The second edition of "THE EXTRAORDINARIES" unfolded on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 35 Meadow Studios in Brooklyn, delivering a fascinating exhibition that brought together extraordinary foreign-born talents who have made significant contributions to the creative industry.
Curated by highly esteemed artists Erica Reade and Gaspar Marquez, both embodying the label of "extraordinaries" with their decade-long involvement in the New York Arts community, the show aimed to illuminate the innovation and quality that imported talent injects into the cultural fabric of the United States.
Organized by The Espejo Organization for the Arts, "THE EXTRAORDINARIES" transcended conventional art show concepts, as explained by Marquez: "Multidisciplinary shows have the ability to generate narratives that extend beyond the boundaries of each medium, providing attendees with a wider and more complex view of the creative practices that are prevalent in today’s international creative community." For this winter edition, Marquez and Reade curated a remarkable selection of pieces and projects spanning design, photography, and visual arts, as well as performance, video, and other multidisciplinary practices.
Visual communications and design truly made their mark at the event. Award-winning Chilean art director Nico Mardones brought a touch of sophistication with his visionary art direction for a project developed for National Geographic. Hailing from New Zealand, 3D artist Jenny Jiang and English graphic designer Crissy Bogusz, known for their collaborations with major brands, injected a creative flair into the mix, presenting graphic dynamism and sophistication works. Meanwhile, the Czech 3D design duo Johana & Maxim Kroft, recognized for their captivating expression design and motion graphics showcased at renowned events like Art Basel, displayed an innovative blend of artistry and technology that left a lasting impression on attendees with their beautiful video and sculptures.
The realms of interior design and architecture took center stage at the event, with notable representation from distinguished professionals. Korean furniture designer Joseph Chun, a NYC X Design Award recipient, showcased his stunning military memorabilia-inspired “Motivation Pack.” On the architectural front, Indian designer and project manager Keerti Nair, who is currently contributing her skills at FSY Architects in LA, demonstrated her prowess and innovation with her work “Landscapes Without History.” Chinese architectural designer Kun Li not only contributed visually striking graphics for the show's promotion but also exemplified a fusion of contemporary aesthetics and functional design principles.
Fashion enthusiasts were treated to a diverse and innovative showcase at the event. Chinese creative director Churou Wang recognized for her work at Ippodo Gallery, seamlessly blended traditional aesthetics with contemporary fashion. Japanese costume designer Saori Mitome, known for her contributions to fashion shows and theater companies, displayed an eclectic piece reflecting her creative design approach. Chinese fashion designer Xuan Fu celebrated for her work with Alexander Wang and Sarah E Atelier, added a touch of sophistication to the exhibition. Adding to the ensemble was Chinese bespoke tailor and designer Yuecen Ricky Cai, formerly associated with Bode. Yuecen's transition from skilled tailor at Bode to launching his own brand, YUECEN, has showcased his dedication and expertise in bespoke fashion. His presented garments hinted at the innovative and contemporary direction of his newly established brand. Together, these fashion luminaries contributed a rich blend of tradition, innovation, and modern influences to the vibrant tapestry of the exhibition.
The visual arts segment of the exhibition showcased a compelling array of talents as well. Spanish illustrator Patricia Bolaños, recognized for her work with esteemed publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, The New Yorker, and Vogue, presented one of her dazzling pieces. Celebrated Japanese sand artist Naoshi brought a unique touch to the showcase with her innovative approach to sand art, showcased in her new book, "Tako Knows," offering intricate and ephemeral masterpieces.
Lebanese Armenian mixed media artist Hildos, body-positive artist and activist, added a robust and socially relevant dimension to the exhibition. Ukrainian surface and texture artist Maksym Kazarin, renowned for collaborations with companies like Art Groove and Klay, contributed visually engaging and tactile experiences, enhancing the multisensory appeal of the show. Spanish painters Amaia Marzabal and Aida Miro brought their unique perspectives to the forefront. Marzabal was recently acclaimed for her exhibition at The Porch, and Miro, widely published and known for her international mural pieces, offered visually striking approaches to portraiture. Indian multidisciplinary artist Kuldeep Singh, currently lecturing at the University of Washington in Seattle, added a thoughtful layer to the visual arts component, showcasing the intersection of visual arts and performance.
In the area of photography, the show presented a stellar lineup of four distinguished professionals, each contributing a unique and impactful perspective to the exhibition. Izabella Demavlys, the fashion and documentary photographer from Sweden, showcased a breathtaking portrait from her series “Eternal Flame,” capturing the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The playful and vibrant style of still photographer Beatrice Aguirre from Colombia added a dynamic and lively dimension to the exhibition, infusing a sense of joy and creativity into the visual narrative. Anya Broido, the street and portrait photographer from the UK, brought a mesmerizing personal touch forged by a deep and intimate connection with the subjects she portrays, adding a layer of emotional resonance to the photography segment. Additionally, Colombian fine art photographer Julian Montenegro, who curated the first edition, showcased his expertise in capturing the ephemeral depth of the present moment through his mesmerizing fireworks photos.
Among the notable pieces presented during the event was the collaborative project "New York Women & The Zodiac" by Brazilian editor and astrologist Larissa Xavier and illustrator Niege Borges. The project unfolded as an intriguing exploration into the intersection of astrology and the diverse narratives of women in the bustling city of New York. Through a series of visually captivating illustrations and astrological insights, the project sought to unravel New York women's unique stories, strengths, and characteristics, drawing parallels between celestial forces and the vibrant, dynamic personalities that define the city's female inhabitants.
In addition to the visual feast, the event unfolded with three special performances and presentations that added unique dimensions to the showcase. Spanish actor and producer Edu Diaz captivated the audience with his performance, presenting an excerpt from his successful play, "A Drag is Born," which exuded humor and burlesque energy, creating an engaging and lively atmosphere. Chinese actress Cynthia Yiru Hu moved the audience with her outstanding monologue, delivering a dramatic performance that resonated with emotional depth and artistic finesse. Edu Diaz's performance, characterized by its humor and burlesque energy, brought a sense of joy and entertainment to the audience, enhancing the overall experience. Meanwhile, producer Lander Camarero and his business partner Walter Rodriguez brought innovation to the forefront as they presented their cultural token startup, Defy Funding, introducing a groundbreaking and forward-thinking initiative. The innovative nature of the token startup by Defy Funding added a contemporary and forward-looking aspect to the event, highlighting the intersection of culture and technology. As the curtains closed on "THE EXTRAORDINARIES," the event left an indelible mark, serving as a testament to the diverse and extraordinary narratives woven by international talents in the American creative industry.
