My pleasure to join the Group Exhibition at Saphira & Ventura Gallery
Opening Reception: AUG 16, 6-9PM
On View: AUG 16-22, 2023
SAPHIRA & VENTURA GALLERY
4W 43rd St. #416, New York, NY 10036
Participated Artists:
Raul Proenza, Claudia Lüthi, Kayla Gaudet, Alice Vilhena, Artur Gelumbauskas, Yasemin Yilmaz, Shereen Badr, Rolllanes, Antonio Oliveira, Bari Bing, Steven Broadway, Monica Sarmiento-Archer, Maria T Ason, Samues Leung, Rebecca Stenn, Rene Nascimento
2023, Acrylic on canvas, 20”x24”
This oil painting depicts the first traffic light in New York City as its subject matter, capturing the busyness and rhythm of urban life. At the center of the composition is a bustling intersection, with the backdrop of towering skyscrapers against the sky. The red, yellow, and green lights of the traffic signals shine brilliantly. This traffic light symbolizes a significant milestone in the transportation history of New York City, being the world’s first traffic light with red, yellow, and green lights. Installed and activated on December 10, 1920, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street in New York City.
2023, Acrylic on canvas, 20”x24”
This painting divides into two parts: the upper part realistically depicts the streets of New York, with warm yellow tones that match the theme. It showcases the yellow taxis moving through New York City, reflecting the daily urban life where people strive to make money and enjoy their lives. The lower part features a reflection in the water, revealing another aspect of society, including the struggles of the homeless and the contradictions of the lower class. However, the social issue of wealth disparity is not the focus of this painting. It is a situation that remains unresolved in every city. Therefore, emotionally, what I hope to express is that regardless of wealth or poverty, the pursuit of dreams should be inherent to everyone living in this city.
Support Marginalized Communities”
2023, Acrylic on canvas, 20”x24”
Although marginalized communities require social resources and community support, resource allocation is always insufficient. For example, the treatment of homeless people in New York is a challenging problem to solve. However, every day I see these special school buses on the road taking care of disabled students. When they get off the bus and go home, each and every one of them is taken care of individually. They are assisted into the wheelchair-accessible bus, and the bus driver provides patient and professional service, making us feel the love of society.
The Timeless Aesthetics of New York School Buses”
2023, Acrylic on canvas, 20”x24”
Creating this artwork was a particularly enjoyable experience because the school buses in New York have a unique design style that reflects their rich history. These school buses, with their classic and old-school appearance, embody the early 20th-century design of American school transportation. The warm yellow color and distinctive shape of the school bus evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Despite the availability of newer car models, the majority of school buses in New York still maintain this elegant and timeless style. Their presence on the streets of New York adds an extra touch of charm to this bustling metropolis.