A TIME OF REFLECTION is how I think we will remember this era. That's how we have spent so much of our time as an organization: reflecting. Searching for ways to stay connected, while remaining apart; searching for new ways of expression using technology; searching for new ways to continue to offer programs, without the character of the atmosphere of our physical site that has been a source of inspiration, and a critical means for showing our core values, for over 41 years; and because of all that, searching for deeper meaning in everything that we do.
From the perspective of the Grady Alexis Gallery, this time presents challenges and opportunities to engage. It is forcing different ways of presenting art, in absence of walls.
That is an optimistic view for a time that has created so much pain and loss: a way to find meaning in hardship. And an allegory for the artist's path. The artist, as the one who searches for their unique way to say something meaningful, humorous, beautiful or universal.
Christian Amaya, is a NYC-based visual artist. He expresses his ideas and emotions through paintings and drawings. Christian was born and raised in New York City by his Guatemalan father and Dominican mother in Harlem. Observing his parents, in demanding physical jobs throughout his life, gave him a deep appreciation for the work of the hands. From that, developed a sincere relationship to making the art he makes: a manual and physical expression for his internal process.
He writes, “I am passionate about painting and drawing things that are a visual “screenshot” from my imagination, as well as, the thoughts that I hold on to daily. Because of the circumstances of my life [where and how I grew up], I have often felt lost and muffled when it comes to finding my voice”. Through the act of painting, he has found a way to articulate what is intuitive, or pure feelings. “I want my art to inspire a generation of kids to learn that it is possible to express yourself without words.”
The title for this show is “AMAYA”, the artists’s last name. When questioned why, he said: “because when I was younger, I associated the name with a girl’s name (there was a girl in my second grade class named Amaya) and I didn’t like my name. Now, I want to claim it. It’s a name I love, and I want to show my pride.”
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We've been working with Christian Amaya for a couple of months after meeting him and seeing his work outside, in upper Manhattan's Morningside Park, where he had been selling his paintings every Saturday, next to the local Farmer’s Market.
In addition to Christian’s ability to create an engaging body of work, its message is a salient example for the possibility of what can come from a time of reflection. His artistic process, filled with all the optimism, exploration, yearning, seeking and wonder of youth, are also a timely reminder of a well paved path. Though this path is fresh for each aspirant, the “way” has been described for centuries. Now, that's admittedly focusing on a silver lining, yet, that is all we have ... the hope that there will be a better future … soon. A return to routines, and an advancement of ideals, if we “make use of the time” we have.
There’s an obvious connection he has to an artist, like Basquiat: the color blocks, balance, two-dimensional figures created by lines. Christian, still emerging in his voice, does not have that clear incisive narrative yet, though you can see it becoming. It won't be Basquiat's narrative, Christian’s dynamic is different. However, it seems clear that Basquiat has imparted a template, as well as the inspiration, to be fearless in the exploration.
Christian's work has a compelling flow and his own set of influences. Some of these influences are naturally urban. Meaning, that he has been exposed to a high level of diversity, randomness and transition, from as early as the womb. Other influences are from his Martial Arts training, that gives him a sense of grounded physicality, and this transfers into his work as aesthetic balance. And still, other influences come from his parents, Central American and Caribbean. He’s made a fusion of a bi-cultural, dual-linguistic home. This is the way that so many New York City kids are. They are "free jazz" beings; they are expressing a kaleidoscope of existence. It's an arduous path to synthesize all of that information. Christian knows how to compartmentalize it. He's in the moment. It’s a lesson in Zen and unconditional being.
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This program is supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with, the City Council. Additional funding comes from the Jacob and Ruth Epstein Foundation and individual donations.
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