Meet Irrix Screen: a versatile and talented New York-based classically trained, yet modern painter. His work, no matter what medium he chooses, can only be described as nothing short of sheer genius. Irrix’s art is all about the constant strive for originality, creativity, and expression. His paintings usually feature mixed media and an interesting slew of materials: Irrix is an artist who does not fear exploration and innovation. His exceptional approach to art, with his interesting choice of materials and flare, is a pleasure to observe. He is an artist who does not fear change or modernism. He understands how to pay great attention to detail when it comes to creating art. The effort and time that Irrix puts into every one of his paintings are unbelievable. He has a full mind of ideas and self-expressions like no other. He is an artist in every sense of the word. He is extremely driven and motivated in creating and using an artistic eye in all that he sets his mind to.
Here are some of Irrix Screen’s own words on art and his life as an artist:
“Though my whole life I have been a creative and an artist. I can remember, as far back as when I was five years old, knowing that I was an artist. I always color within the lines in my coloring books, and that always had an eye for color blending. Throughout my life I’ve been creating. It was either in my teen years through photography, and poetry, then as the computer age crept up on us, more sophisticated programs allowed me to create within the field of graphic design / Computer art. In my early 30’s, I followed my passion to create awesome illustrations, and images through programs like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and other software similar to the adobe creative cloud installer. I attended Parsons; New school for social research, and I am also an alumni of the school of visual arts. People always drawn towards my creative, and artistic visuals. As an artist professionally, I need to learn how to market myself better, even today I still work on the same project, me. So to get more business experience. I attended Iona College in New Rochelle New York, there I studied business, with a minor in marketing. When I graduated Iona College, I was offered a job at Apple Computer, as an ASC/Apple Computer consultant. This was my corporate job, and for the most part this position introduced me to myself. I learned that I am not a corporate person. With the help of being laid off in 2011 from Apple, I was forced to move on, and live my passion, and to do what I was born to do. Create art works! Looking back, I remember envy those who could paint. I tried to paint once, and I did not like it at all, not the painting part, but there was no real concept, I just wanted to paint. Not moving forward, to go back to 2011, when I got laid off. You know sometimes things are done for reason, well the universe makes no mistakes. It is at this point of transition, when I truly started to find out who I was without being led by the occupations I once lived by; simply put I could think for myself now and that the company or the job that dictates my personality between the hours of 9 to 5; wait let’s be real. The hours in the workplace no longer working favor for the worker. Corporations has extended our work day without any real reward toward the worker. Anyway! LOL moving forward. How I started my clothing line, and becoming a designer collect it worldwide, well it started as simple as doing weekend shows at art markets, selling T-shirts. Each one of my designs are original one-of-a-kind pieces. Here’s where it gets tricky! OK! I’ll go with the abridged version. In 2011 I had taken a hobby to a mainstream audience in New York City. I started selling shirts on the weekend, at an art market in Chelsea. The name of my company is:
(D.U.O GEAR) D.U.O for short. D.U.O stands for; Da.Underground.Organization anything that was underground was always more authentic, didn’t matter if it was music, art, anything that was raw talent I gravitate towards. People at the beginning, and even now see my work, and will sometimes say, it has a Jean-Michel Basquiat feel to it, or some say Keith Herring, others may say Norman Luis. Though whoever views my artwork always says, although your artwork has a feel of these great artists, still your artwork stands apart as original. After participating within the week and markets, I have began to acquire collectors of my T-shirts, and paintings. My first full-time Job, as a designer/painter was in the West Village within our community that was open five days a week at first, all I was selling with my original art works on T-shirts. I hope I haven’t lost you by now and it’s writing? LOL! It was here at this art community where I sold my first painting, by accident. Let me explain. I created a painting, something very simple to decorate my shop with, and without the slightest idea that I would ever be offered money for one of my paintings. It was a small painting, I believe an 8.5 x 11 canvas. The customer said I really like your artwork, I reply thank you very much! I asked my guest, oh by the way! I don’t have customers, I have guests. Customers are annoying. When you’re in my shop, it’s like you’re standing in my living room, so I welcome you as my guest. Please figure that little burst, LOL! My ADD took over for moment! LOL! I asked my guest what shirt do you like, and she replied… I love your shirts! Although, I was asking about the painting. Extreme surprise came over my face, as I had no idea what to charge for it. I said to my guest; is it $100? She smiled, and said absolutely, I thought it would be more. I ran home almost immediately! Plus we were closing anyway; she was my last guest for the day. I told my wife, as soon as I got to the door! I sold a painting today! My wife was just as surprised as I was with this news. So the next day I created another piece, and I put it up. Almost immediately, another guest ask, how much for the painting? I reply $145 just to was an 8.5 x 11 canvas painting, like the other one, it was only in black-and-white. My new Guest smile broadly, and said, with a smile. I thought it would be more I’ll take it! Now I forgot to mention, The first guest that purchased my very first painting was from Australia, and this cast is from Germany. My artworks, either on T-shirts or paintings are now collected globally. I received awards, best of Manhattan for the last three years for small business our gallery. I am still struggling artist, though I know, I am a story yet to be written. I am a part of art history, this is not arrogance, this is who I am. I am not a boss, nor will I ever be a boss. I am a leader. I no matter how successful, or where my art takes me, I will never be a celebrity, let me explain. I am a person that creates, artist to be shared. The true celebrities are the people who appreciate, and support emerging artists. They are the ones to be celebrated! If it wasn’t for the arts supporters no one would know us for what we do, and the passion behind it. I am just an artist, surrounded by celebrities, that take me from point a comment to point B. My goal is to help others, and if I could do that in a creative way through my art works, well that works for me.”
The contemporary art world is vibrant and booming like never before and it’s a twenty-first-century phenomenon, a global industry in its own right. Contemporary Artists seek the power to astonish, satisfy and challenge: the legend of Irrix Screen’s artwork achieves all of these things. He showcases art that the public may not ordinarily have access to outside of a large urban environment within a welcoming, creative, and inspirational platform. He is as much a skilled professional as a truly unforgettable and capable human being. As time goes on Irrix will continue to delve deeper into the world of art by utilizing a wide range of mediums and taking an intimate approach to art direction and design. He will continue to build his brand and develop more designs and artwork. We will all be looking forward to seeing what he accomplishes next with his limitless creativity!
Visit his website:www.duogear.com
