During the last week of July, the Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem shared their passion for dance with the public through a free series of 20-minute performances.
On July 25th, 2023, Gotham, New York City’s first legalized cannabis and cultural concept store, collaborated with Bright Moments Digital Art Gallery, hosting an interactive event of digital art and experiencing the culture celebrated at Gotham. Gotham is located in a prime trendy area of the city, right between Soho and the iconic St. Marys Street. Gotham has two floors; the bottom is its cannabis and retail area, and the top is where the art gallery resides. I had quite the experience, so I am excited to share my journey with you all.
When I first heard of digital art and NFTs, it left a big question mark in my head: What exactly is it? NFTs have been trending and created for the past year and have been thriving ever since. NFTs are an outlet where artists, based on the faith of probability based on an algorithm, that technology will create beautiful digital pieces, easily shared on your phone and through the digital atmosphere. Now you may ask, “How does that work? How can technology create art?” Well, you’re in for a treat, because I have the answers. The artist Jimena Buena Vida’s collection is particularly intriguing because of the digital platform media she uses to create these vibrant pieces of artwork. Jimena Buena Vida is a Latino abstract artist who merges from computer science with modern art. Vida’s goal is to push the limits of traditional art and add a twist. She uses technology to allow the NFT’s algorithm to randomly choose based on probability, to create its unique piece. Each piece of art that appears on the digital screen or is sent to your coin-based digital wallet isn’t the same. They are all one-of-a-kind unique pieces. Jimena Buena Vida calls this collection “Epiphanies”. Vida’s collection aims to celebrate the unknown; these creations unlock different dimensions of possibility, chance, and the aspect of existence. Vida’s inspiration for this occurred in the post-pandemic world. Everything that we once knew has changed. How we adapt to the constantly advancing technology is our choice. I think it’s beautiful and very interesting to test the limits of modern art and technology. It’s quite a controversial conversation and topic, but the more research and experience I have myself with, these open my eyes to a whole new world.
Below are some sample pieces of Jimena Buena Vida’s pieces, they can be found on the Bright Moments Art Gallery on their website bright moments.io for more information. As stated above, Bright Moments is a digital art gallery that started in California, in Venice Beach, and is now in NYC inside of Gotham NYC. Gotham NYC offers a wide variety of cannabis items, such as THC and CBD, gummies, pre-rolls, and more. Gotham also offers fashion and lifestyle brands and is a great space to chill out and interact with the staff and crew and leave feeling “high on life” and relaxed. They offer so many varieties of self-soothing substances with top quality and natural ingredients. I am looking forward to indulging myself. The staff was so friendly and offered me so many things to try. I’m looking forward to coming back.
I had the chance to create my own NFT piece of art through this technology Vida uses. It happened within a minute, a blink of my eye, and I have my own NFT digital art on my phone. It can be transferred and sold through cryptocurrency, or I can cherish it on my phone for special eyes to view. NFT and the Art world are still going to have a bunch of controversy of “what is it” “how does it work” and if it’s trying to replace “organic” art, but I believe it’s a more accessible and transformative type of artwork. It doesn’t take away “organic” artwork but offers a more instant and expansive creativity. Congratulations to Jimena Buena Vida and her amazing collections, I learned so much about both these brands and the NFT Art world.
For more information about Bright Moments, artists and to view Jimena’s expansive artwork:
Go to www.brightmovement.io for more.
An incredible night that paid perfect tribute to 50 fantastic years of hip-hop.
NEW YORK, NY – For its summer season finale, the American Ballet Theatre performed Romeo and Juliet (Kenneth MacMillan’s choreography and Sergei Prokofiev’s score).
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.
Monica Ahanonu recently partnered with Johnnie Walker to create a design that would be worn by the players during warm-ups at the match between Gotham FC and Angel City FC on July 2nd at Red Bull Arena.
Graffiti is acknowledged as a pillar of hip-hop by some. For others, it is the lifeblood of their existence. Marly McFly, a DMV-based muralist, artist, and owner of McFly Enterprise, is readying for his latest New York event with the Bronx Brewery and Bastard Burgers NYC this Friday.
“My work brings me to New York frequently, as many corporations I collaborate with have offices in Manhattan. I grew up in Newport News, Virginia, and wanted to experience New York outside its tourist areas. The Bronx is where hip-hop began, and I found myself encouraged by how big street art is throughout the borough,” he explained to The Knockturnal from his D.C. studio.
Drawing upon this inspiration, McFly’s new creation, Zook, came to life and can be seen branded with an aerosol can in hand throughout his birthplace: BX. “At my last TriBeCa exhibition, the kids went crazy over Zook and his gumball. I’m excited. I did not have a character I could relate to as a child,” McFly laughed. The Knockturnal connected with the artist on his latest brand activations, why representation is important, and learned how Jackie Robinson’s family supported his work. Check out our exclusive below.
The Knockturnal: You wear many hats as a contemporary artist. What are some of the things you create?
Marly McFly: Yes, I wear many hats, but they are each interconnected. I’m a visual storyteller. This year alone, my creations include but are not limited to paintings, murals, toys, animation, and apparel.
The Knockturnal: Who are some brands you have recently collaborated with?
Marly McFly: Many doors have opened for me. I have recently collaborated with brands and companies such as Nike, Nickelodeon, Hugo Boss, 2K — the video game publisher, also the NBA, MLB, NFL, and a few public figures.
The Knockturnal: What led you to become an artist?
Marly McFly: Art has always been something I was passionate about. I initially had people try to push me in a different direction. Sometimes people will attempt to project their fears onto you. I loved to draw, but as a child, I did not know all the possibilities or roads that could open up because of my notepad. So, gradually, I immersed myself in as many art mediums as possible.
Over time, one of the things I realized about being creative is people might try to simplify or get you to dumb down your vision. It was common for people to want me to assemble in a way they could understand. For example, I would say, “I like to draw,” and people have responded, “Oh, you want to be an architect?”
You can flat-out tell others who you are, but it does not mean they will truly see you. Perception can be limiting. Today that desire to not be boxed in evolved into one of the driving forces behind the creation of my character Zook.
The Knockturnal: Okay, you have a few activations en route. What can you tell us about your new character Zook?
Marly McFly: Zook is a mischievous street artist from the Bronx. He is a reflection of my inner child. I want kids to see him possess what is often perceived as irrational confidence. You will need that in life if you aspire toward anything unconventional.
My young character is limitless. Much like youths from the ‘hood, Zook understands the culture. He is a trendsetter and also a collector of cool. I intentionally made him small in stature because his personality is big enough. Have you ever met people like that [Laughs]?
He is a bite-sized hypebeast who loves trading cards, comic books, and sneakers. I typically draw him in outrageous situations because I want children to see that thinking outside the box and being yourself is okay. The general message is not to let people defer you from your dreams. Imagination is necessary. In Zook’s case, if you want to ride a dinosaur through NYC, go for it.
The Knockturnal: Representation is a recurring theme in your art. Why is that significant to you?
Marly McFly: Representation is important, but in a period where corporate buzzwords are abundant, I don’t think that should stop at someone’s racial identity. I try to convey that with my characters. I remember when I was growing up, most fictional Black characters had the same traits and interests on-screen and elsewhere.
Zook is half-Black and half-Puerto Rican. There are nuances to his lived experiences. I thought, “Just because we have the same skin color as past characters doesn’t mean we have the same story.” Beyond him, I like to display my characters doing a wide range of things. Children deserve to feel seen.
There are recurring messages about what Black and Brown kids are [interested in]. For context, every Black child from the city will not become an athlete. I can appreciate that certain images may encourage kids to remain active, but what else? I like to show Zook in all types of scenarios. Yes, he can be a basketball player, but he may also like to read, paint, drive a racecar, or aspire to become an astronaut. There is nothing he can’t do.
The Knockturnal: You are also in an array of galleries. What are some of the cities that you have shown your canvases in?
Marly McFly: I have been fortunate enough to show and sell my work in New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Paris, Tokyo, and Berlin, among other places.
The Knockturnal: Growing up, who were the artists that inspired you?
Marly McFly: My earliest inspiration growing up came from comic books. Before I developed technical skills or knew where art would lead me, I enjoyed reading comics. I began to collect them young.
I was always drawn to how artists could build worlds and tell stories or show emotion through their characters. For me, the biggest inspirations would be the Marvel greats Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and John Romita Sr.
The Knockturnal: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Marly McFly: In 10 years, I want Zook to be the next multi-media giant. There have been Black cartoon characters, but I would love to see one who is impactful globally. Think Mickey Mouse, Bart Simpson, or Hello Kitty. I want Zook to be aligned with those types of contemporary characters.
I am manifesting him everywhere. Zook is a child, but he is not solely relatable to children. He already has his community behind him. This month I have an activation with The Bronx Brewery, and we are collaborating with Bastard Burgers NYC.
Zook has his own drink called “Zooka Brew,” and his stacked burger includes a pink dressing and a gumball pinned atop it. You always see Zook blowing gum bubbles — I want that in cartoons, on t-shirts, backpacks, cereal, and more. His toys are beginning to sell.
The Knockturnal: You mentioned being a muralist. What is a project that got you excited?
Marly McFly: The project that excited me most was my new Jackie Robinson mural. I painted it for the MLB at the Jackie Robinson training facility. I have a great relationship with the MLB, but I was particularly proud to be a part of that work. To have it unveiled on Jackie Robinson Day and earn his family’s blessing is beyond anything I could have imagined.
The Knockturnal: Who is Marly McFly?
Marly McFly: I am a self-taught artist who has a vision for his life. I am limitless creatively.
I have always been very appreciative of the genre of horror that doesn’t settle for cheap scares and gore, but rather, fear of the unknown— mysterious masks and cults, strange figures and cities, and quiet gatherings that are right on the edge of plausibility.
A dancer, courtesy of Stevan Keane
This is what drew me to accepting an invitation for an event titled A Midsommar Night’s Dream: One Trip of a Party, at The McKittrick Hotel, home of Sleep No More. The look-book boasted images of individuals clad in white robes or floral embellishments, strange deer antlers or hellish bug masks, and even a rendition of the fungal zombies from The Last of Us. A strange party for stranger party-goers? I was in.
Every aspect of the hotel was completely converted into a magical forest, ancient ruin, or deep-city stomping ground.
The decor was fantastic
The first floor was redone to resemble a subterranean rock venue, with a live band and pole dancers adjacent to a well-stocked bar.
The first-floor live band
Attendees had come clad in the most unique outfits imaginable, with antlers and horns making a prominent appearance, large swaths of flowers and embroidery, and several people even adorning their heads with fake animal heads, like ravens and lions. I instantly got the feeling that I was peeking into an event that I did not belong to— some billionaire’s secret guilty pleasure, or a north-European pagan ritual. 
It felt like the crowd would suddenly begin conducting a human sacrifice, and if they did, I would only be half surprised (the half that still remembered that I had been invited to this event, like everyone else here).
The second floor was even more unique. The most prominent feature was a single porcelain bathtub, right in the center of the room. Attendees flocked for the photo opportunity, and I was surprised to see it was functional; a woman got soaked with water as she turned the faucet and a jet of water shot out.
In the bathtub
Otherwise, the floor was decorated with lines of dilapidated brick wall separating the rooms, making it look like I was in an old worn-down courtyard. There was a male dancer wearing a donkey mask shaking his hips on an elevated stage, and an area that allowed attendees to make their own floral wreaths and head covers. Another room had a single ominous baby carriage, illuminated by a deep orange light.
Me, with the baby carriage
Excited to see what the third floor had in store for me, I climbed the stairs.
The third floor was absolutely mental. I walked into a crowded rave, with dozens of people dancing erratically to deep thumping music and constant strobe lights. Even now, I can only recall faint glimpses of that room; simple snapshots only because I was unable to focus on any single thing there for longer than a breath. I slipped into a trance-like state, and I do not even remember how long I spent there. It could have been second, or it could have been an hour.
When I finally left the third floor, I stepped into the exclusive Oz’s Boudoir VIP bar. It overlooked a large club-type setting, with a mix of indie-EDM and classic rock-pop hits blaring over the speakers.
Center stage, courtesy of Stevan Keane
More storage decor…
At the bar, I ordered a fresh cranberry-pineapple vodka, and watched as several people jumped onto a full king-sized bed that was placed right besides the bar.
Oz’s bar, courtesy of Stevan Keane
It felt like something straight from a dream, and I really took a moment to appreciate the craft of those that had put together a place like this; they had gone into the mind and retrieved every small whim or fear that resided on the edge of an individual’s thoughts, and had materialized it.
These people lived regular lives, and worked at regular jobs, but on this night, they could let loose the psychedelic animal within and let it howl.
I greatly enjoyed my experience at The McKittrick, and am excited to see what Sleep No More hits us with next.
Celebrate the beauty in the practice of yoga, with the master herself. An enlightened soul, whose calm demeanor, sharp wit, and wise words, will open up your minds and hearts. We had the unique pleasure of speaking with the Yogmata one-on-one to learn more about her meditation workshops, her journey to finding enlightenment, and what keeps her motivated.
History reflects on the past, affects the present, and shapes the future. From a young age, we have all been told about monumental moments in history that have influenced our development as a society, and there’s no doubt that Washington, DC is an integral part of American history.