The exhibit is a celebration of the artistic contributions made by black artists. Visit www.nohogalleryla.com to view some of the art that will be at the opening reception on Saturday, February 4 from 7pm to 11pm. Like always, Curator Dan Debevoise puts on a great reception where you can meet and chat with all the artists. Featured Artist Neneki “Nick” McGee will engage you in a live painting performance - check it out here http://youtu.be/ElExlMZgm74 . Artist NuKola Herndon will enlighten the audience with her poetry and Scottie Austin will lure you into the world of Billie Holiday singing the blues, accompanied by jazz guitarist Tim Moran.
Featured Artist, Neneki “Nick” McGee is a self-taught artist from Los Angeles whose passion for art and sheer talent resulted in sales of his drawings while he was still in Elementary school. As a teenager, Neneki began to airbrush portraits of iconic pop stars like Michael Jackson and hip hop legend Tupac Shakur, not knowing that his ability to render life-like, nearly 3D images on canvases, clothing, shoes and even skateboards would garner him awards and an international fan base. Neneki’s artwork has been featured in music videos, photo shoots, and his airbrushed clothing designs have been featured on televised episodes of WWE’s SmackDown and WWE’s SuperStars. With almost two million “hits”, Neneki’s website, www.Artistic-Graphics.com, has attracted a global clientele stretching across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. His fine art has been featured in Art Galleries throughout Los Angeles, and in 2009 he was one of a select group of artists invited to participate in "Colors to Life Beautiful" a thematic art show inspired by Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" which ran in conjunction with the Los Angeles tour of Oprah Winfrey's "The Color Purple" Musical. Let's get to know Nick a little better....
Is it true that you sold your first artwork when you were in elementary school?
Yes, It is true! The first artwork I sold was in Elementary School. I drew a picture of Micheal Jackson. I had the teacher run me off photocopies in the school office and I sold the original drawing and prints to my classmates.
What has been your greatest achievement in your art career?
I think my Greatest achievement as a artist is my connection with people and the support I get from the people. I have been able to connect with people from all over the World and have them follow my artistic endeavors. Having my art be accepted and being allowed to paint for people is a huge honor to me that I do not take for granted. I have been fortunate to paint for people on every continent and paint for many celebrities from Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Redman, Fat Joe, WWE Wrestler JTG, Afeni Shakur (Tupac's Mother) and Michael Jackson's Mother and his Children to name a few.
What advice would you give a young artist just starting out?
I would tell young artists to always stay open to learn and stay open to finding new inspiration. As a artist, I think you should push yourself to better your craft and push yourself to produce your highest quality of work. Make sure you stay humble and stay true to your own internal artistic voice. As a young artist, it is also vital to know the art of business. Know who you paint for and know how to market your art to the people you paint for.
Tell us about the new program you are starting for youth?
Due to the loss of art enrichment programs in schools, I feel a huge need to develop a art program that encourages creativity and inspires our youth. I clearly understand the importance and positive role art can play in one's life. For many of us, art allows us to breathe, gives us a voice and art can open up many doors in life. The program will work on developing artistic skills while providing a positive outlet, mentoring and teaching life skills to our youth.
Tell us about your work that will be on exhibit at NoHo Gallery LA?
Each of my paintings in this exhibit are a piece of me and piece of my emotions. My paintings are my journey through life. I feel each of my paintings have life, soul and a story to tell.
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Gregory Prescott is the featured photographer who shows through his photography - why a photo is a work of art. Gregory has a rich history in all types of photography but now focuses on human form photography. Gregory has shown his work in many galleries starting in Houston, where he grew up, exhibits in New Your City and San Francisco and in Los Angeles and will be expanding internationally. Here is what Gregory has to say....
What made you focus your art on the human body?
The human body is one of the first creations of art. There has always been something intriguing and beautiful about the human form. It's interesting how something so natural and something we all see on a daily basis in our own everyday lives, is still something that can still cause controversy and seen with disapproving eyes. Artistic nudes should bring to light that GOD's creation is to be view at as something beautiful and natural and not always taken as something pornographic. There is beauty in the body.
Why do you prefer using live figures?
I believe I enjoy using live figures because of the interaction with models and the things I can create with them. I've always enjoyed viewing photographs of people, especially fashion photography. There is a certain beauty to different people that draws me into a photo. It may be the overall emotion, a connection in the eyes and a story that can be told through the model.
When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
I've always enjoyed art from as far back as I can remember. I started off drawing but always enjoyed looking at photography in books and magazines. I've always been a visual person and I enjoy many forms of art. But once I picked up a camera, I dropped the pencil and drawing pads because I found a quicker and more satisfying result. I was also influenced by the late Herb Ritts and found his work very inspiring, even to this day. Creating art is an undeniable passion.
What do you say to people that feel artists cannot be self taught?
There are many artists that are self taught. I feel that artistry is something that is naturally within you. It's hard to teach an artistic eye and mind plus creativity. Technique is a lot more easily taught. I see so many photographers who are extremely technical but have no creativity and though they use the best equipment and lighting, their images are very boring and stiff and then I see photographers who are the opposite. They may have a point and shoot or iphone and natural lighting and they produce the most fascinating images. I feel that an education is always better and is important but there are some phenomenal photographers that simply picked up a camera and take amazing images. It's all about your imagination, creating a fascinating style for yourself and being an artist, not a photo technician. The technology should be a co-host to your artistry.
Tell us about the work being exhibited at NoHo Gallery LA
For Black History Month, I chose 10 images of models of all African descent. Most of the images are from my white wall series, that focuses on form and shapes and light and shadow, along with contrast of the skin against the white wall. There are also a couple of images in a natural setting, such as beach and desert. I love shooting in natural locations. That is the beauty of living in Southern California. More of my work can be seen at my online gallery at www.gregoryprescott.virb.com.
