Tag: Studio Visit

Inside Olga Esther’s Studio

Inside the studio of Olga Esther as she prepares for her solo show ‘Princesses, Gender Mandates and Other Stories’ at Thinkspace Projects in Gallery II

On View: October 16, 2021 – November 6, 2021

What was the inspiration behind this latest body of work? What themes were you exploring?

My paintings talk about feminism. With this exhibition I wanted to talk about gender mandates, how the construction of our identity as women is based on the fulfillment of certain mandates or roles, and how, despite all the pressures, some of us sometimes disobey. Like Tara, who against all recommendations, vowed to adopt only female reincarnations on her path to awakening.

Unconditional surrender, waiting for Prince Charming or the criticism of the myth of romantic love are some of the themes that appear in the paintings. The patriarchy finds in the myth of romantic love the perverse key that exposes the heart of women as an offering of unconditional surrender and sacrifice.

“Never safe” one of my favorite works of this show speaks of the double discrimination suffered by black women due to male chauvinist and racist violence.

Read her full interview here

Inside the studio of Roos van der Vliet as she prepares for ‘Mirrors of Your Soul’

Inside the studio of Roos van der Vliet while she prepares for her exhibition ‘Mirrors of Your Soul’ showing at Thinkspace Projects from September 18, 2021 – October 9, 2021

‘Mirrors of Your Soul’ features an entirely new collection of the hyperrealistic depictions of hair she is known for, there is a piercing energy at the heart of each piece. While the concepts of this solo exhibition are familiar for the artist – hair, piercing eyes, golden hour light – the intention behind the works has changed. Rather than focusing on differences, ‘Mirrors of Your Soul’ highlights the similarities between us, emphasizing that we are all more alike than we often care to admit.

Video by Birdman

Inside the Studio of Kayla Mahaffey as she prepares for “Remember the Time”

Inside the studio of Kayla Mahaffey as she prepares for her latest solo show, ‘Remember the Time.’ 

Mahaffey examines the language of nostalgia in this collection of large-scale new works on canvas. 

Inside the Studio of Evoca1 for ‘Sanctuary’

Inside the studio of Evoca1 while he prepares for his exhibition ‘Sanctuary’ showing at Thinkspace Projects from July 17 – August 7th.

What was the inspiration behind ‘Sanctuary’ and this latest body of work?

“The initial concept for the show came up a few years back, after a conversation I had with my son who was 4 years old at the time.

After spending most of the time silent during dinner, he said to me “my friend is black”. He’d been friends with him since they were 2 years old and had never acknowledged his skin color. At first, we were furious and asked him who told him his friend was black and he replied “In school”. I always wondered at what age people start noticing skin color and the different ways it’s introduced.

From there I started thinking about how the world would be if the pandemic had wipeout all the adults and kids were left to inherit the earth. –“

Read our full interview with Evoca1 here.

Video by Birdman

Inside the studio of artist Tran Nguyen

Inside the studio of Tran Nguyen while she prepares for her exhibition ‘Remedy’ showing at Thinkspace Projects from July 17 – August 7th.

What’s the inspiration behind ‘Remedy’ and this latest body of work?

 I often go through color phases through my work.  Previously, the dominant color in my paintings have been blue, purple, sepia, etc., but for the longest time, I’ve avoided a green palette.  I love organic floral patterns and the overall botanical aesthetic, and decided this show would be the perfect opportunity to illustrate the theme and color.  This led to building the narrative for “Remedy” and its world — a world inhabited by fantastical characters that are both part-human and part-nature.

Read our full interview with Tran Nguyen here.

Video by Birdman