Where else but Manhattan would an architect collaborate with acclaimed artists for a popup art exhibition? At the 1st annual Experience: Art After Dark, a select crowd of art connoisseurs came to Ziming Shen’s Manhattan penthouse to celebrate new work by acclaimed artists Shepard Fairey, Yan Zhen, Eddy Bogaert and Paddy Cohn, among others. It was a gorgeous chilly Tuesday night on March 29th 2016 in Shen’s stylist Battery Park City Penthouse. For one night only, attendees had an intimate viewing of modern and eclectic art with over a quarter of a million dollars worth of work on display.
The soundtrack - a live performance on a baby grand piano – echoed throughout the massive apartment. The view of the Hudson River provided a gorgeous backdrop for the evening. One room in the colossal penthouse was specifically designated to a series of paintings and sculptures by the incredibly talented Eddy Bogaert. The room was lit solely by blacklight to showcase his work’s signature fluorescent paint. Rising star and talented New York based artist, Naku, shocked and awed with her live performance piece, in which she created tribal-themed art on canvas as the crowd watched. Her mixed media painting featured a medley of unusual materials which I have never used together; a combination of oil paint and coffee actually resembled watercolor on the canvas, except with more depth and shadows and I have to say it bluntly, it was so cool! Naku’s unique approach to art, with her interesting choice of materials and flare, was a pleasure to watch. She is an artist who does not fear experimentation and innovation. I strongly recommend you see it for yourself when she does a solo live art performance later this month on April 21st at Contra Studios in Chelsea.
All in all, it was a beautiful night as chic New Yorkers explored the oneofakind exhibit, socializing, admiring, and yes, purchasing, the eclectic curation of art. Between the musical performance, the live painting, the art on the walls, and the exciting scene, it was a night to remember. The event was a hit – the first of many - in which most of the art was sold and the works and talent of acclaimed and upcoming artists were showcased. A special thanks goes out to everyone who made this event possible, including the organizers, Zac Presley and Jade Hwa, and of course to our gracious host, Ziming Shen. I, for one, cannot wait for the next one!
