On July 6, Arlo NoMad presented the opening reception for Arlo’s Living Room Gallery. Jasmine Arakel created the gallery and curated its pieces. The cozy room displayed Brock DeBoer’s Far From Home installation, on loan from Guy Hepner Gallery. The realistic sneakers sculptures impressed attendees.
Ceramic shoes sat inside glass display cases. Each featured an inventive design and Nike’s logo. One displayed an intricate 
floral pattern with little white space. Through crosshatching, the flowers and petals had dimensions and shadows. The white swish matched the sculpture’s color palette. Another shoe had a different pattern.
This piece had scribbles across the side and Nike’s logo. It displayed plenty of white space. It showed a minimalist approach. A third sculpture had a similar look. Flowers and leaves danced across a small part of the side. DeBoer did not paint on half the shoe, including Nick’s logo. A fourth sculpture had a unique color palette.
The item had a light purple ombre and a shiny gold swish. DeBoer wrote “Air” on the work’s midsole with accuracy. A fifth sculpture had a similar approach.
This shoe also featured a golden swish. In addition, it had a golden tongue. It showed red shadows at each seam. It made the stitching more prominent. DeBoer sculpted realist basketballs as well.
One basketball had shades of blue and purple. Slight mixing occurred between the colors. Some stains looked like trees and flowers. Another piece had a distinct color scheme.
The light green sculpture displayed dark green flowers. They had curly stems and leaves. The white lines sliced the design into fragments. The ceramic material shined in the fluorescent lighting. A third ball featured an eccentric shape.
The round sides contrasted with the flat top. It represented the yellow piece’s deflated nature. The off-white porcelain lines gave the object more dimension. Arakel and Guy Hepner Gallery representatives discussed the cultural importance of the sculptures.
Guy Hepner Gallery discovered DeBoer through Instagram. Over the past ten years, the gallery discovered many emerging artists in this manner. “The artists have become popular from running their own pages,” the representative explained. She talked about Instagram curators, who have produced shows.
The team members displayed upcoming artists’ pieces. They came across DeBoer’s brilliant sculptures. Curators communicated with him on the social media app. The representative discussed his artistic influences.
“Interestingly, DeBoer was a studio manager for Jonas Wood, who was a great artist in the contemporary space,” the representative said. At first, Wood sculpted vases for his wife. Then, he created famous paintings, which spanned various genres. Soon after, Arakel asked how the gallery selects new artists.
Guy Hepner has an emerging artist program. The project prioritized younger and early-career artists. “All that comes down to what’s on Instagram,” said the representative. She added, “We are always on the search for new and upcoming talent.” Arakel pondered the gallery’s criteria for emerging artists.
The representative stressed the importance of unique styles and storylines. She needed an “overall structure and context around why you’re making what you’re making.” She said that collectors needed to find the work relevant.
“It’s about putting the dots together through that story and how someone could latch onto that,” the representative emphasized. She gave advice to artists who wanted representation as well.
The representative underscored the importance of networks. She advised artists to learn about the art world’s structure. She mentioned that creatives should find the ‘right’ galleries for their work. “Talk to people; introduce yourself to people. In the end, it’s such a fun business,” she explained. Arakel agreed with these sentiments.
She said, “Some artists might be a little apprehensive about speaking about their work. It’s easier said than done.” Then, the pair discussed three upcoming artists of note.
Through car windows, Gregory Thiekler took photographs of rain. He recaptured the ethereal scenes with oil paints and linen. The high-end pieces depict the storm’s different stages. “Gregory’s work is highly skilled. You need to look at an artist who has that technique and precision,” said the representative. Taher Jaoui worked in a different artistic genre.
His paintings involved abstract images. Often, he smeared oil paints onto canvases. His works incorporated many shapes and patterns. He received inspiration from Andy Warhol and Keith Herring. The representative mentioned Jaoui’s novelty in the art world.
The representative clarified, “We’ve had a lot of discussions over the past week about collectors.” She noted a recent trend in the industry as well.
She suggested that many collectors like large-scale abstract pieces. Certainly, Jaoui created similar items with depth and meaning. “He’s someone to keep an eye on,” exclaimed the representative. Japanese artist Yokoteen’s work had an overarching, simple story.
Over his whole career, he produced a kitschy, female cat character. His series, Friends in Paradise, depicted animals who surf in Hawaii. “We had three exhibitions with Yokoteen and they sell out every time,” said the representative. She encouraged artists with unique ideas.
She added, “There are markets out there for everything. Don’t be afraid to push what you’ve got and find out where that fits in.” Next, Arakel asked about good investments versus trends.
The representative said that no one can predict the market. She advised against trendy pieces. Instead, she discussed that collectors should buy what they love. Also, she mentioned how to assess a mid-career artist’s trajectory.
Collectors could accomplish this through statistical analysis. They could access the results of exhibitions and auctions. The representative reemphasized that patrons should buy what they love. At the reception, Lamalo served cocktails to attendees.
Girls Just Want To Have Fun contained vodka, cucumber, mint, aloe, and a slice of lime. All Night Long consisted of tequila, celery, and poblano. Time After Time included Grey Goose, elderflower, pear, honey, and a lemon slice. Hot Stuff featured patron silver, Aleppo pepper cordial, mango, and lime slices. Stairway to Heaven contained cynar, angel’s envy rye, white grape, orange, and basil leaves. Lamalo offered wine by the glass and bottle as well.
White wines included Massaya Sauvignon Blanc and Gerard Bertrand Chardonnay. Sparkling liquors incorporated Mionetto Prosecco, Veuve Cliquot Brute, and Hampton Water Rosė. Red wines encompassed Thalvin-Graillot Syrah and Jean-Claude Lapalu Gamay. Lamalo provided beers.
The bartenders gave out Estrella Galicia Lager, Hoboken Cityside IPA, Hoboken Day Beer Lager, Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner, and Hard Seltzer. They distributed snacks too.
Guacamole contained fresh avocado, cilantro, and tomato. Skordalia consisted of potatoes, almonds, chives, and garlic. Tahini incorporated za’atar, sesame, and olive oil. Labneh included housemade yogurt, Persian lime powder, and mint. Also, Lamalo gave out fresh pickles.
