Hollyweed Artist Zachary Cole Fernandez Charged With Trespass Misdemeanour". Artlyst. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  7. ^ "Prankster Reportedly Admits To Unfurling 'Impeach' Banner Off Golden Gate Bridge - CBS San Francisco". www.cbsnews.com. January 23, 2017.
  8. ^ a b c Franklin, Ericka (2019-05-02). "Post Malone, 'Hollyweed' Artist Zach "Jesushands" Fernandez Debut Cannabis Brands". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  9. ^ "2 LA Artists Behind 'Hollyweed' Sign Prank On New Year's Day? - CBS Los Angeles". www.cbsnews.com. 2017-01-03. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  10. ^ a b c "Artist Arrested in Hollywood Sign's Hollyweed Alteration". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-09-23.