American Cultural Treasure Urban Bush Women Nonprofit Dance Company Celebrates its 40th Anniversary with National Multi-City Touring Performances, February through April 2024, plus Community Engagement Workshops

Multi-city performances explore issues of equity, justice, and identity with iconic works by UBW founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and mesmerizing new pieces by artistic directors Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis.

(New York, New York) – As part of its multifaceted 40th Anniversary celebration and 2024 season launch, the award-winning Urban Bush Women (UBW), a Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble, presents the Legacy + Lineage + Liberation tour. Held across multiple cities, these performances will explore issues of equity, justice, and identity with iconic works by UBW founder Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and new pieces by artistic directors Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis.

Celebrating the power of Black Women+, UBW kicks off its 2024 season during Black History Month with Legacy + Lineage + Liberation, an anthology of performances that will tour seven cities from February through April 2024, including Boone, NC; Purchase, NY; Buffalo, NY; Tucson, AZ; Fort Collins, CO; Denver, CO; and Los Angeles, CA.The tour includes workshops from the organization’s signature community engagement program, BOLD (Builders, Organizers, and Leaders through Dance). Its activities are influenced by UBW’s other signature programs, including the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), and Choreographic Center Initiative Producing Program (CCI 2.0) intensive training. UBW's anniversary celebration is made possible through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and several anonymous supporters. 

Zollar states, “UBW’s work and vision have been born from the practices, learnings, and wisdom of the work in the studio and community. It is exciting to see a new generation of leadership take this legacy work and fashion a compelling vision unique to their work and generation. Keep on keeping on...and to another generation and another generation and another generation.”

Judson states, “After having performed with UBW for many years, f, I am honored to accept my new role as Artistic Director and build on four decades of groundbreaking work. We are powerfully here. Looking to the next forty years, Urban Bush Women’s approach to producing immersive art-making and experiential community practices looks to collaboration across the intersection of art, fashion, and new media to continue the paradigm shifts in a world that craves collective transformation and social change.” 

Diarra Speis states, “Celebrating UBW’s forty years and having recently accepted my new role as Artistic Director at a Black woman-led organization is a testament to the dedication and determination of those in circle with Urban Bush Women. Dating back to the 80s and 90s, our ensemble has been the barrier conduit in the sharing of legacy, culture, and futuring. We’ve held history and education through storytelling and the celebration of the many people that have been a part of UBW. That rich soil is an interconnection of performers, people, and artists who are aligned with the values.” 

Legacy + Lineage + Liberation features an excerpt of Haint Blu, a dramatic new work by Judson and Speis, and three iconic pieces by Zollar: 

• ✦ Give Your Hands to Struggle lyrically honors leaders of the Civil Rights era. 
• ✦ Women’s Resistance fuses power and grace in a call to collective action.
• ✦ I Don’t Know but I Been Told...if You Keep on Dancin’ You Never Grow Old is an energetic mash-up of dance forms from Black neighborhoods.
• ✦ Haint Blu: Episode 1 - Listenin’ and Dreamin’: Do You Hear Me Now? is an ensemble dance-theater work, steeped in memory and magic, that uses performance as a source of healing. 

Incorporating UBW’s unique blend of musicality and movement, the program features live accompaniment by percussionist Lucianna Padmore and guitarist/singer Grace Galu Kalambay.

UBW 40TH ANNIVERSARY: LEGACY + LINEAGE + LIBERATION 

TOUR DATES, & LOCATIONS:

Off the concert stage, UBW continues its mission to affect the overall ecology of the arts by promoting artistic legacies, projecting the voices of the under-heard and people of color, bringing attention to and addressing issues of equity in the dance field and throughout the United States, and providing platforms for experimental art makers.

ADDITIONAL TOUR ACTIVITY DATES:

Urban Bush Women 40th Anniversary leadership funding provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Additional funding is provided by the Howard Gilman Foundation.

MAJOR FUNDING FOR URBAN BUSH WOMEN IS PROVIDED BY:

Anonymous; Acton Family Giving; Bloomberg Philanthropies; David Rockefeller Fund; Doris Duke Foundation; Ford Foundation; Howard Gilman Foundation; The Institute of Museum and Library Services; International Association of Blacks in Dance; Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Mellon Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts (NEA); National Performance Network (NPN) Creation & Development Fund; New England Foundation for the Arts' National Dance Project; The New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowship Program; New York State Council on the Arts; New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; The Shubert Foundation; Solidaire Black Liberation Pooled Fund; William Talbott Hillman Foundation; Barnard College Center for

Research on Women, Barnard College Office of Community Engagement & Inclusion; The O'Donnell-Green Music and Dance Foundation; The Harkness Foundation for Dance

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UBW’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY 

In celebrating its 40th Anniversary, UBW continues to use dance as both the message and the medium to rally audiences through choreography, community, and collaboration. Join us at events through 2025.

For more information, please visit www.urbanbushwomen.org/engagements. To coordinate interviews, contact Kahshanna Evans, pr [at] kissinglions [dot] com. For additional press materials, including bios, b-roll, and photos, contact Makeda Smith, UBW Marketing Manager (718) 398-4537 or [email protected].

All programming is subject to change.

ABOUT URBAN BUSH WOMEN

URBAN BUSH WOMEN is a groundbreaking Black women-led theatrical dance company and social activism ensemble. Founded in 1984 by visionary choreographer Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, UBW is an engine and amplifier for the stories of Black Women+. Now directed by artistic leaders Chanon Judson and Mame Diarra Speis, UBW combines radical performance, deep engagement, and ancestral knowledge from the African diaspora into a force that is urgent, forward-looking, and essential. UBW has defied expectations for 40 years. The very bodies of its founding members – Black women of various shapes and sizes – changed the landscape of who could be seen on stage as a dancer. The work placed the concerns of such women center stage. UBW embraces radical storytelling to activate social change. Whether creating genre-defying work for the stage, guiding the development of Black Women+ choreographers and producers, organizing for justice through artmaking, UBW is an innovator, operating at the vanguard.

UBW’s core creative output is powered by arts and activism. The UBW Company creates, performs, and tours dance; the Summer Leadership Institute and the Choreographic Center Initiative provide essential training and mentorship to dancers and adjacent culture makers; and the BOLD workshops provide Builders, Organizers, and Leaders-through-Dance with skills for self-inquiry and movement. The creator of more than 40 pioneering works, UBW has appeared on major stages across the nation and around the world. In 2010, the U.S. State Department selected UBW as one of only three dance companies to launch its cultural exchange program. In 2021, UBW was hailed by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott as one of the Teams Empowering Voices the World Needs to Hear, and by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures. UBW is proud to serve a great mix of audiences, especially underserved Black communities, whose presence enriches the art form, the field, and the culture.

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Nettles Artists Collective vence o prêmio Brazilian International Press Award com o espetáculo Apple of My Eye.

NEW YORK - 12 de abril de 2016 - O elenco da companhia Nettles Artists Collective (NAC) e a escritora e atriz Tathi Piancastelli recebem prêmio do Brazilian International Press 2016, pela realização da peça teatral Apple of My Eye (AOME), também conhecida como Menina dos Meus Olhos. O anúncio da premiação do coletivo foi seguido por manifestações de apoio em sua página oficial, no Facebook.

Apple of My Eye é um espetáculo multimídia de teatro físico, produzido por Nettles Artists Collective e escrito por Piancastelli, artista brasileira com síndrome de Down. Piancastelli interpreta a protagonista Bella, uma jovem que, por meio de suas diferenças, transforma-se em catalisadora para aceitação social e preenche lacunas existentes entre o amor e o medo. A peça é a primeira produção profissional a envolver uma artista com a síndrome. A diretora brasileira de Apple of My Eye (Menina dos Meus Olhos), Débora Balardini, descobriu o trabalho de Piancastelli em 2012. Débora convidou sua parceira artística e de negócios, Sandie Luna, que atua na peça, a fazer a direção conceitual e assistência de direção do projeto. As duas trabalharam intensamente com Piancastelli, utilizando técnicas de experimentação vocal, vídeo e fisicalidade para moldar a narrativa.

Balardini explica a importância de capacitar mulheres latinas nas artes: "Não só estamos criando uma marca empreendedora no universo criativo, mas também buscamos incluir as vozes latinas, quase sempre silenciadas, como a de Tathi e outras pessoas com diferentes habilidades, que raramente são incluídos no espectro do que chamamos de 'normal'. Nós celebramos as diferenças e a inclusão nas artes como um passo ainda básico, mas essencial, para mudanças na sociedade".

Luna também comenta a importância de se quebrar estereótipos por intermédio do teatro: “ Apple of My Eye é um exemplo perfeito do papel das artes no aprofundamento do diálogo em torno de questões que tanto são ignoradas. Muitas vezes nos deparamos com um tema delicado, de difícil abordagem, mas enquanto uma obra de arte não trás essa disussão para o centro das atenções, o assunto permanece mudo, estático. A arte tem o poder de mudar esse status quo rapidamente e, ao se utilizar de questões como a inclusão, faz literalmente a diferença com eficácia. Nettles Artists Collective reconhece esse poder, por isso se orgulha de idealizar projetos como AOME".

Sob a direção e liderança de Balardini e Luna, NAC se interessa pela inclusão nas artes, sendo a única companhia latina de teatro físico sediada em Nova York e com residência no Punto Space. Durante período de votação para o Brazilian International Press Award, NAC e Piancastelli ganharam grande popularidade ao apresentarem um segmento de Apple of My Eye (Menina dos Meus Olhos), em evento promovido pela UNICEF, no último 21 de março, Dia Internacional da Síndrome de Down, em apoio ao fim da violência contra as crianças e adolescentes com deficiência.

NAC tem, atualmente, residência artística no Punto Space, espaço que acolhe, também, Tathi e todo o elenco de AOME. Seu parceiro nesta produção, o Instituto MetaSocial, apoia de maneira entusiástica a promoção da inclusão apresentada por AOME. A peça está programada para visitar Brasil e Europa em 2016.

ELENCO

Bella ...... Tathi Piancastelli

Il Corvo ...... Connor Dylan

Carmelita ...... Andressa Furletti

Alemão ...... Sandro Isaack

Totó ...... Ibsen Santos

Leo ...... Jaime Puerta

Juju ...... Carolina Ravassa

Mano ...... Fabio Costaprado

Eduardo ...... Braulio Cruz

Ana Alice ...... Sandie Luna

Bruno ...... Cacá Macedo

FICHA TÉCNICA

Direção - Débora Balardini

Concepção e Assistência de Direção - Sandie Luna

Diretor de Palco - Connor Dylan

Audiovisual - Jaime Puerta

Iluminação - Erin Jones

Sonoplastia - Sergio Krakowski

Operação de Som e Vídeo - Victoria Bausch

Legendas - Giovanna Almeida

Produção Executiva - Piancastelli & Heiderich

Produção Artística e Execução - Nettles Artists Collective

Nettles Artists Collective (Producer | www.NettlesArtists.com)

NAC é um coletivo de artistas de Nova York, dirigido por mulheres latinas, que tem como objetivo criar projetos originais utilizando como base o teatro físico e as artes visuais. Sua missão é impregnar a cena artística americana de vozes globalmente diversas e colaborações multidisciplinares. O coletivo é composto por escritores, atores, pintores, dançarinos, cineastas, músicos, artistas visuais e performáticos, que se movimentam e criam juntos. Sob a direção artística de Débora Balardini e Sandie Luna, NAC cria histórias universais, através da experiência de seus artistas. NAC é atualmente uma companhia residente no PUNTO Space em Nova York. (www.nettlesartists.com)

Debora Balardini (Diretora/Atriz/Educadora | www.deborabalardini.com)

Debora Balardini, ha mais de 28 anos, vem ensinando e realizando trabalhos em vários países, incluindo Japão, Argentina, Chile, Estados Unidos, França e em seu país de origem, Brasil. Ela tem uma extensa experiência de dança no ballet, jazz e sapateado, além de seus 15 anos de experiencia como instrutora de Hatha yoga. Como atriz, pesquisou e treinou diversas técnicas de teatro físico como Grotowski, Stemwerk, Suzuki, View Points e, nos últimos 9 anos, Choreographic Theatre e Técnica de Roy Hart para a voz. Entre seus trabalhos como diretora, estão, Meu Vazio é o Movimento, Inside. Not Looking Out, A Serpente de Nelson Rodrigues e Infinito Enquanto Dure, baseado na vida e obra de Vinícius de Moraes. Débora é co-Fundadora e co-Diretora Artística da companhia Nettles Artists Collective, co-Fundadora e Diretora Executiva do Grupo.BR, única companhia brasileira de teatro de Nova York e também fundadora do Punto - An Event & Performance Space em Midtown Manhattan.

Tathi Piancastelli (Escritora/Atriz | www.tathipiancastelli.com)

Nascida em São Paulo, Brasil, Tathi Piancastelli é apresentadora, atriz e ativista. Começou sua carreira nas artes após estudar teatro em Campinas, Brasil, de 2003 a 2010. Atuou em diversos espetáculos como Boca de Ouro, Um homem é um homem, Brilho Stars e o musical Grease, além de participar de comerciais para TV Globo e EPTV. Foi representante do Brasil no Dia Internacional de Síndrome de Down 2010, durante evento nas Nações Unidas. Atualmente, apresenta o programa Ser Diferente em conjunto com a organização Instituto MetaSocial. Tathi é escritora da peça Apple of My Eye (Menina dos Meus Olhos) na qual faz o papel principal.

Instituto MetaSocial (Apoio | metasocial.org.br)

O Instituto MetaSocial tem trabalhado por mais de 20 anos desenvolvendo programas para promover a inclusão social na mídia. O objetivo do grupo é mostrar uma representação positiva, alegre e divertida de todas as pessoas, independentemente das suas limitações, crenças, diferenças, com a idéia de que todos têm o mesmo valor humano e, portanto, merecem ser tratados com respeito e dignidade. MetaSocial é uma organização sem fins lucrativos que trabalha principalmente através de parcerias.

Nettles Artists Collective apresenta, na UNICEF, a primeira peça profissional escrita e atuada por uma artista com síndrome de Down

NOVA YORK- 4 de Março de 2016.  O Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância - UNICEF convida o elenco da peça Menina dos Meus Olhos (Apple of My Eye, em inglês), para apresentar o trabalho na sede da UNICEF, em Nova Iorque, no próximo 21 de Março. A data é celebrada em apoio ao Global Partnership of Children with Disabilities (Parceria Global para Crianças com Deficiência), como parte de seu programa de combate à violência contra a criança e o adolescente com deficiência. A dramaturga de Apple of My Eye, Tathi Piancastelli, é a primeira atriz e autora brasileira, com a síndrome, a ter seu trabalho produzido profissionalmente nos Estados Unidos.

Piancastelli interpreta o papel principal de Bella, uma jovem que ganha aceitação social e explora as lacunas entre o amor e o medo.

Após a apresentação, a diretora da peça, Debora Balardini, a diretora conceitual, Sandie Luna, Tathi Piancastelli e uma série de convidados participam de um painel, seguido por uma sessão de perguntas e respostas. Balardini e Luna são co-fundadoras da Nettles Artists Collective (NAC), companhia produtora do espetáculo Apple of My Eye, que têm, como casa artística, Punto Space, espaço localizado em Nova Iorque.

Nattles Artists Collective tem orgulho de trazer para o centro do diálogo temáticas relacionadas à inclusão, elevando o nível das discussões sobre a diversidade, já que se apresenta como a única companhia latina de teatro físico de Nova Iorque. Nettles Artists e Punto Space têm sido casa criativa para Tathi e o elenco da peça, que ainda contam com a parceria do Instituto MetaSocial, que também compartilha do entusiasmo no desejo de incluir que a peça promove. A cereja do bolo é, no momento, a indicação de Apple of My Eye para o Brazilian International Press Award 2016 nas categorias melhor atriz, ator e espetáculo.

Balardini e Luna tiveram seu primeiro contato com a peça em 2012, e, desde então, têm trabalhado de forma colaborativa e intensa com Piancastelli e o restante do elenco, sempre utilizando, como base da pesquisa, a experimentação e o treinamento vocal e físico. "É uma honra apresentar essa peça na UNICEF. Um projeto que teve como ponto de partida cinco páginas nascidas do fluxo criativo de consciência de Tathi. Esta ação é um marco para o projeto, para a companhia e, principalmente, para o enfrentamento dos desafios de inclusão", diz Debora Balardini.

Luna, que também atua no espetáculo, dedica-se a desenhar diferentes camadas e coloridos ao trabalho de interpretação das personagens arquetípicas criadas por Tathi, que tocam em temas sensíveis como medo, violência, esperança e sonho. "O texto de Tathi aborda diretamente a violência experimentada por indivíduos com deficiência, colocando a arte como poderosa arma contra o preconceito, atraindo a atenção para o assunto e para a necessidade de se discutir”, diz Sandie Luna.

Com outro texto dramatúrgico a caminho, Piancastelli reflete sobre o trabalho atual e o recente reconhecimento, "Eu gosto da peça cada vez mais." Apple of My Eye agora se prepara para iniciar uma turnê pela Europa, África e Brasil em 2016.

SERVIÇO

A Menina dos Meus Olhos (Apple of My Eye)

21 de Março de 2016

Às 13:00 na Unicef House, 3 United Nations Plaza, Nova York.

Fotos em anexo.

Nettles Artists Collective (Producer | www.nettlesartists.com)

NAC é um coletivo de artistas de Nova York, dirigido por mulheres latinas, que tem como objetivo criar projetos originais utilizando como base o teatro físico e as artes visuais. Sua missão é impregnar a cena artística americana de vozes globalmente diversas e colaborações multidisciplinares. O coletivo é composto por escritores, atores, pintores, dançarinos, cineastas, músicos, artistas visuais e performáticos, que se movimentam e criam juntos. Sob a direção artística de Débora Balardini e Sandie Luna, NAC cria histórias universais, através da experiência de seus artistas. NAC é atualmente uma companhia residente no PUNTO Space em Nova York.

Debora Balardini (Diretora/Atriz/Educadora | www.deborabalardini.com)

Debora Balardini, ha mais de 28 anos, vem ensinando e realizando trabalhos em vários países, incluindo Japão, Argentina, Chile, Estados Unidos, França e em seu país de origem, Brasil. Ela tem uma extensa experiência de dança no ballet, jazz e sapateado, além de seus 15 anos de experiencia como instrutora de Hatha yoga. Como atriz, pesquisou e treinou diversas técnicas de teatro físico como Grotowski, Stemwerk, Suzuki, View Points e, nos últimos 9 anos, Choreographic Theatre e Técnica de Roy Hart para a voz. Entre seus trabalhos como diretora, estão, Meu Vazio é o Movimento, Inside. Not Looking Out, A Serpente de Nelson Rodrigues e Infinito Enquanto Dure, baseado na vida e obra de Vinícius de Moraes. Débora é co-Fundadora e co-Diretora Artística da companhia Nettles Artists Collective, co-Fundadora e Diretora Executiva do Grupo.BR, única companhia brasileira de teatro de Nova York e também fundadora do Punto - An Event & Performance Space em Midtown Manhattan.

Tathi Piancastelli (Escritora/Atriz | www.tathipiancastelli.com)

Nascida em São Paulo, Brasil, Tathi Piancastelli é apresentadora, atriz e ativista. Começou sua carreira nas artes após estudar teatro em Campinas, Brasil, de 2003 a 2010. Atuou em diversos espetáculos como Boca de Ouro, Um homem é um homem, Brilho Stars e o musical Grease, além de participar de comerciais para TV Globo e EPTV. Foi representante do Brasil no Dia Internacional de Síndrome de Down 2010, durante evento nas Nações Unidas. Atualmente, apresenta o programa Ser Diferente em conjunto com a organização Instituto MetaSocial. Tathi é escritora da peça Apple of My Eye (Menina dos Meus Olhos) na qual faz o papel principal.

Instituto MetaSocial (Apoio | metasocial.org.br)

O Instituto MetaSocial tem trabalhado por mais de 20 anos desenvolvendo programas para promover a inclusão social na mídia. O objetivo do grupo é mostrar uma representação positiva, alegre e divertida de todas as pessoas, independentemente das suas limitações, crenças, diferenças, com a idéia de que todos têm o mesmo valor humano e, portanto, merecem ser tratados com respeito e dignidade. MetaSocial é uma organização sem fins lucrativos que trabalha principalmente através de parcerias.

Soho Contemporary Art Introduces Artist Rich Simmons in London Calling
 Sale and Exhibition

New York, New York (August 7, 2014) –   Soho Contemporary Art introduces artist Rich Simmons in his first solo exhibition in the United States, “London Calling.” There will be a private VIP invitation only reception on Thursday evening, September 18, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and a public grand opening on Saturday, September 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rich Simmons will be in attendance for both events.

Simmons, a rising star in the international art scene, is coming off of three very successful solo shows in the United Kingdom. In “London Calling,” Rich Simmons is bringing his latest works to the Bowery, which includes recognizable imagery from pop culture, such as super-heroes that project his opinions and sense of humor on these familiar and well-known images. Simmons is best known for his street art piece celebrating the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, entitled “Future ***King,” depicting the royal couple as Sid & Nancy of the Sex Pistols, which went global within hours of its release.

The Bowery has been associated with street art since artists such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat called the street home. At Soho Contemporary Art, Rich Simmons' art is hanging next to those of Haring and Basquiat. They all use social commentary in their works, and their messages question different political issues. Jean-Michel Basquiat focused on suggestive dichotomies, such as wealth versus poverty and integration versus segregation, while Haring concentrated on sexuality, war, birth, and death; Simmons’ work deconstructs subcultures and celebrates their relationships.

Gallery owner Rick Rounick anticipates the invitation-only VIP event: “Rich Simmons is an emerging artist coming from the United Kingdom, where he has had great success in his three solo shows. We are very excited to introduce him and his work to the New York and American art scenes. New York City and Soho Contemporary Art are the perfect place for Simmons to present his social commentary and sense of humor. For Rich Simmons to unveil his work next to artists who both rose to fame on the Bowery creates a visual timeline of the evolution of Street Art both on the Bowery and in New York City. Also, as an emerging artist, it is an opportunity for experienced collectors to invest in a painting by a future star.”

Simmons, who has suffered from mild autism and depression, is enthusiastic about debuting in the Bowery as art has been a transformative medium for him. “Art saved my life, I really have a debt to art,” says Simmons. “New York is such an exciting city culturally, and a lot of artists and art movements that originated in the city have played a huge role in shaping the art I love and the style that inspires me. My style is really inspired by street art, graffiti, pop art, and comic books, and New York has been the epicentre for the most iconic people in these genres. I’m hoping that while I’m here making the artwork for my exhibition, I can get the opportunity to share the message and story of Art Is the Cure (AITC) with people through schools and universities as a way to give back to the art community.”

Simmons has trail blazed a whole new genre of street and pop art often inspired by retro, vintage style ’50s imagery with pin ups, with silver era comic books having a prominent role in the work as well. Solo exhibitions thus far have explored beauty through just being yourself, seeing the beauty in everything, and observing a new perspective of beauty in the world and ourselves, inside and out, that travels beyond the obvious.

Collectors of Simmons’ work include Prince Charles, Blink 182 front man Mark Hoppus, fashionista Chloe Green, and important private collections in New York, Singapore, Paris, Dubai, Monaco, and London.

About Rich Simmons: Rich Simmons is an award-winning rising star in the British art scene who has garnered international coverage. Born in Peterborough in 1986, Rich Simmons now resides in London and is completely self taught; he is proud to be trail blazing a whole new genre of art—a fusion of street and pop art often inspired by retro, vintage style ’50s imagery with pin ups, with silver era comic books having a prominent role in the work as well. The use of his bold color palette, hand drawn and hand cut stencils, drop shadow illusions and reclaimed billboards that have been pulled down from the streets are proving Rich is both an innovator and a highly collectable artist. Simmons is the founder of “Art Is the Cure.” A social network for the creative community, the foundation promotes the idea that art—in whatever its form—is a kind of self therapy, and Rich uses his own story to motivate and inspire others.

About Soho Contemporary Art: Soho Contemporary Art is located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side on the southeast corner of Bowery and Houston Street. Our 2,900 square foot gallery features the artwork of Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, Bambi, Burton Morris, Christopher Wool, Donald Sultan, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jim Dine, Keith Haring, Neil Leifer, Robert Longo, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Takashi Murakami, Tom Wesselmann and many others. With over 30 years of experience, we have provided the finest condition artwork at the best possible price points to collectors and galleries located around the world. Soho Contemporary Art is committed to maintaining the highest level of service to our clients. We cater to both the established as well as the beginning collector interested in investment quality contemporary art.

For interviews please contact Kahshanna Evans at PR (at) KissingLions (dot) com or call (646) 580-6076.

Soho Contemporary Art Proudly Welcomes Ringo Starr Peace&Love Exhibition and Sale

Soho Contemporary Art, a pop art and post-war contemporary art gallery located in the historic Bowery district in New York City, by invitation only, on June 19th, 7:00pm-9:00pm, is pleased to welcome the Ringo Starr Peace & Love exhibition of pop-art inspired self portraits and peace inspired visual art - 100% of the proceeds will go to Mr. Starr’s charitable organization, The Lotus Foundation. *Purchase of signed Ringo Starr work required to attend VIP reception. Noteworthy recent Soho Contemporary Art gallery events this year include Haring & Basquiat, an exhibition and sale. *To request an exhibition catalogue please contact Richard Benton at Soho Contemporary Art (646.719.1316) or email [email protected].

Haring and Basquiat, “Back to the Bowery” Well Received at Soho Contemporary Art

Soho Contemporary Art, "Back to the Bowery"

Soho Contemporary Art was pleased to present Back to the Bowery, a sale and exhibition that ranfrom April 10th until April 24th featuring iconic artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.  Back to the Bowery succeeded in exposing collectors to a significant selection of rare pieces for purchase during the recent invitation only VIP reception that featured guest speakers Paul Tschinkel, documentary filmmaker, and art historian, Marc H. Miller.  Extraordinary film footage of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat wasverywell received.

Rick Rounick states, “Back To The Bowery revisits a “radiant” period in the New York art scene when creativity and collaboration in art, music and letters was the norm not the exception.  Our very presence on The Bowery is a long term commitment to continuing the tradition of art in the neighborhood as well as introducing new artists as they come along.  We are very excited to be part of the neighborhood and look forward to many successful years here.”  To view full press release please click HERE.

Excerpts from recent artnet News interview quotes Rounick about the recent gallery event, "We showed our VIP collectors some rare film footage taken at the Fun Gallery in the early-80s. Many of our collectors never met Jean-Michel Basquiat or Keith Haring, and have only seen them vicariously through their artwork. This was a chance for them to hear both artists speak about their work during the most pivotal times of their career. These primary interviews allowed collectors to garner tremendous insight into the artists’ paintings, as they both spoke candidly about their thoughts on their work, inspirations, and aspirations. Haring spoke about his work being in museums when, at the time of his interview in 1982, he was having his first solo exhibition. Basquiat’s interview revealed a soft, shy, thoughtful, and very intelligent artist who was quite open about discussing the meanings behind his complex imagery and literary text.”  To view the full article please click HERE.

About Soho Contemporary Art:

Soho Contemporary Art is Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side on the southeast corner of Bowery and Houston Street. Our 2,900 square foot gallery features the artwork of Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, Bambi, Burton Morris, Christopher Wool, Donald Sultan, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jim Dine, Keith Haring, Neil Leifer, Robert Longo, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Takashi Murakami, Tom Wesselmann and many others. With over 30 years of experience we have provided the finest condition artwork at the best possible price points to collectors and galleries located around the world. Soho Contemporary Art is committed to maintaining the highest level of service to our clients. We cater to both the established, as well as the beginning collector, interested in investment quality contemporary art.

Soho Contemporary Art Features Iconic Artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat in “Back to the Bowery” Exhibition

Soho Contemporary Art is pleased to present Back to the Bowery, a sale and exhibition scheduled to run April 10th until April 24th featuring iconic artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat from 1980-1990.

New York, New York (March 31, 2014) — Soho Contemporary Art is pleased to present Back to the Bowery, a sale and exhibition scheduled to run April 10th until April 24th featuring iconic artists Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat from 1980-1990.  The show is bringing "back to The Bowery" two artists that began their careers in a then depressed area of New York city.  The April 10th VIP reception will embrace guest speakers Paul Tschinkel, documentary filmmaker, and art historian, Marc H. Miller at an invitation only preview event.  Back to the Bowery will expose collectors to a significant selection of "rare" pieces for purchase.

Soho Contemporary Art is a continuation and rebirth of the artists that dominated The Bowery in the eighties, a time when both Basquiat and Haring became the epicenter for the emerging group of artists that blurred the lines between "Street Art" and "Fine Art”.  Back to the Bowery focuses on bringing innovator and visionary Keith Haring back to his early roots on The Bowery.  While Haring began to utilize blank billboards in subways and public spaces with chalk drawings and stylized graffiti Basquiat’s SAMO© (same old shit) became a recognized motif challenging oppressive power structures and racism while celebrating musicians and athletes of African descent.

Both artists have roots as "Street Artists" on and around The Bowery and Lower East Side of Manhattan. Both artists died young leaving a finite amount of work which has continued to increase in value, and now what remains is a "scarcity" of available art for acquisition.  Haring and Basquiat continue influence the world of contemporary art which is at an unprecedented level of popularity and market value and shows no sign of relenting.   The opportunity to acquire originals becomes less achievable each year.  In life and in death, by asserting the collective voice of social commentary and replacing desolation with art Haring and Basquiat joined a legacy of exceedingly collectible Bowery based artists such as Robert Indiana and Roy Lichtenstein.

Soho Contemporary Art embodies a rebirth of the artists that dominated The Bowery in the eighties.  It is nestled blocks away from the Houston Mural, Haring’s first major outdoor mural which became his catalyst for large scale work and consequently made the wall the most coveted by artists in New York in recent years.  Amid the New Museum, high end retail, art and fine dining destinations The Bowery is now a far cry from the impoverished skid row streets it was known for flooded with drugs, prostitution from the 1940’s until the 1990’s.  Neighbored by notable landmark establishments Soho Contemporary Art is expanding its reputation as a gallery lead by owner Rick Rounick who has 3 decades experience selling and collecting Contemporary Art.  When Rounick decided to open Soho Contemporary Art, he was instinctively led to The Bowery where the roots of Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat's art are firmly planted.

Rounick states, "Back To The Bowery revisits a "radiant" period in the New York art scene when creativity and collaboration in art, music and letters was the norm not the exception.  Our very presence on The Bowery is a long term commitment to continuing the tradition of art in the neighborhood as well introducing new artists as they come along.  We are very excited to be part of the neighborhood and look forward to many successful years here."

Soho Contemporary Art will feature at least four shows in 2014 by major artists or major Pop Culture figures including a young street artist who overcame his disability through his art.  The gallery continues to seek new talent and are currently cultivating two new artists.  The gallery’s vision is to sell art to established and beginning collectors interested in investment quality contemporary art in the best condition by seasoned art consultants who offer exceptional experience and service and honor the creative roots of the now historic district.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Flashtext Pre-Launch Event Series to Celebrate The First Luxury App That Guarantees Security & Privacy

New York, New York, (September 6, 2013) -- Lifestyle Equities, a full service advisory firm, celebrates the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week pre-launch of the new private messaging app, Flashtext. The app offers the “Privileged Privacy” of self-destructive messages that can be sent to anyone and leave zero digital footprint. The event series will feature top-trending fashion designers at the Voce Di design gallery in the heart of Soho. Fashion-minded tastemakers will be invited to be among the first users to experience the technology behind Flashtext, prior to the product’s release later this year. The app—developed with fashion designers and artists in mind—allows anyone to share confidential self-destructing images, videos, and messages without ever having to worry about a breach in privacy.

The experiential pre-launch programs designed by Lifestyle Equities allows products to be used by targeted influencers, who then offer invaluable feedback before products are made available to the public or officially launched. Lifestyle Equities has designed and implemented programs for singers Maxwell and Alicia Keys and rare cognac Hennessy Paradis Imperial. Executives, celebrities, and thought leaders are invited to indulge before niche products are officially launched and available to the general public. The luxury real estate demographic on Lifestyle Equities 'insiders list' has been raving about the app so far. The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week pre-launch events will allow further discoveries with top names in fashion, film, sports, fashion and art.

More and more business professionals are dealing with serious privacy issues in their day-to-day correspondence with clients, colleagues and competitors. Flashtext helps to solve this problem. The app has already caught the attention of influential executives in advertising, fashion and marketing who view Flashtext and the MBFW series as a valuable way to introduce privileged privacy to their clients, while celebrating with top fashion designers.

“We at Flashtext feel that there’s a whole world of creativity and business that blossoms behind the wall of privacy. Artists, fashion designers, entrepreneurs—all collaborating on their most intimate ideas. Privacy allows for that process to evolve in an authentic way. The world of Flashtext allows for the best art, best product and best idea to flourish without fear of early dilution due to unwanted exposure. Flashtext provides a safe environment for that reality.”—Philmore Anderson, Flashtext spokesperson.

The event will be hosted at Voce Di—a luxury furniture showroom, fine art gallery, and the perfect backdrop for fashion-goers and luxury-brand executives in attendance. Jay Norris has clients in luxury real estate, entertainment and spirits interested in utilizing private texting. “At Lifestyle Equities we are aware that we are in an age of technology and communications that has many moving parts, and privacy relates to everything we do now. My first impression with Flashtext was that it would change the real estate and the luxury industries forever. We thought it would be perfect for high-fashion designers who often fall victim to the knock-off industry—which devastates the quality of their work and efforts. Flashtext can ensure that the integrity of confidential brand information stays private.”

Flashtext is already at the center of some measurable pre-launch buzz as an exclusive private messaging app. For more information about Flashtext please visit http://FlashText.com.

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Photographer Philippe Paschkes Releases Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Fundraiser Book Entitled Africa

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 16, 2013

Photographer Philippe Paschkes will release a limited edition fine art photography book entitled Africa in November, 2013. One thousand copies of Africa will be available through Paschkes' website. The charity book will embody a preface written by Her Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and portray images of African descendants from around the world cloaked in traditional African garb. The profit generated from the project will go to organizations dedicated to bettering the lives of African children.

Africa originated as a devotion to the beauty of the African land and her children and was inspired by the many years Paschkes traveled as an esteemed make-up artist for top international names in fashion and film. The uneasiness Paschkes experienced witnessing the gap between prestigious lifestyle and undernourished people and children drove him to eventually leave his profession in order to create awareness through the mediums he had mastered for 3 decades and his new medium, photography.

Paschkes considers himself lucky to have worked on Africa. “All the work I have done for the last 30 years influence my work for Africa although I never could imagine how difficult it was to create my dream to completion. Receiving the news that Her Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco, would generously write the preface was a special moment in my life. Being able to work and create with all of the people who volunteered their time and love for the project... it wasn’t very hard to work and to shoot these pictures since I love and I am so passionate about my work and about giving to those beautiful faces that seemed to ask me to do more and be more that I saw during my years traveling as a make-up artist. I dedicate this to them.”

The work began in July 2009 and totals over 4 years in the making. During the final stages of production, once the collection was curated, Paschkes introduced the mission and fine art photography collection in Paris and Monaco at a few select galleries and private gatherings.

Friends and models who felt as passionate about the cause and the love of Africa generously volunteered their time and talent. Model Kahshanna Evans, Sonja Chung, Bertini Heumegni, Chaniqua Jones, Christopher Jones, Salam, Lee Jackson, Ayan Elmi, Hawa Diawara, Eva Ndachi, Jamia Eaton, Johanna Santos, Laurence Basse, Steven Brown and Jean Michel Vian Safiir Dobaria appear in the 130 page visual journey of traditional body painting and garb.

Over the course of several months, Artist Anne Domenech assisted Paschkes in creating a myriad of texture backdrops for the stylized photos. The Hungarian Pastry Shop, a local coffee shop in Harlem, supported the collaborative creative effort by lending space and support. With New York City as the ultimate resource Paschkes hand crafted the entire body of costumes and concepts including making jewelry and accessories. Paschkes sourced Bogolans, authentically died African fabrics found in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea from the African Market on 116th Street in Harlem. Objects in the book that appear as elephant tusks, animal horns, shells and corals are fiberglass replicas, careful research was done by Paschkes in order to promote Africa as a social conscious project.

Pending schedule Paschkes will decide on future awareness events in New York City.

About Philippe Paschkes:

For 15 years, Philippe Paschkes worked in France as a makeup artist and fashion creative for Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Marie Claire, Grazia and Elle Magazines, countless high fashion runway clients and film projects. Paschkes continued his love of the arts in New York City serving as a makeup artist, creative and artistic director and designer for the next 15 years before picking up the craft of photography in the spirit of social awareness for his recent book, Africa.