FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY – May 1, 2012 — StumbleUpon Art Program has acquired Poïesis for it’s permanent collection. Employees of the New York City and San Francisco offices voted to determine which painting from the “Particles and Waves” exhibition to add permanently to the StumbleUpon collection. In a close vote, Poiesis an abstract work, was selected from the exhibition featuring several styles from Lankins diverse oeuvre. [View the other paintings in the show]
The art program at StumbleUpon was created to support local artists by utilizing StumbleUpon technology, help grow local arts communities both on and offline, and enhance the StumbleUpon workplace. View the recap of the opening reception.
Poïesis | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012
Click the image for a step by step process and a stop animation video of the painting from start to finish.
-INFO AND IMAGES OF THE PAINTINGS IN SHOW -TAG YOUR PICTURES AND MORE ON FB
Last week StumbleUpon held an unprecedented five hour opening of “Particles and Waves” at their NYC headquarters. Many thanks to everyone who came out, and the awesome crew at StumbleUpon that helped make it a night I will never forget. Here’s a sampling of the nights festivities in the sequence it unfolded captured by photographer Greg McMahon…
All the people who didn’t get their picture taken during the madness, or came after hours, you are remembered in spirit.
The last photo of the night as we hit 10PM. We may have to make the group photo of the “closer downs” an opening night tradition.
The ever punctual NYC mover-and-shaker Shiva and I discuss my latest painting Poïesis.
Artist Michael Serafino, and Jean, Account Executive at StumbleUpon kickback as the show opens. Check the link to see Serafino’s new splice paintings.
Co-Founder of Galleray, Davis Mersereau, and Vanessa, Digital Account Executive at StumbleUpon flashing perfect smiles. Keep an eye out for the launch of Galleray.
Yours truly in front of Emotional Architecture.
StumbleUpon’s National Accounts Manager for the Advertising Platform Ari on the right side.
Multi talented artist Diana Oh stopped by before her performance in History of the World at Theater of the Living Arts, by Judith Malina.
Taking a moment with the legendary arts and music aficionado According 2 G. Check out his blog for cool NYC experiences, intimate views into the lives of artists, and his recap of the opening.
Raise your camera and take a picture of the party.
Brian, sommelier at 508 Gastrobrewery sandwiched between me and Jean.
One lucky man, two lucky ladies.
The viewer interacts with In the Garden, Good and Evil
How could I not include this picture? Just enough fun for the Internet.
Revelers pose in-front of One Outlet.
Joined with the lovely artist Zehava.
International baritone Joseph Flaxman. Follow the link to hear the voice.
Anthony, Director of Sales and Business at StumbleUpon, with Danielle and Jillian, Account Executives from Sharethrough.
I like being in the middle of a happy sandwich. Try it.
My man Borbay. Great artist you should have on your radar. Take a long look at all his projects.
Raise your camera and take a picture.
Stumble’dUpon the blue couch.
Environmental expert Geoff takes a close look at In The Garden, Good and Evil, from the never publicly exhibited Love Conquers All portfolio.
Sexy people, in front of a sexy Lady Gaga painting.
The first round of Johnnie Walker.
International photographer Charlie Rubin stopped by to show some support.
Z, C, and B, kicking it in three.
Borbay, According 2 G, and Tres (pronounced Trace) showing the love.
Awesome group of friends came out to show their support.
Always great hanging with Garrett and Chapin.
Fellow hockey and art enthusiast Jeff and I give his friend a big welcome to the party.
Great seeing business mogul and idea specialist Byron Bennett.
Byron and Borbay.
On the left, illustrator James Serafino anchors these happy folks.
Mike and Greg, almost looking like brothers.
Max, aka Kostanza, graced us with an impromptu ipod DJ set, and socialite Fernando Javier.
Pete catches up with Max and I.
Nimo Kally, NYC singer/songwriter , always living the rockstar lifestyle. He is playing at Piano’s March 9th. Check him out.
Artist Anu Annam glowing for the picture. Look at her powerful watercolors.
The man behind the lens, ain’t no myth here, photo/videographer Greg McMahon.
Contemporary artists, so contemporary they are alive, definitely check out their websites, from left to right we have: Joseph Meloy, Ben Katz, Borbay, me, Paul Zapeda, and Julian Rapp.
You can hear the buzz.
A low perspective inspired by Gaga for dramatic effect.
Ben Katz and I posing in front of his favorite painting of the evening, New Years Eve — New York City.
Feeling good, feeling great, where are you?
On the left, Andrew Matsumoto, a creative fireball.
Artist Mike Serafino on the left, and founder of the Vandal Expressionist movement Joseph Meloy on the right.
Ladies pose between Madison Square Park and One Outlet.
Tony, fellow artist Anu, and Glorie.
One for the history books.
Having a little fun.
Having a lot of fun. Congrats to newlyweds Rachel and Greg on the right.
Mike and Paul choose alternate paths.
This is definitely a Kodak moment.
Pete stayed for the entire show, great to meet you. Let’s go Flyers!
They met tonight, believe it, that’s the power of art viewing experience.
Super groovy ladies from Germany.
Click for larger image. The second to last photo of the evening around 10PM, an hour before most people left.
Click for larger image. The last photo, partially related to The Last Supper.
Those in favor of the group photo, say aye… Aye!
For more information on the exhibition, acquisition, and the Art Program at Stumbleupon follow the info link below, or contact info@arilankin.com
-INFO AND IMAGES OF THE PAINTINGS IN SHOW -TAG YOUR PICTURES AND MORE ON FB
Here is a recap of the opening reception. Viewings by appointment for collectors and press until mid April.
What: “Particles and Waves” by Ari Lankin, February, 23rd – 6-10PM
Where: StumbleUpon NYC HQ – 73 Spring Street (bet Crosby and Lafayette) Suite 206 – Almost all subways are nearby, click the link for a map.
- One Outlet | oil on canvas | 24 x 18 inches | 2009 | $1400
- New Years Eve – New York City | oil on canvas | 30 x 40 inches | 2010 | $2200
- Poïesis | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012 | $2000
Click above image for process and video.
- Lady Gaga | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2011 | $2000
Click above image for process and video.
- In the Garden, Good and Evil | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2011 | $2000
- Sand Flesh and Sky | oil on canvas | 48 x 48 inches | 2008 | $3500
- Emotional Architecture I | oil on canvas | 30 x 40 inches | 2009 | $2200
- Warm Autumn | oil on canvas | 30 x 30 inches | 2012 | $2000
Click above image for process and video.
Madison Square Park and Plensa's Echo | 14 x 11 inches | oil and acrylic on canvas | 2011 | $700
Click above image for process and action shots.
On July 14th the reception for Clipped, a group show featuring the work of Andrew Matsumoto, Michael Serafino, Jeremy Penn, Flip Skip, Ari Lankin and Borbay was held at Le Salon d’ Art. Orignally scheduled from 7-10pm this party didn’t end until about 1am. This is what happens when you get a great group of people together and a very large quantity of refreshments that kept being replenished by the many happy guests. We would like to thank all of our loyal fans and the many new ones that came out for great art, conversation, and NYC style revelry. We’ll see if the streak continues and anyone gets married from meeting each other at this show. Sparks were flying, art was consumed, and drinks were flowing.
All of the photos (except the first two and the last) are by the very talented Tessa Beligue Photography. When you are finished with these take a minute to check out more of Tessa’s photos. I particularly like her portraits, night shots, unique perspectives, and intense use of color.
Relive the glory, or experience if for the first time…
Ari Lankin, Jason Borbay, and Jeremy Penn pose for a picture a few minutes before the show starts with the always early art/entertainment guru G (in green). Photo courtesy of according2G.com, check out the link for his really cool blog. He is everywhere and sees everything.
Penn and Borbay lounging in the plush salon chairs before the doors open. Photo courtesy of according2G.com
Michael Serafino hanging out by Borbay’s home base.
Matsumoto, Victoria, Lankin, and Serafino pause for a moment. A camera in a photo, so real, surreal.
The ever alert Serafino, nothing gets by him. The lovely Ms. Wells and Penn chat it up in the background.
Sanpaku eyes gaze through the crowd as the party starts to pop. People getting locked and loaded.
Now thats how you carry a cell phone.
Matsumoto!
Lankin and Shiva Krishna in the middle of a formal discussion.
The vibe.
The view from behind the bar. Borbay’s Marilyn holding strong. Read more about his painting here.
Reflections, people reflecting, don’t blink, or rather blink twice and move along.
The Deception of William Murphy by Jeremy Penn.
Paparazzi started to get out of hand. Two photographer’s passing in the night.
Borbay’s work including his newly finished Old Bay painting hang above the mirrors.
James Serafino, a handsome fella, a good bartender, but a much better illustrator.
Full house.
Who could resist that smile? RED
Where’s Courtney?
More vibin’
Lankin and the always interesting Ms. Dubash discuss the art of staying young at heart forever.
Penn, Lankin, and Serafino. One for the ages.
Ed. Nuff said.
Just having fun.
A Penn, Victoria, Lankin sandwich. Hold the cheese.
Gallery/Salon owner Hans Kerremans and his spectacular wife Grace.
V is for Vogue.
Borbay, Jon-O, Ms. Grignon, and Lankin take a moment even Mr. Kodak would be proud of.
Shiva supports Borbay as he gives a rousing impromptu speech to the masses. Artist Paul Zepeda in the background.
How many speeches end with people high fiving?
Newly hitched husband and wife. Congratulations!
Chessa and Matsumoto. She is clearly overwhelmed, but rises to the challenge, with how to pose alongside the artist.
Stunning portrait of Christina. I love Tessa’s portraits. That’s why we hired her to cover our show.
Fedora, Shades, and Sanpaku.
Vibin’ continued….
A couple of rad fashionistas, Christina and Nigella.
Has anyone seen Edvard Munch? I demand answers! L, Z, and C hold a tribunal in the background.
Closing down the shop almost 3 hours after scheduled ending time. You know how we roll.
The End.
Thank you to everyone for coming out.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY - June 23, 2011 – The group exhibition: CLIPPED — “Appropriated Material From The Streets of New York,” will take place during July at Le Salon d’ Art Gallery. Running the entire month of July, this group exhibition will showcase six New York artists, including: Andrew Matsumoto, Michael Serafino, Jeremy Penn, Flip Skip, Ari Lankin and Borbay.
“CLIPPED” refers to the link these artists share using printed paper as their most common found material. These works embody and perpetuate our fractured reality by literally fracturing it even further. Materials, words, and images are clipped from their original context and reborn in new situations. The end result enables the viewer to slip into an infinite realm of the past, the present, and the future.
Artist Reception: July 14th, 2011, 7 – 10 PM
Show Duration: July 1 – July 31, 2011
Location: Le Salon d’ Art | 90 Stanton Street | Manhattan
More About the Show and Preview Images:
JEREMY PENN
A steel and glass pyramid stands tall in Nevada. A beam of light shoots out from its apex. For our last painting we decided on the most recognizable hotel on the strip. Our home base for 9 nights, the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Old is new, and new is old, the space time continuum quivers.
Per my modus operandi, I zoned out listening to the same album on repeat. I listened to Mac Miller’s K.I.D.S. on repeat for the first 7 hours of this painting. You can download K.I.D.S. here for free. Mac Miller is a very talented 19-year-old rapper from Pittsburgh.
Let me take you through the development…
After deciding on a head-on composition I dove in with yellow.
Feeling out where to place the pyramid… a little more up and to the left, a little more, perfect. Framing the main subject with the obelisk on the right edge of the canvas. Now there are essentially two edges on the right side.
I decided to lay down gold for the sky and silver for the pyramid. Here comes magenta to create some depth in the image.
More color and more depth. It’s time to add the details now that the general composition is solidified. I put down a dark color for the pyramid, but decided to revert back to the silver.
An action shot with my subject in the background. Headphone in the right ear.
Starting to carve out the form of the sphinx by adding shadows and blue on the headdress.
Jerry Shawback painting hard in the trenches of a vacant hotel lot across the street from the Luxor.
Another action shot now turned directly towards The Luxor.
It was hot out there and apparently my pockets got a little steamy. I decided to put in the trees and was instantly happy with this executive decision. Time to darken the pyramid for real this time.
A quick visit to the other end of the block to say what’s up to Borbay. Check out his Luxor painting.
Dramatic silhoutte photo opportunity on the way back to my easel.
Is that beam of light from the top of the pyramid visible from space? Apparently. Let me note for the record, even with this scientific miracle we had no wi-fi access in our room.
Everything is solidifying quite nicely. A big jump at this time with: highlights and shadows on the trees, reflections on the pyramid, the monorail track, and details on the sphinx.
The blue sky brings out the sphinx’s eyes, and here comes the monorail in the lower left.
Old Is New and New Is Old, The Luxor | 20 x 20 inches | acrylic on canvas | 2011
Fin.
View my other Las Vegas paintings:
Welcome To Las Vegas Sign
Welcome to Las Vegas | 24 x 24 inches | acrylic on canvas | 2011.
The Sahara Hotel & Casino
End Of An Era, The Sahara | 20 x 20 inches | acrylic on canvas | 2011.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
El Cortez Hotel, 600 Fremont St | 24 x 24 inches | acrylic on canvas | 2011.
Broadway Bare: 2 Hot, Live Painting
Bares Cares, acrylic and ribbon on canvas, 20 x 20 inches, 2011.
Check out this great time lapse video of Las Vegas that includes us painting, by Allan Gange.
I love helping a worthwhile cause and I love painting in front of an audience. On the night of the highly anticipated Broadway Bares: Las Vegas 2 Hot performance at Planet Hollywood, Borbay and I painted live in front of 1,000 people.
Here’s how we got involved…
I met Sheila at the sign back on day one. She and her friend Veronica came over to see what I was working on and then requested a painted tattoo. She was friendly so I gladly offered my skills. While I was finishing her “I <3 NV” tattoo Sheila invited us to Broadway Bares. A one night all-star charity event she was choreographing and performing in. Very cool. Even better, I offered our painting services. The next day we received a call from organizer and performer Paula Caselton. She saw our work online and wanted us to join the show.
The locals said it was beautiful, but warned us not to go a block past the uncovered part because it gets kind of sketchy. After walking up and down the street three times we decided on a view focused on the legendary El Cortez Hotel & Casino. It is precariously located two blocks passed the covered portion right on the edge of town. A peaceful Saturday morning on the streets, but this tranquility did not last for long.
We set up our easels across the street from the El Cortez. The security crew came out to ask us the normal questions. Their presence was appreciated on this one. We quickly saw why locals warned us. After eleven o’clock the characters began to emerge from the shadows. Unpredictability hung in the air. While I painted I had several impromptu Las Vegas history lessons involving The El Cortez. While i’m sure they weren’t as thorough and accurate as wikipedia, they were a lot more entertaining and peppered with personal accounts.
To set the scene on day 1: It was hot and dry. We had a cooler of ice. A street festival was starting a block away featuring a concert with the Kottonmouth Kings and Everlast. The line to get into the stage area took place behind us for about 45 minutes during the middle of the day. We watched many malt liquor drinks infused with caffeine get consumed. A general festive energy was in the air. The passersby were some of the most colorful people I have ever met. From our position the music was three hours of noise.
This is the birth of the El Cortez Hotel, 600 Fremont Street painting…
While checking my phone in the morning before leaving for Fremont I came across this photo of Prince from his concert the night before in Los Angeles. It reminded me of my studio in NYC where I have the Purple Rain record hanging on the wall.
Read More
After 58 years the Las Vegas icon took its final bets today.
Two weeks ago we decided to paint The Sahara before it shut down.
Let’s celebrate with a recap…
Another dry sunny day in the desert. Great weather for never having to urinate while painting on location. It was particularly hot this morning. We set up on the edge of the property with a fence to our back supplying some welcomed shade.
I sit down for a moment to put on my leg protection.
We set up far away from casino operations. A security guard came out to see what we were doing and went on his way.
I decide on a bold composition that includes The Stratosphere. I block in the main forms with yellow. The proportions are off so I add some dark lines to fix the yellow.
Focusing on The Stratosphere, giving it volume. I add some green to the sky to shake things up. Perhaps inspired by the sounds of the rattling roller coaster and screaming riders.
Time to add the letters. The font is pretty cool. I like how they use the “S” as handles for the doors.
A few hours in to our new painting, the security guards changed shifts. The new crew forced us to leave the property. This is a parting shot of the first vantage point.
A cool view from inside the canopy as we went inside to try to talk to someone that could help us stay in the original location. Of course the referred person was no where to be found. Time to give up on the first location.
Once home to TV legend Dean Martin, now their claim to fame is a 6lb burrito.”It’s child size, literally.” In 2009 the burrito had 275 wins and 4 losses. I decided not to give it a shot.
Getting going in the new location across the street. The wind starts to pick up. At times I find myself holding the canvas securely while I paint. For a few minutes I walk behind me to see what Borbay is doing. As we are looking at his canvas I jokingly say “The wind is going to blow our easels over any second.” Less than a minute later a big gust comes and knocks both our easels over. Our other painting partner Jerry Shawback ends up with a painting covered in sand.
I have a breakthrough moment in the painting and decide to include aspects of both vantage points.
A few touches of detail in the highlights and shadows to wrap it up. That’s Jerry on the left.
End Of An Era, The Sahara | 20 x 20 inches | acrylic on canvas | 2011.
The imagery conjures up memories of driving down the strip looking up at the casinos. The bold colors and improvised juxtaposition give the painting a dream like quality. The Sahara may not stand much longer, but it will remain a pillar of Las Vegas history.
This is truly the end of an era. The Sahara is gone, but not forgotten.
Borbay’s Sahara painting and recap:
See You, Sahara, Las Vegas | 20″X20″ | 2011 | Available | Acrylic and Collage on Canvas
View other paintings from the Las Vegas trip:
Welcome to Las Vegas, 24 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2011.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
El Cortez Hotel, 600 Fremont St, 24 x 24 inches, acrylic on canvas, 2011.
Broadway Bares: 2 Hot, Las Vegas Live Painting
Bares Cares, acrylic and ribbon on canvas, 20 x 20 inches, 2011.
Check out this great time lapse video of Las Vegas that includes us painting, by Allan Gange.
You can view this video in crisp HD on the Vimeo Web Site.
It is my great pleasure to feature this great time lapse video of the Las Vegas strip by Allan Gange. The film features beautiful day and night shots all around Las Vegas. Allan filmed Borbay and I during our second day of painting The Welcome To Las Vegas Sign.
Here is how Allan describes the movie:
Day scenes, night scenes, time lapse and people studies. Filmed during my last trip to Las Vegas April 2011. Thanks to Ari Lankin (arilankin.com) and Borbay (borbay.com) who let me film them working. Music is Nightmare by Artie Shaw. I didn’t have a nightmare but thought the music suited the night scenes especially and the transition from day to night.
A quick anecdote about the filming:
Allan introduced himself, asked us if he could film, and then set up his camera. While he was filming me I could hear someone breathing behind me. I took a half step back and there was a giant camera in my face. I turned and said to the guy “Hey, how are you doing? You could at least say hello.” I wasn’t rude, but I wasn’t overly friendly. I’ve had people photographing and videotaping me all day, but this guy was up in my space. I felt his gut with my elbow, and he didnt even say hello. I instantly returned to painting without giving him much thought. He kept filming for a few more minutes over my shoulder. When he left Borbay says to me, ”You’re overly friendly to every person except for the camera guy working for NBC.” Oops.
Allan has other videos posted on his Vimeo account, and I can’t wait to see more, they keep getting better.
Great job Allan, this video is fire!
View Borbay’s finished painting.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, The Sign Painting | 24″X24″ | 2011 | Acrylic and Collage on Canvas |
