This piece is very special to me for two reasons in particular.
Reason number one is that it reflects the basis of my paintings. The tea cup head, ruby red and tanzanite blue colors, and the lotus eyes, perched ear, and pursed lips. All these have significance to me and have a lot of influence in my art.
And reason number two is because it marked my first reverse art heist<3. I went to Bergdorf's on 5th Avenue one day in August 2023 and a sales associate there told me about an exclusive party in September showcasing some of the new works on their 7th floor walls. It was a furniture floor with paintings, vases, and more scattered throughout. There were artists featured and it was a whole thing.
Once she told me I could come, I went home and decided I was gonna try to get in on the next one. I sent an email with my artist statement as well as my works to date but did not hear back. Oh well.
So on the day of the party, I decided to make a painting that showcased my basis. I made the painting in about 2 hours, went to staples to grab sticky tack and print a placard, and headed there. A friend of mine joined me for the reverse heist and went we arrived, we scoped it out to see where my work would fit best.
My painting was hidden in the big brown staples bag so I was good. I decided where I'd put it, put the sticky tack on the painting and the placard, and with my friend covering me and keeping watch of the many people there, I hung the painting and walked away.
Idk I've never done anything like that but my heart was pounding and I was so nervous and excited. No one saw and as the party went on, I would mingle and show people the painting that I had on display. I just made sure no one I was speaking to was in charge.
Later, I met the woman in charge, got her email, and sent her my portfolio. She emailed me that same night and demanded I come get my painting. That was so nice of her, she could've just thrown it out or something but I came and got it, we laughed, and I was on my way. I decided next time that I'd try to get in Bergdorf's the right way. And eventually the opportunity arose and I got two paintings up there for their Spring-Summer 2024 show.
acrylic on Wood
14”x14”
2023
sold