On September 13th, The Knockturnal had the pleasure of attending the highly anticipated opening night of Chris Skylark’s debut solo exhibition, “Swallow The Lake,” in New York City.
The exhibit showcased Skylark’s stunning large-scale black-and-white works, which explored the profound themes of life, death, and their deep connection to water. Inspired by his journey, “Swallow The Lake” acts as a powerful coming-of-age narrative, exploring the deep connection between water and human consciousness—an emotional journey into expressionism and the forces that define our experiences.
The gallery featured over twelve breathtaking pieces, capturing renowned figures like model Anok Yai and music phenom Playboi Carti. Skylark, a rising talent from Atlanta, has gained recognition for his collaborations with artists like Lil Yachty, Playboi Carti, and Metro Boomin, along with his consulting work for Grammy-winning musician Daniel Caesar.
This solo exhibition marks a pivotal moment in his career, shared with an intimate crowd of friends, family, and a lively guest list.
The evening was more than an art showcase; it was a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. Following the exhibition, guests enjoyed a dinner and cocktails courtesy of Tres Generaciones. As the tequila brand known for supporting creators and innovators, Tres Generaciones proudly backed Skylark’s debut. United by a shared commitment to authenticity, both Skylark and Tres Generaciones recognize the significance of honoring the milestones along life’s journey. Just as the three Dons who founded Tres Generaciones paved their path, Skylark is carving his blending of fine art, photography, and music while paying homage to Atlanta’s dynamic art scene and his evolution.
This wasn’t your typical sit-down dinner. Instead, the gathering allowed guests to relax, vibe, and embrace the communal spirit of art and culture. Classic hits played as the crowd gathered around the DJ, dancing and celebrating alongside Skylark. The energy was rich, with guests enjoying cocktails courtesy of Tres Generaciones, creating a festive atmosphere. The room buzzed with excitement as familiar faces like Evan Mock and Fran Lebowitz mingled, adding to the vibrant energy of the night.
Tres Generaciones Tequila
The Knockturnal had the opportunity to chat with Skylark, whose humble yet powerful presence left a lasting impact. His passion for his craft radiated throughout the room, turning the evening into a true cultural moment.
The Knockturnal: Could you talk to me a little bit about your journey and the inspiration behind your work?
Chris Skylark: “Man, my journey has been kind of long, but this new journey has been kind of short. I started off doing just creative stuff in college extracurricular stuff. I went to college when I was, like, 16, and, you know, you’ve got to have all those extra credits and stuff. But long story short, I met a couple of cool homies while I was in college, and they started blowing up musically. They allowed me to contribute to what they had going on, and through that, I grew my career and my contributions to music, art, fashion, and culture as a whole.
Through that, when you work with others on collaborative efforts, you grow your own hunger to create your own things and explore your creativity. This new journey is shorter because I’ve only recently unlocked that feeling. During COVID, we were all locked inside, and I thought, “I’ve got to do something.” I got bored, and that’s when I started wanting to create physical works. The internet is fleeting, always moving and growing. I wanted to create timeless, physical artwork that could live beyond me and the internet.
That’s how we got to where we are now. Obviously, I’m a fan of contemporary and fine art, and I’ve done my best to research and develop things I’m into and apply them to the work I want to create in the future. This show is just the beginning. It’s laying the foundation of what I want to do, who I want to be, and where I want to go. That’s why I chose this space it’s very barren, not like a white-space gallery. We’re literally building this from the ground up.
This is step one, and it’s sick to have you and all these people here. Honestly, I was content with just completing the work. I wasn’t expecting many people to show up. I just wanted to see something through for myself and say, “I did this.” This is my contribution to the world”
The Knockturnal: How are you feeling tonight?
Chris Skylark: “Honestly, coming into the show, I was exhausted, but seeing people smiling, celebrating, talking, and the community coming together—it gave me energy. Walking into the dinner, hearing the music, seeing the candles, the Tres setup, and the food—that was some of the most beautiful shit I’ve ever seen in my life. It almost brought tears to my eyes. I thought I cried them all out making this happen, but when I walked into this room, I swelled up again”
The Knockturnal: And it’s definitely going to hit you after it all sinks in. You saw your vision through—be proud of yourself and enjoy the night.
As the night came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with joy, artistic expression, and a deep sense of togetherness. Whether through engaging conversations, dancing to the music, or simply absorbing Skylark’s work, every guest felt a profound connection to his creative journey. The exhibition wasn’t just a display of art; it was a celebration of passion, community, commitment, and personal milestones that made the night truly unforgettable.