Yana Volf: Where Meticulous Precision and Patience Define Artistry
Yana Volf and her world of precision and patience
From Uzbekistan, she unveils mesmerizing optical illusions and precision in her charcoal portraits, capturing near-photographic perfection. Explore her meticulous compositions where patience meets artistic passion.
INTERVIEW WITH YANA VOLF
The anniversary group show at Les Couleurs Art Gallery was a celebration of Miami's vibrant artistic community, curated with meticulous care by gallery owner Aura Copeland and architect Robin Anezin. Located in the heart of Downtown Miami on East Flagler Street, the gallery has swiftly become a cultural focal point, nurturing emerging visual artists from diverse backgrounds over its inaugural year.
The evening was a testament to this cultural impact, drawing in 400 attendees eager to explore the works of 20 local artists whose creations adorned the gallery walls. Among them, the spotlight shone brightly on Yana Volf, an artist hailing from Uzbekistan, whose optical art geometric pieces captivated with their intricate designs that spoke of hours of meticulous craftsmanship and patience. Her charcoal drawings, equally compelling in their depth and detail, drew admiration and were swiftly acquired by Miami's renowned developer, Moishe Mana.
The event buzzed with energy as guests mingled, discussing the nuances of each piece and the broader themes of the exhibition. Prominent architect Kobi Karp added to the evening's prestige, engaging in conversations that bridged the worlds of art and architecture. Sparkling with conversation and punctuated by bursts of applause, the night encapsulated a year's worth of dedication and creativity, transforming Les Couleurs Art Gallery into a beacon of artistic expression in Miami's cultural landscape.
Artist YANA VOLF in her studio
from artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: What’s your background?
YANA VOLF: I was born in Uzbekistan, grew up in Turkey, and am now based in Miami.
LC: What’s your earliest memory of picking up a paintbrush?
YV: I’ve always loved drawing for as long as I can remember, but I picked up a paintbrush at the age of 10 when I began taking oil painting classes in Turkey.
LC: What themes do you pursue, what does your work aim to say?
YV: For the past three years, I have been very focused on my art. The first two years were concentrated on improving my skills, while the last year has seen me experimenting with new elements like incorporating colors and creating variety of shapes. Currently, I am really enjoying the harmonious and positive vibe my art exudes. It has also been very therapeutic for me. As of now, I don’t have a specific theme for my art; I am still exploring and on my journey to find my unique style.
Artist YANA VOLF in her studio
LC: If you could live with just one work of art, what would it be?
YV: If I could live with one work of art, it would be Van Gogh's 'Starry Night.' Its dynamic, dreamy essence is something I could explore and appreciate every day.
LC: What is your dream project?
YV: My dream project involves merging realism and optical art on large scale canvas or paper.
LC: Who are your biggest influences?
YV: My greatest influences include Chuck Close and Silvie Mehdal, along with Zaha Hadid, who is renowned for her fluid and futuristic architectural designs.
LC: Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
YV: In creating my artwork, I begin by conducting some research and combining several different images to form a unique composition. Once I have a clear concept, I sketch out the initial design. If I'm working with charcoal, I first fix the sketch to ensure it doesn't get lost during the drawing process. I then use three different charcoal pencils to begin shading the sketch. To achieve smooth transitions and soft textures, I use kitchen roller paper to smudge and blend the charcoal. For my optical art, I extensively use tape to achieve precise and perfect shapes, ensuring clean lines and accurate forms in the composition.
LC: Have you ever had a moment when you questioned your career entirely?
YV: Before settling on art as my career, I experimented with various jobs. These experiences confirmed my passion and commitment to art, leaving me with no doubt that it is the right path for me.
Alan Omsky, Yana Volf, Kobi Karp, Moishe Mana and Aura Copeland at Les Couleurs Art Gallery - Anniversary Show.
LC: If you could steal one painting, (from any gallery or museum) and you knew you would never be caught,- what would it be?
YV: If I could choose one painting to "steal," it would likely be one of Lionel Smit's works. He paints women's portraits using oils but employs a very unique style, layering colors thickly one atop the other to create a striking, textured effect.
LC: What role does the artist have in society?
YV: Artist plays a vital role in society by reflecting on cultural values, challenging norms, and inspiring creativity and emotional expression.
Tommaso Fattovich and his Abstract World
Fattovich’s skillful use of powerful brush strokes and bright colors beautifully exposes artist’s admiration for extreme juxtapositions. His creative energy and expressive abstractions are undoubtedly generated from within.
Fattovich’s skillful use of powerful brush strokes and bright colors beautifully exposes artist’s admiration for extreme juxtapositions. His creative energy and expressive abstractions are undoubtedly generated from within.
INTERVIEW WITH TOMMASO FATTOVICH
Artist TOMMASO FATTOVICH
from artist’s archives
Tommaso Fattovich describes his early life in Milan, Italy, as his first significant education in the fine arts. His family moved to the US when Fattovich was in his teens. He continues to draw inspiration from both places, as well as the deep contrasts between them. A self-taught painter, and a self-defined abstract punk, he has always valued self determinism above all else, and spends his studio time alienating himself from the pull of the outside world in order to create from the most authentic inner source. Fattovich’s powerful compositions, eloquent and raw in their palette and gesture, draw the viewer into sense the often overlooked, and at times overwhelming, energy all around them in the world. The vast art landscape created by a burgeoning Wynwood Art District in Miami became the backdrop to Fattovich’s first fine art exhibitions beginning in 2010. His work has since been included inexhibitions in Miami, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boca Raton, East Hampton,as well as his first solo show in New York at CJ One Gallery in 2021. The artist currently lives and works in Boca Raton, FL.
LES COULEURS: What is your dream project?
TOMMASO FATTOVICH: My dream project would be to organize a group show with my favorite living artists: Sebastian Helling, Taylor Anton White, Jorge Galindo, William Quigley, Angela China, Gregory Coates, Harif Guzman, Jenny Brosinski, Richie Culver, Marcus Antonius Jansen and Bel Fullana. Each one of these artists really brings out a unique perspective and energy which invite reflection and conversation.
Artwork by Tommaso Fattovich
From artist’s archives
LC: What’s your earliest memory of picking up a paintbrush?
TF: Coloring outside the lines – my earliest memory in elementary school when the art teacher specifically told us to color within the margins …what a rebel I was lol.
Artwork by Tommaso Fattovich
From artist’s archives
LC: What exhibitions are you working on or have you participated in?
TF: I’ve recently concluded my second solo show at the Bailey Contemporary Arts Center called “ABSTRACT PUNK”, in Pompano Beach, curated by wonderful Juliana Forero, Ph.D., founder of Nomad Art Projects – check out www.nomadartprojects.com for more exhibits. The vast art landscape created by a burgeoning Wynwood Art District in Miami became the backdrop to my first fine art exhibitions beginning in 2010. My work has since been included in exhibitions in Miami, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boca Raton, East Hampton, as well as my first solo show in New York at CJ One Gallery in 2021. I currently live and work in Boca Raton, FL.
Artwork by Tommaso Fattovich
from artist’s archives
LC: What’s your background?
TF: I was born in Milano, Italy - growing up in Europe was my first significant education in the fine arts. My family moved to the US when I was 15 years old. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication and a Master of Science in International Business from Florida Atlantic University.
LC: Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.
TF: I could only wish to be compared to the 3 greatest in my opinion: Cy Twombly, Julian Schnabel and Franz Kline.
LC: If you could work within a past art movement, which would it be?
TF: I would have loved to work as part of the French New Wave - a French art film movement that emerged in the late 1950’s. The movement was characterized by its rejection of traditional film-making conventions in favor of experimentation and a spirit of iconoclasm. Yes, this is in regard to film, which is still one of my passions. I think I apply the spirit of this movement to my approach with painting – as a self-taught painter, and a self-defined abstract punk, I’ve always valued self determinism above all else, and spend my studio time alienating myself from the pull of the outside world in order to create from the most authentic inner source.
LC: What role does the artist have in society?
TF: Communicating, sharing and building bridges.
LC: Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?
TF: I think it would have been a unique experience to meet Salvador Dalí and have a surreal talk about films and food.
LC: How would you define beauty in 140 characters or less?
Beauty is an evolving concept, mirroring the time we live in – to me, when I paint and create something ugly and can still find the comfort and beauty of it – that’s beauty.
LC: What art do you most identify with?
TF: Abstract or anything out of left field that makes me stop and think – I gravitate towards the absurd, the clever, the chaotic and the minimalist – yes, one extreme to the other lol.
What is your favorite art gallery in Miami and why? My favorite art gallery in Miami is Blink Group Gallery, owned and run by the amazing Elizabeth Reyes (www.blinkgroup.net). She has been a strong voice and leader in the art world especially the Miami scene. She provides collectors with stunning works from artists she selects with passion and intelligence.
LC: Which writer or poet do you return to the most?
TF: Edgar Allan Poe, Oscar Wilde and Friedrich Nietzsche.
LC: Was there a pivotal moment when you decided to follow your path as an artist?
TF: I remember a friend of mine showing me William Quigley’s artwork. It was eye opening – to this day he has been such a great inspiration and mentor. He has given me direction, advice on which materials to use while painting, how to properly market myself and has included me in the artist collective he runs with AB Gallery in East Hampton (www.abnygallery.com). I love how William unites people, artists and collectors and gets them excited about creativity and critical thinking – he’s an ocean of knowledge. I would like to be like that too one day. That’s what made me decide to follow the path as an artist.
LC: Professionally, what’s your goal?
TF: I think I am still learning and improving my skills – I feel like being an artist is a lifelong journey of discovery and experimentation. There really is no “finish line” in this field. Being an artist is about the final product – putting out quality timeless authentic works. I have built strong relationships with my galleries and collectors who are supporting me and inspiring me every day to keep moving forward while pushing the boundaries of what I can do next.
Ron Agam’s Relentless Attempt to Repair the Imperfect World
Artist is using an enlarged flower as a symbol of purity in hopes that its fragility and perfection will encourage us to treasure and care for our planet.
Artist is using an enlarged flower as a symbol of purity in hopes that its fragility and perfection will encourage us to treasure and care for our planet.
INTERVIEW WITH RON AGAM
Artist RON AGAM
from artist’s archives
Born in 1958, and raised between Paris and Rehovot, Israel, painter Ron Agam only took up the paintbrush later in life, following a long and successful career as a fine art photographer. Yet, the robustness and sheer prolificacy of his output since belies the charge that this newfound passion is anything but a calling. Since first embracing his new medium a few short years ago, Ron Agam’s creative energy has burst forth, embracing a dizzying array of techniques and a brilliant spectrum of forms, in an ever-expanding constellation of individual works. From lenticular, optical experiments to distilled, saturated color-fields, Ron Agam’s work has, canvas by canvas, explored the process of seeing, all the while keeping an eye on the prize of metaphysical meaning.
Artist Ron Agam with French Ambassador Philippe Etienne
From artist's archives
LC: What role does the artist have in the society?
RA: The role of a creative person is to open a window of imagination in others. It’s to take us away from the mundane, to introduce us to the world that’s limitless. Look at a newborn child, he sees before he can understand anything, the child is usually very driven to create. Artists are essential for every society and their duty is to open a new field of thought. Some of the greatest artists are the people that were able to keep their inner child alive.
LES COULEURS: What art do you mostly identify with yourself?
RON AGAM: I grew up in Paris, but my mother loved Italy, so we would go to Florence frequently. She would take us to Galleria degli Uffizi where I would look at the works of the Renaissance masters. There was one piece by Piero della Francesca that I fell in love with, it was the portrait of a young prince. I was so fascinated by its extraordinary expression and colors, that it made a long-lasting impact on me.
Artist Ron Agam in his studio
LC: What role did your dad play in your career as an artist?
RA: My father, Yaacov Agam is a great artist too, truly legendary. He is known for pioneering kinetic art, he is in almost every major museum in the world. Naturally, my environment influenced me a lot, I was really born at a right place and at a right time. As children, we were always drawing by our father’s side, he was very patient and was teaching us. All my life I was surrounded by art. My father’s studio used to belong to Paul Gauguin, there you could feel truly a special atmosphere. I experienced the happiest moments of my life while doing my work, it has always been my refuge.
RON AGAM
from artist’s archives
LC: When did you start painting?
RA: It was unthinkable, almost suicidal for me to start painting, and so I tried to break through. At the age of 52, I went on an adventure, and when I started it, I wasn’t even expecting to sell a single painting. Before that, I did everything you can think of: I owned an art gallery, I did photography, I was dealing art, I created all kinds of businesses.
Inspiration is something godly, it’s something that’s gifted. So all these challenges made my story very unique, that’s by itself something that history will have to judge. Just about a year after I started painting, I fell very sick. When I finally recovered, my doctor advised me to take it easy. Me, having this second chance in life, I wanted to maximize the opportunity, to fully take advantage of it. Today, I would like to use my story to inspire others, to never loose trust in yourself.
RON AGAM
from artist’s archives
LC: What doest your art aim to say?
RA: It should uplift the human spirit. I can show my artwork anywhere in the world and people from various walks of life will connect, it is universal kind of connection.
I like to contemplate the idea of disruption. Once, I portrayed the disruption in a perfect square, then later on, I created several works around this concept. Some works are about the movement, we activate change through a movement. Several Russian suprematists influenced me too, especially Malevich and El Lissitzky.
Before I became I painter, I photographed flowers for 2 years. I used to go to a flower shop and buy flowers. The urgent message of a climate change at a time really resonated with me. I think that flower is the most pure symbol of nature, it’s a godly perfection of geometry.
So I decided to enlarge it, to emphasize its fragility. Injustice is also something I think about a lot. I try to repair the world as much as I can, as I was myself victimized as a child and some antisemitic confrontations were especially hurtful.
Years ago, I did a big exhibition at one of the major galleries in Chelsea, during the 2008 financial crisis. It was beautiful to see that my flower images made even sad people smile. Exhibition was very successful and I was able to communicate my massage that’s at a core of our survival as a species, if we don’t take care of the planet we will soon disappear!
Before the first conference on climate change I gifted Former President of France, Sarkozy one of my flower artworks. It was a symbolic gift from me to him, because flower represents everything we try to preserve. The flower series was what psychologically prepared me for painting. The geometry of a flower is just so perfect. Our subconscious is very important, the two years of photographing flowers really influenced me.
Madonna bought few of my artworks, because she felt it had a connection to Kabbalah. My brother is immersed in Kabbalah, my dad is fascinated with it too.
About three years ago I participated in the show at the Jewish Museum in Amsterdam, which was organized around the idea of Kabbalah. Artworks of some other very prominent artists were exhibited there too: Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor, Anselm Kiefer, Barnett Newman to name a few. When I got to Amsterdam and saw my artwork placed in the very the center of the museum, it warmed my heart immensely, I knew something major is happening in my career.
RON AGAM
From artist’s archives
“I Like Working with Things that Bring Ugly Memories to the People”
Federico Uribe’s Animal Farm is made of X-Rays, surgical instruments, bullets and other painful memory inducing objects. The artist playfully transforms the painful into beautiful.
Federico Uribe’s Animal Farm is made of X-Rays, surgical instruments, bullets, and other painful memory-inducing objects. The artist playfully transforms the painful into beautiful.
INTERVIEW WITH FEDERICO URIBE
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: What role does the artist have in society?
FEDERICO URIBE: I assume that art is an intention that generates ideas, that suggests perspectives of reality, that changes the stereotypes and proposes alternatives. It is the use of human intellect with the intention of transmitting human emotion or rethinking an emotion.
LC: If you could work within the past movement, which would it be?
FU: I don't believe that movements really exist. I believe that art can come only from an individual. The idea that a group of people could think emotionally in the same direction doesn't sound possible to me.
LC: What does your work aim to say?
FU: I guess my work says that I am alive and well, that I see beauty and pain in the objects I use, that I am essentially a positive person in search of beauty and I find it everywhere.
Artist FEDERICO URIBE
From the artist’s archives
LC: What was your most exciting collaboration?
FU: I don't find collaborations exciting in any way. I love to work on and manufacture my own ideas.
LC: What are you working on right now?
FU: I am making a series of paintings made of X-Rays. For some strange reason, I am attracted to objects that relate to pain. I love using bullets, surgical instruments, and X-Rays. I find it challenging,- building beauty out of the objects that in everyone's mind are perceived as painful . . .
FEDERICO URIBE
From the artist’s archives
FEDERICO URIBE
From the artist’s archives
FEDERICO URIBE
From the artist’s archives
The Psychology of Art by Lina Condes
While the artist emerges herself in the creating of sculptures using her knowledge of anatomy, proportion and structure, she still considers her family to be the greatest work of art.
While the artist emerges herself in the creating of sculptures using her knowledge of anatomy, proportion and structure, she still considers her family to be the greatest work of art.
INTERVIEW WITH LINA CONDES
LINA CONDES
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: What is your dream project?
LINA CONDES: All of 2020 I was working on a new project called “Flow.” Thinking about our current reality of instant gratification and the everyday competitive grind. The project is about human psychological states, represented by figures in motion.
I studied sports in detail, to be able to accurately capture the essence and the dynamics of real figures in motion. My goal is to capture the essence of motion even though the figure is static. The shape of the body is determined by its skeleton as the main supporting structure. Knowledge of the relative sizes of the articulating bones and their proportions in relation to each other as well as the entire skeleton is essential, because without this information it's impossible to translate the figure to a 3D program and depict it logically and consistently.
This project is a 3D realization, adapted to the current context of a digital pandemic, a new reality where artist’s creative project is changed or undergoes a ‘temporary modification’ if you want, it is indeed an interesting study in the simulation of artworks. This is what brought us exactly to where we are now and the changes we are facing in the contemporary art world, called NFT ART.
LC: What exhibitions are you working on or have you participated in?
LINA CONDES: “Educate” exhibition at Christie’s, “Extraterrestrial Odyssey” for Venice Biennale, “Happy” at M17 Contemporary Art Center, “Dwellings of Eternity” at Crossing Art. At this moment, my sculpture “The Thinker” is at the Summer Exhibition at the San Diego Museum of Art.
LC: If you could work within a past art movement, which would it be?
LINA CONDES: If I could travel in a time machine and work within a past movement I would definitely choose to live between France and Italy and work with Rodin on modern sculptures!
LC: What art do you most identify with?
LINA CONDES: Sculpture.
LC: Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
LINA CONDES: The concept is the most important part of the process, the allegory behind the image. Then goes the visualization using the 3D programs, and then the rest of creative process in my studio!
LINA CONDES
From the artist’s archives
LC: What themes do you pursue?
LINA CONDES: Social and psychological themes.
LC: If you could live with just one work of art, what would it be?
LINA CONDES: My family as main work of art!
LC: What role does the artist have in society?
LINA CONDES: First of all, to help people view the world from a different or novel perspective, also to express emotions in a visible manner and to make social changes.
LC: Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?
LINA CONDES: Salvador Dali, Michelangelo, Rodin, Constantin Brâncuși
LC: What kind of music are you listening to currently?
LINA CONDES: For me, the best music is meditative with high vibrations. I really like the harp and organ. Among the favorites are: Hans Zimmer, Vangelis and André Rieu.
LINA CONDES
Monologue
LINA CONDES
From the artist’s archives
LINA CONDES
From the artist’s archives
LINA CONDES
From the artist’s archives
Kolodny’s Art Makes The Money Go Round
It took time to materialize his love for Miami and join its ever expanding art community. Artist Kolodny uses sculptural words as his medium to transmit his thoughts and share them with the world.
It took time to materialize his love for Miami and join its ever expanding art community. Artist Kolodny uses sculptural words as his medium to transmit his thoughts and share them with the world.
INTERVIEW WITH KOLODNY
KOLODNY
from artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: What’s your background? How did you end up in Miami?
KOLODNY: I am originally from New York, born and raised. I first ended up in Miami about 5 years ago. A friend of mine owned a commercial property in Wynwood and wanted to have an artist in one of the spaces. He gave me a large studio at the Wynwood Arcade. I used to commute to Miami weekly and that’s when I realized how much I loved Miami. Unfortunately it took me another 5 years to get back here full time. I moved here full time last July during COVID-19 lockdowns. There was no better place to be. I have never been happier.
LC: Why art?
KOLODNY: I always have had the need to create, and build. Sometimes that manifested itself in building businesses, but more recently in art. When I was a kid it was with blocks, now as an adult I get to use cooler tools and materials. I love creating objects that move people, and make them think.
LC: What is a typical day in your life?
KOLODNY: I start by waking up and making my bed (start the day with a small win). Followed by a couple cups of coffee, a large glass of water and a stretch. Then the hardest part,- I go to work out. It clears the head, and gets me ready for the day. After the workout, I go through emails, and usually try to deal with the business aspects of the practice, tech stuff, the annoying things I don't want to do. Then comes the lunch time. The afternoons are for creating. The series I am working on now is sculptural. I create words and phrases, made out of 3D sculptural letters. I usually have several pieces at different stages of production. I will start the day by getting the CNC machine running, then have some pieces ready to prime and sand. Then different pieces for assembly, and paint. Then fabrication and resin coating. What I end up doing is a touch random, for now as I figure out a more streamlined production process. Usually I finish around 8 or 9PM, have some dinner and the occasional social pursuit. A day in the life....
LC: What themes do you pursue?
KOLODNY: I have been using words as my medium, making sculptures out of words. I pick words and topics that I am ruminating about, sometimes interesting phrases or quotes. The series is still relatively new, so I am still in the experimental phase. Lots of cool stuff coming.
LC: What are you working on now? Exciting future projects?
KOLODNY: Right now this new series is taking up most of my time, although I am also working on an NFT series. I am starting to plan for Art Basel this year. I think it’s going to be amazing.
KOLODNY
from artist’s archives
LC: What do you dislike about the art world?
KOLODNY: Too many gatekeepers, but that is starting to change, as you can now reach your collectors directly through social chanels.
KOLODNY
from artist’s archives
LC: Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
KOLODNY: The work starts with a word or phrase, that I write by hand using a mop marker. I then clean up the image, and import it into my CNC software, where I set up the image and cutting parameters. I get the CNC machine loaded, then cut the words out. I take the words, prime them and sand them. Then I lay them out and mark them for assembly. The words then go to paint. If the work feels right, they get screwed together, if not,- back to paint. Once together, the final step is resin coating. You can check out my instagram to see the process.
LC: How would you define beauty in 140 characters or less?
KOLODNY: Authentic, aesthetic… senses, pleasure.
LC: If you could work within a past art movement, which would it be?
KOLODNY: I am a huge fan of pop art, my work still fits in that genre.
LC: Tell us about your NTF project?
KOLODNY: I am working on an NFT project based on my Fake Fulfillment series. It’s called Crypto Junkies. I explore the world’s addiction to cryptocurrencies. The series is a study of the top 1000 cryptocurrencies, Each NFT is an original 1 of 1. Crypto Junkies shows the breadth and the scale of the market as a whole, and society’s addiction to it. The series is designed to show its scale and the dominance of Bitcoin and Ethereum. The works will be priced in a totally new and unique format. Pricing will be based on the market cap of the coin at the time of the request, at the following exchange rate: .1 ETH for each billion dollars of a coins market cap.
So a coin with a $1 billion market cap will be .1 ETH. A coin with a $15 billion dollar market cap will be 1.5 ETH, etc. Marked to market. Each label has a variety of traits to discover, discuss and trade. Including but not limited to: Gif vs Jpeg / Color of serum / Number of bottles / Number of empty bottles / Creation dates / Coin amounts / Warnings / Color of a serial number / Color of the bar codes / Type of injection / Type of screen
Buyers will need an OpenSea account with an associated wallet. Requests for purchase can only be made on the CryptoJunkies.io
KOLODNY
from artist’s archives
TRAN$PARENT Money Games
TRAN$PARENT artist considers creativity to be the highest form of consciousness and is continuing his father’s legacy while transforming the meaning of money.
TRAN$PARENT artist considers creativity to be the highest form of consciousness and is continuing his father’s legacy while transforming the meaning of money.
INTERVIEW WITH TRAN$PARENT ARTIST
TRAN$PARENT artist
LES COULEURS: What exhibitions are you working on or have you participated in?
TRAN$PARENT: I have participated in the prestigious Philadelphia Fine Art Fair, Palm Beach Art and Design Show, multiple private events and solo shows during Miami’s Art Basel, - Faena Hotel, SLS, Versace Mansion, The National Hotel and David Rosen's Gallery in Miami's Design District. I also participated in multiple crypto pop ups and shows in Aspen Gallery on Las Olas. My artworks were featured at private and public events on Worth avenue in Palm Beach at Provident Fine Art and the Palm Beach Design Showroom, the DCOTA building with Giovanni Rossi and the Reenvision Gallery with Vic Laguna. I was also a featured artist at Tiger 21 events in the $31M penthouse at the Porsche Design Tower. I did lots of pop ups and solo shows at the Crypto Castle Coachella, CA. Exhibited at Snapshot at the White Room Gallery in Bridge Hampton and Contra Gallery and Gallery 23 in Manhattan. I was a featured artist for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s charity gala at the Arnold Classic.
More recently I participated in the innovative show "NFT BAZL" at the Temple House in Miami and of course,- in Art Bound Miami's special private events, Fisher Island's Rendezvous, The Hearts and Stars Gala and soon to be featured at Richard Petty's Museum and in Las Vegas at several high-end hotels and casinos with some big name celebrities.
TRAN$PARENT artist
from artist’s archives
LC: What’s your background?
TRAN$PARENT: I have been painting and drawing since about the age of two or three, primarily on my parents walls, like most kids, but I have never stopped. After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington in 2004, it took me several more years to bring my TRAN$PARENT currency art idea to the masses, however I never stopped drawing, doodling, painting, playing, etc. All self taught.
LC: Why money?
TRAN$PARENT: Three main reasons: my father has an insane currency collection, something like 7.000 notes from around the world from different time periods. He would share them with me and I would always look at the bills and say: "this artwork is beautiful, but the bill is so bland," so I wanted to make money as vibrant and beautiful as the people that use it. Secondly, I wanted to create something that no one before me had ever done, and that is depicting a true single image TRAN$PARENT currency art showcasing the front of the bill, the back of the bill and all the hidden security features hidden in the middle of the bill on one solid image. I wanted to do a sort of an X-ray of the bill and use it as a metaphor for truth and transparency especially with one's own self. And lastly, I had an opportunity to meet and briefly work with the notorious Chicago Mob counterfeiter turned artist,- Arthur J. Williams Jr. and learn from him and get inspired to do my own form of currency art. It was a real blessing to learn from someone as wise and as powerful as him. He's the real deal!
LC: Do you interact with the digital world/technology in your work?
TRAN$PARENT: Only when I use professional cameras, scanners, X-ray technology, Photoshop or other programs to create designs for pieces or renderings for custom commissions. I also use some animation programs to create digital NFT’s, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) scenarios.
TRAN$PARENT artist
from artist’s archives
LC: Professionally, what’s your goal?
TRAN$PARENT: My goal is to spread consciousness, creativity, confidence and truth through my art to every single soul on the planet. We live in a day and age where people love themselves more than others, yet are so bogged down by the opinions and images of others around them. I want to inspire healing and growth through creative consciousness and true confidence where you know you can take on the world and anything in it, without fear of rejection or disappointment. The world needs more go getters nowadays. I also want my works to be in MOMA, Smithsonian and Tate one day and God willing one day at the Louvre and digital NFT museums showing how an artist like me can capture a brief moment in history through physical and digital artwork of extreme quality and scale.
LC: Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.
TRAN$PARENT: Andy Warhol for the pop flare, Dali for the aesthetic eye and creativity, and Picasso for his innovative ideas. One of the most beautiful things that anyone has ever said to me was when famous art broker, Mary Ann Cohen, owner of MAC Fine Art, told me that she compared my single image TRAN$PARENT currency art to that of the innovative power of Picasso's Cubism. I was beyond humbled!
TRAN$PARENT artist
from artist’s archives
LC: Do you have a favorite photograph or painting, which inspires you?
TRAN$PARENT: The Declaration of Independence is my favorite piece of art. Basically, a bunch of rebels, with the average median age of only 26, got together to write a beautiful breakup letter to the most corrupt and powerful man in the world at the time. All for the opportunity to give everyone a better shot at owning property, worshipping who they wanted to and not getting taxed and persecuted to death. That's courage! The Founding Fathers weren't perfect, and I will be the first one to call them out on the aspects that I disagree with, but England was a true tyranny that we needed to free ourselves from.
LC: If you could work within a past art movement, which would it be?
TRAN$PARENT: Alongside Picasso's Anti-Nazi /Pro-Peace Movement! I always admired him for that!
from artist’s archives
LC: What role does the artist have in society?
TRAN$PARENT: To educate and inspire the masses, to show the world their creativity and talents. I believe creating is the highest form on consciousness. Also, to question the common narrative and invoke free thought among the creatures of this world. Ask yourself, - could this be better? Can we make this a better place for all of us to live? The answer is yes. Whatever you tell yourself in your mind, you can achieve in the real world. If you believe and want it bad enough. Anything, and I mean anything is possible!
LC: Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?
TRAN$PARENT: I have been inspired by so many great artists and ancient masters. I used to live in Europe and have visited almost every major museum in the world in over 50 countries in my travels. I have seen originals of all the Italian Renaissance Masters, the Dutch Masters as well as Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso. Including best living oil portrait painter in the world,- Rogerio Peixoto and pop artist Kyle Schindler. They all inspire me, but if I were only able to meet one it would be Salvador Dali, simply because he didn't take drugs, he was drugs and so am I.
TRAN$PARENT artist
from artist’s archives
LC: What is your greatest indulgence in life?
TRAN$PARENT: Can I mention it here? I'm a healthy, young, strong passionate Scorpio with a gorgeous, sweet and seductive girlfriend. Let's leave it at that. I also really enjoy great food, traveling and looking at a cool piece or someone's career come to full fruition.
LC: How would you define beauty in 140 characters or less?
TRAN$PARENT: Beauty is what the soul tells our eyes, brains and hearts what is real and identifiable!
LC: What art do you most identify with?
TRAN$PARENT: Anything that stimulates the mind, either through evoking thought or viewing stunning, jaw dropping, immeasurable, aesthetically creative beauty.
LC: What is your favorite art gallery in Miami and why?
TRAN$PARENT: David Rosen's Gallery. It’s so fresh and has so many talented and creative artists. It's truly a sight to see.
The Quintessential Miami Artist, Utterly Everywhere
Growing up in the emerging Miami graffiti scene of the ’80s, Atomik witnessed at a young age what would later become his passion and profession.
Growing up in the emerging Miami graffiti scene of the ’80s, Atomik witnessed at a young age what would later become his passion and profession.
INTERVIEW WITH ATOMIK
Artist ATOMIK
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: When did you start doing art and how did your passion for street art come about?
ATOMIK: I've been making art for as long as I can remember, when I started elementary school art was always interesting and fun to me. My passion for street art came about by doing graffiti for many years.
LC: What is your dream project?
A: My dream project is to paint a 10 story building and to collaborate with Nike on a pair of Cortez's.
LC: Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.
A: 2pac. Notorious B.I.G. Big Punisher.
LC: What art do you most identify with?
A: Spray can art.
LC: Who are your biggest influences? Have you ever had a moment when you questioned your career entirely?
A: My biggest influences are my family and friends. I have never doubted my career.
From the artist’s archives
From the artist’s archives
LC: Why do you love what you do?
A: I love making art because it is fun and challenging.
LC: How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
A: My work doesn't comment on current social or political issues, I like to paint my name and character,- bottom line!
LC: What are you working on now? Exciting future projects?
A: I turn 40 this month and will be traveling to Hawaii with my family. I'm looking forward to having some downtime from my normal day to day life.
LC: Tell us about your TOY? Where and when it can be purchased?
A: UVD Toys are awesome. They did a great job creating a vinyl toy out of my chatacter. Big ups to Travis and the whole team over there. The next drop will be this summer on www.uvdtoys.com
ATOMIK
From the artist’s archives
The Colorful World of Jordan Betten
“I work on paintings, sculptures, and collages simultaneously. I like to have multiple projects around me. I create every day and live in my studio. My work and life are one.” - Jordan Betten
“I work on paintings, sculptures, and collages simultaneously. I like to have multiple projects around me. I create every day and live in my studio. My work and life are one.” - Jordan Betten
INTERVIEW WITH JORDAN BETTEN
Artist JORDAN BETTEN
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: What's your earliest memory of picking up a paintbrush?
JORDAN BETTEN: I grew up drawing and painting. From a young age, I remember painting horses and superheroes at the kitchen table.
LC: Before you moved to Miami, what were you doing in New York?
JB: I lived in New York City for twenty years doing my custom leather brand Lost Art. (lostart.com). Lost Art is an art and design brand creating clothing and accessories with leather, snakeskin, and other natural materials. Every piece is entirely handmade. We dressed many rock stars and celebrities, Lenny Kravitz is my biggest collector.
LC: What artist from the past would you like to meet?
JB: The American Indian cave painters.
LC: Can you tell us about the process of making your work.
JB: I call my style Deconstructed Realism, I like to paint figures and forms but in an abstract way. The figures add a soul to the paintings that are felt even if they are not recognizable. I paint fast and free. I often use both my right and my left hand to paint and draw, as they create different lines and marks. Most of my time is waiting for the layers of paint to dry.
Artist JORDAN BETTEN
From the artist’s archives
LC: What themes do you pursue?
JB: I like the themes of the Wild and Rebel living, the American Indian culture, Hell’s Angels, the free spirit of Rasta and the Old Soul.
LC: What are you working on now?
JB: I work on paintings, sculptures, and collages simultaneously. I like to have multiple projects around me. I create every day and live in my studio. My work and life are one.
LC: What role does the artist have in society?
JB: To provide the material that makes society special. We add the color, the light, and the spirit. Art makes us think and feel.
Artist JORDAN BETTEN
From the artist’s archives
Artist JORDAN BETTEN
From the artist’s archives
Super Buddha Blessing Miami State of Art
Venezuelan artist, raised in China is taking Miami art scene by storm.
Venezuelan artist, raised in China is taking Miami’s art scene by storm.
INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST SUPER BUDDHA
Artist SUPER BUDDHA
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: When did you first start doing art and what inspired you?
SUPER BUDDHA: I started painting when I was about 7 years old, my great-grandma was one of the first people to ever teach me how to mix colors. Honestly, there wasn’t anything in particular that inspired me, I just always felt the need to paint.
LC: Tell us how the transition from Venezuela to China and now Miami impacted you as an artist?
SP: My dad was a pilot, so growing up we traveled a lot due to his work. It was in China where I really began studying art. I witnessed the clash of cultures (artistically speaking). It’s where everyone has to have a strong voice and aims to express their own unique creative vision.
LC: How was "Super Buddha " born?
SP: Super Buddha was born one day while sketching in my living room, I was just doodling.
LC: What do you think about the art scene in Miami?
SP: There’s a great market for it. Anybody who is anybody eventually touches down in Miami at some point.
LC: What are you currently working on?
SP: I am working on finalizing some pieces for Pope Francis’s Charity (Scholas/Painting Bridges), some commissions, closings of a few contracts for The Miami Art Basel, as well as some solo shows I’m doing this year.
LC: What would be your advice to the little artists enrolled in Les Couleurs Charity's CREATE program in Haiti and Mexico?
SP: I think it’s great! Life’s about energy so do good and good will come right back to you.
SUPER BUDDHA
From the artist’s archives
SUPER BUDDHA
Asia Buddha Bill
36 X 72 in
SUPER BUDDHA
Buddha’s Emotions Round
Round cut on metal, resined
48 in diameter
SUPER BUDDHA
I’m Blue!
Mixed media on canvas
78 X 48 X 2 in
SUPER BUDDHA
Mixed Emotions
Mixed media on canvas
60 X 60 X 2 in
A New Perspective on Color, from Finance to Arts
A fascinating story of Brazilian artist Carlos Cesar Alves, who despite being color blind and a lifelong career in finance, 15 years ago took a leap of faith and decided to become an artist almost overnight. Today, 150 worldwide exhibitions later he says he cannot imagine doing anything else in his life.
A fascinating story of a color-blind Brazilian artist Carlos Cesar Alves who despite his disadvantage and extensive career in finance, 15 years ago decided to take a leap of faith and become an artist. Today, 150 worldwide exhibitions later he says he cannot imagine doing anything else in his life.
INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST CARLOS CESAR ALVES
Artist CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives
LES COULEURS: At Les Couleurs, we believe in the transformative power of art. How did it all start for you with your background in finance, what made you switch careers?
CARLOS CESAR ALVES: The transformative power of art is definitely what made me change my career. I worked for Citibank in Fort Lauderdale for 8 years as an Assistant Vice President for Operations and Technology when I started painting in 2006. Everything happened in such an unexpected way that sometimes I don’t believe it myself. I bought a condo in 2005 and while remodeling it I decided to go with a friend to the design district to buy some artwork for my new home. The problem was that the artwork I liked I could not afford, so I told my friend that I was going to paint it myself. He started laughing and told me “Are you crazy? You have never painted before, besides you cannot see any color, how are you going to paint?”
There is nothing that bothers me more than when someone says that I cannot do something and honestly my friend's comment pissed me off and my initial reaction was, I will show him that I can do it. I bought six canvases to work on and once finished I hung the artwork in my house. It was a huge challenge for me, and I have to admit that not seeing colors and deciding to paint is something that not everybody would perceive as a good idea, but I was determined to do it and I did it.
While creating the artworks I felt like the happiest person in the world. It was a strange feeling that I never felt before.
After a couple of months of living in my new house, I hosted a housewarming party to show my friends my new place. A friend brought another friend who had an art gallery in the Design District in Miami at the time. He started looking at the paintings and asked who the artist was. I started laughing because I never thought someone would think that was a professional artwork. I told him that I was not an artist but that I did it myself and that I have never painted before which he did not believe. He told me right there and then: “You should be proud of your work because you are a great artist.” To make a long story short, he invited me to show the six pieces in a group exhibition that he was going to have in his art gallery in about 2 months. I thought he was joking, but he wasn’t and I accepted. We sold the six pieces on the opening night of my first exhibition and since then I have participated at around 150 exhibitions, did art residence in Italy, earned a certification as a Resin Master, opened my art studio, and some other things.
As I mentioned before I started painting in 2006, but continued painting and working at the bank for 2 more years and in 2008, during the real state crises, the bank offered a package for AVP’s and VP’s to leave the corporation and I decided to take the package, leave the bank to become a full-time artist. That was not an easy decision since my entire life I worked in the corporate world in the U.S. for Citibank as well as in Brazil as a Financial Director for GM.
Art not only has transformed my life and made me change careers but also changed me as a person, it made me surpass many challenges and insecurities, made me see the world in a very very different way. For the first time in my life, I am doing something that fulfills me completely. I feel extremely happy that I decided to switch careers and I don’t regret my decision.
CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives
LC: Interesting fact,- you are color blind but your artworks are so colorful. How do you select, feel the colors?
CCA: Yes, I have a condition called Monochromacy (achromatopsia) which makes me see only in black and white and shades of grey. That did not make my life easy when I was a child. I could not understand what people were saying when they were talking about that profuse red, yellow, blue, etc., for me, it was all the same. I could clearly notice though that one color was different from the other because each color vibrates in a different way, emanates different energy. We found out that I had this condition when I was around 13 years old. I was born in a very small town in the countryside of São Paulo, 55 years ago. At that time the place I was born did not have a hospital or an eye doctor. It was only after being diagnosed at age 13 that my mother and I started to develop methods to help me deal with that condition because before that I was lost and could not understand many things. We had to find a way for me to coordinate my clothing, find out a way to figure out when I could cross the street, make sure that the light was green, and other things like that. With time things started to become much easier and I did not have to think much about it, everything became natural in some way.
When I started painting, initially I used to label all the bottles. If I decide to mix colors I had to take notes of the painting brand, type, color, code, and obviously the quantity I used from each color because if I had to get to that color again it would be impossible for me. It took me a while until I decided that I should not give that much importance to doing everything the way that people normally would call “ perfect”. I realized that there is no right or wrong and that this concept somehow was holding me down. I forgot the labeling part and started following my instincts. Nowadays I have created a correlation between every color I use related to my “Grey Wheel “. I link one color to one grey tone which is the way I see it. if the colors do not flow well from one tone to another I don’t use it, if I feel that this color goes well with the other, then I use it together. My artwork is extremely colorful and somehow strong colors are easy for me to differentiate.
In the end, I think that this condition is not a deficiency but instead, it is a gift. I don’t feel any fear of making any mistakes because I am painting with my heart and my soul. I rely on my senses and feel that if it’s pleasing to my eyes, it might please the eyes of others as well. I have received numerous compliments about my color combinations, so I am assuming that my method is working.
CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives
LC: Tell us about the artwork you created for us at Les Couleurs - we find it mesmerizing!
CCA: When I heard what you guys do at Les Couleurs I decided to create an artwork and donate it to the charity. The founder of the charity, Aura Copeland was at my art studio and during our conversation, she mentioned that the Les Couleurs logo was created with different colors so I created the artwork using the same colors as in the logo. I created a mixed-media geometric piece where I used colored tape and epoxy resin. I had to call my sister to come to my art studio and pick up the tapes with the exact colors of the Les Couleurs logo for me since I cannot see the colors and obviously in this case I wanted to make sure I get it right.
That’s something that happens constantly and it is a fun process because, for example when I have to create a commission piece for a client and they want artwork with specific colors, I ask them to come to my art studio, and I get them involved in the process because together we select the paintings with the specific tones that they like and after that, I create the artwork.
I am a self-taught artist and everything that I create is unique, so my agreement with my clients is that I allow them to select the colors they want on the piece and which technique or style they like best (geometric, abstract, watercolor, mixed-media, and so on) and based on that I create the artwork for them and only show them when it’s ready. So far I had not had one client that did not like what I created for them.
The artwork I created for Les Couleurs was easy because I created an artwork that was an explosion of colors and I just had to express what this beautiful organization does: harmony, dedication, structure, precision, and a lot of LOVE, which I believe I was able to achieve. I am very happy that you guys liked it!!
As a way to Thank God for allowing me to paint and make a living with this profession without seeing any color, I always donate 10% or more of what I sell to the charity and I would like to THANK YOU guys at Les Couleurs for allowing me to help with this small contribution. I want this amazing organization to continue its mission and keep helping kids in need through art. Thank You!
Artwork Carlos Cesar Alves created for Les Couleurs Charity
LC: Our mission at Les Couleurs is to inspire, educate, and empower disadvantaged children through arts education. What advice would you give (very) young art students?
CCA: That's a difficult question, but if I advise them something it would be: open your heart and don’t be afraid. Let your emotions come out (good or bad), put that down on the paper or canvas, and don’t be afraid to make a mistake because there are no mistakes when you are painting. The best artwork will be the one you did from your heart!
Don’t be afraid to be judged. If you can do that I can guarantee that you will feel happy like never before and I am sure that you will have created amazing pieces of art. Art can and will transform your life. Trust me!! It did it for me! And always, always be humble and listen to other people around you, and don’t be ashamed to ask. And the most important thing ever: Always believe in yourself!
LC: Tell us what appeals to you most in the current Miami art scene?
CCA: What I like the most in the Miami art scene is this constant transformation. You see new artists with amazing talent in Miami. The city allows that to happen and gives artists this possibility.
Another interesting thing is the expansion of the art scene in Miami. New art districts have been developed in Miami, like Little River, Coral Gables, etc. and the great thing is that this continues expanding to Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach.
Another interesting thing is the opportunity for artists to create specific projects. There are so many new buildings being built in Miami, and that opens new opportunities to so many artists.
LC: What are you working on now, what inspires you nowadays?
CCA: I am working on a new series of geometric pieces that I hope to finish for the Miami Art Basel in December. I am also working on a series of works on paper inspired by my childhood, which I am very excited about. I grew up in a very small town in the countryside of Brazil and the folklore there was very rich, so I decided to create this series based on songs that we used to learn in school. At that time everything was completely different, we did not have computers, video games, TV, and all the technology that we have nowadays. It is sort of a tribute to the past.
I always get inspired by things that I see on my daily basis, experiences, memories. Every little thing I see I register in my mind and I use it in my artwork.
CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives
CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives
CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives
CARLOS CESAR ALVES
From the artist’s archives