AmeriKKA - Reflection of a divided Nation - A collaborative Exhibit

Final touches before the opening...

I have always admired the beautiful works by my talented friend Cesar Conde. So when I was approached by him to do a collaborative Exhibition based on the current social issues we are facing in the US, I was all honored, excited and motivated to help raise awareness through art. 

The whole idea started with a solo show by Cesar Conde with myself as a special guest artist exploring the narrative and the current state of our country where as many other immigrants we now call home. The decline of America's state, sliding from greatness to hate. We try to explore the contradiction between the American dream and the reality in current political and social climate.  We agreed our message would be more impactful if we make this a Traveling Exhibition and throughout the way try to add more powerful and inspiring voices to the mix. 

With that in mind, we started talking in details with Sancturay Church and Cafe in south side Chicago. Everything was going as plan and we were getting ready to celebrate our opening night with all our friends and supporters. But then something unexpected happen and we were told due to some mix understanding with the message of our exhibit, we are not able to host this event at the Sancturay Church and Cafe. We were clearly devastated but you know how they always say when a door opens another one closes, our amazing friend let us host this event at the very last minute as a pop up exhibit at the beautiful Fulton Market Gallery. We started promoting the change of location and the support we got from everyone was just amazing. The fact that the exhibit got cancelled last minute made more noise and Chicagoans as always showed their support. Everything went even better than we hoped for. 

We had the second pop up exhibit at Perdue University which also turned out to be another successful exhibit. We are currently looking for more voices to join us, for more amazing locations willing to join this movement and show all that "We are One", that "This is our home" , That "everyone is welcome here" and that "This country is great because of all the immigrants".

Exhibition at Perdue University 

A beautiful Collaboration with an amazing artist ...

Ox-Bow School of Arts - Saugatuck MI

In case you have not heard of Ox-Bow so far, I encourage you to make a trip to this beautiful Art School and experience all the amazing things they have to offer, Through its affiliation with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Ox-Bow offers year around programs, summer benefits, workshops and so much more. 

As mentioned on their website, courses are a unique experience to work closely alongside artists from across the country with world-class instructors. The courses are diverse, ranging in focus from the functional to the sculptural; from traditional to contemporary; from representational to conceptual. During intensive and immersive one & two week courses, students delve deeply into their practices. Housing or commuting options are available. For a closer look at Ox-Bow's grounds and life on campus during the summer, visit their information page.

I was thrilled and honored to have been approached by this amazing school to teach a one week workshop. I wanted my students to learn as much as possible throughout this week. Designing the sessions and what to do on each day took a while but it did worth the time spent on it as by the end of it I was sure that no matter the level of my students, they will either become inspired or add on to their current creation process. 

The location is stunning, located close to the beautiful town of Saugatuck and Douglas, once you get to the campus, you are immediately captured by the beauty and greenery around you. The campus offers Artist Residencies in many fields. Each studio is filled with art enthusiasts creating Art with different mediums. 

If you intend to teach a class for few days, I would suggest considering below points:-

• Design and map out your teaching strategy, what are you going to teach each day, give time to your students to practice. Whatever you do, you want to make sure the last days of the workshop is rewarding for attendees. 
• Get the full list of attendees in advance and familiarize yourself with the level of students if possible. You will then have a full picture to help you map out the sessions better. For example if you have a mix of beginners and experts, your sessions will be planned differently whereas if all are beginners. 
• Check out with the location to ensure they have all you need, prepare in advance by sharing the list of materials as well to make sure you have enough for everyone. 
• Patience is very important throughout the workshop, to ask every question and help those who might need more assistance, make sure everyone try out their learnings at their own time.
• Give everyone a chance to use their own imaginations. At the end of the day, you want them to create what they want based off the knowledge they gain from the workshop.

I can not wait to go back next year. This experience was so rewarding for me as well. I connected with the art of teaching in ways I never had before. 

OxBow School of Arts is located at : 3435 Rupprect Way, Saugatuck, MI 49453

View from our class...

My amazing students...It was such an honor to teach them.

Taking your career to the Next Level with The Artist Next Level!

The Artist Next Level

Hope you all enjoy as you listen to the interview HERE.

Lot of people have asked me how my move to the U.S has influenced my work? What have been my challenges so far? etc. So I couldn't be more excited when I was asked by Sergio Gomez to talk about all that on his Art NXT Level PodCast. I consider myself very lucky to have known Sergio Gomez and have collaborated with him on some of his projects. He is an amazing artist, a professional curator, a caring mentor and above all a true friend. He is the co-founder of Art NXT Level as well as being the Owner/Director of 33 Contemporary Gallery and also the Director of Exhibitions at  Zhou B. Art Center where my studio is located as well. My first collaboration with Sergio Gomez was the "Hybrid's Paradise" exhibit which he curated for the opening of the Evanston Art Center new building If you are a driven artist intreated to take your art career to the next level, then you need to sign up on Art NXT Level right now! 

I truly hope this interview will help those artists who are not sure how to take the next step. I really believe once you have your vision and plan ahead with the support of those who are knowledgeable enough to guide you, you will get to where you want for sure. Of course nothing good in life comes easy and this needs a lot of effort from your side as well. In my interview you can hear more about me, my life, my influences, details on my pieces and what to expect, some of the challenges faced, rejections and its impact on my career, etc. You basically get a full insight on my career since arrival in Chicago and also on upcoming events.

Hope you all enjoy as you listen to the interview HERE.