Alone in the city

Well I went to the city by my self as well as met up with people from Clubhouse. People who I been talking with and following for 2+ years.

Vero - (artist, documentarian, creative director, film camera) IG - SITE

Ru - (vocalist, DJ, producer, actress) IG

Andrew - (paper artist) IG - SITE

Anna (singer, songwriter, designer, digital art, landscape architect) IG

Salvador (photographer) IG

First time doing this kind of thing- broke a lot of comfortzones and a bit more confidence as well. I mostly walked around Chelsea, HighLine, Penn, The Met and a few other spots.

I knew that I was going to catch up with friends in the mid/late afternoon so I walked around and knew since I live in NY i can go to the MET for free. Hit a few of the galleries.

Spent more money then I maybe should have but learned from the “ experience”. Took Uber, Taxi, Subway.

Battery died so I found an AT&T store, which allowed me to charge my phone as I waited for my ride/friend to pick me up to meet with other friends. Hung out, went to a lounge, Peir, Restaurant, Speakeasy. I decided I was a bit to overwhelmed with being tired so I left and hugged and said bye to everyone. It was differently something I will remember.

First show of 2023

I had my first show of the year as well as the galleries first show of the year after they had some damage to the space. I have shown in her studio before and is one of my favorite galleries in the area. ( Darcy Simpson Artworks)

Ellen and I have a conversation about my growth as an painter and as a person in the last handful of years. The slashes to these landscapes and what the slashes were a symbol of and now these more “photographic like abstract landscapes.

Famous Artist #29

HANK WILLIS THOMAS

American artist known for his provocative and thought-provoking work that explores themes of race, identity, and the media. Through a variety of mediums, including photography, sculpture, and video, Thomas seeks to challenge societal norms and spark dialogue about important social issues.

One of Thomas's most well-known projects is "Branding the Negro," a series of photographs that explores the way black people have been marketed and commodified throughout history. By appropriating images from advertising and popular culture, Thomas exposes the ways in which black bodies have been used to sell products and ideas, often in dehumanizing and objectifying ways.

In addition to his photographic work, Thomas has also created a number of sculptures that explore similar themes. "Liberty and Justice (for All)," for example, is a series of bronzed basketball hoops that are mounted on pedestals, drawing attention to the ways in which sports have been used as a means of promoting racial equality.

Thomas's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the art world. Through his thought-provoking and often challenging work, Thomas continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art and inspire others to engage with important social issues.

Famous Photographer #27

RICHARD MOSSE

Irish photographer known for his provocative and thought-provoking images that challenge the way we view the world. His most notable project, "The Enclave," is a series of large-scale photographs that depict the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo using a specialized infrared film.

Mosse's use of infrared film, which is typically used to detect heat signatures, creates a surreal and otherworldly aesthetic that challenges our preconceived notions of war photography. The vibrant pink hues of the images are both striking and disorienting, forcing the viewer to question their own perception of the scenes depicted.

In "The Enclave," Mosse documents the lives of those caught in the midst of the ongoing conflict, capturing both the violence and the resilience of the Congolese people. Through his use of infrared film, he also highlights the invisible forces at play, such as the exploitation of natural resources and the role of international powers in the conflict.

Mosse's work has been widely exhibited and has garnered numerous accolades, including the Deutsche Börse Photography Prize and the International Center of Photography Infinity Award. Despite the controversy that often surrounds his work, Mosse remains committed to using photography as a means of sparking dialogue and challenging our perceptions of the world.

Famous Artist #28

NINA CHANEL ABNEY

American artist known for her bold, colorful paintings that often explore themes of race, gender, and politics. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1982, Abney grew up with a passion for art and began creating her own paintings and drawings at a young age. She studied art at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Abney's career as an artist took off in the early 2000s, when she began to gain recognition for her bold, colorful paintings that often featured figures and imagery from popular culture. She became known for her expressive, energetic style and her ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through her art.

Over the years, Abney's work has continued to evolve and she has become known for her powerful, thought-provoking paintings that often explore themes of race, gender, and politics. She incorporates a wide range of influences and techniques in her work, and her paintings often challenge viewers to think about the world around them in new and unexpected ways.

Today, Abney is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists of her generation. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world and has been the subject of numerous books and articles. She continues to create bold, powerful paintings that engage and inspire viewers.