Building on SoHo’s rich legacy, Vibe Fine Arts has its official grand opening on September 19th, 2024. The modern and contemporary fine art gallery promises to breathe new life into the neighborhood’s storied artistic heritage. Founded by Catiana Van Dinh and Zachary (Zac) Presley, Gallery Director and Gallery Curator respectively, Vibe Fine Arts aims to provide an immersive experience that celebrates artistic expression and community engagement. Curator Zac Presley ensures that each piece in the gallery resonates with collectors on a personal level, with a focus on both emerging and established artists. Here are some of the featured artworks, as curated by Presley, that will be on display at Vibe Fine Arts when it officially opens.
Andy Warhol, “The New Spirit” (1985)
Medium: Screenprint on Lenox Museum Board
38 x 38 in / 96.5 x 96.5 cm
“The New Spirit” featuring Donald Duck showcases Andy Warhol’s iconic blend of commercial imagery and fine art. This screenprint, featuring a popular Disney character, embodies Warhol’s critique of consumer culture and mass media. The use of vivid colors and repetitive imagery reflects the industrial processes behind mass production, a central theme in Warhol’s work. By elevating a cartoon figure to the status of fine art, Warhol blurs the lines between high and low culture, challenging the traditional boundaries of artistic expression and questioning the role of the artist in a consumer-driven society.
Sam Shaw, “Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Seven Year Itch, Hollywood, CA” (1954, printed 2005)
Medium: Ilfochrome print
16 x 12 in / 40.6 x 30.5 cm
Sam Shaw’s photograph of Marilyn Monroe captures an iconic moment in Hollywood history. The image of Monroe, taken on the set of “The Seven Year Itch,” epitomizes her blend of glamor and vulnerability. Shaw’s use of light and composition emphasizes Monroe’s natural beauty and star quality. This print, created decades after the original photograph was taken, serves as a testament to Monroe’s enduring legacy and the timeless allure of classic Hollywood. Shaw’s work goes beyond mere documentation; it offers a glimpse into the persona of one of the most celebrated actresses of the 20th century, highlighting the interplay between public image and private self.
Rashid Johnson, “Untitled Anxious Red” (2021)
Medium: Silkscreen with hand-applied pigment
Dimensions: 22 x 30 in / 56 x 76 cm
Rashid Johnson’s “Untitled Anxious Red” is a powerful exploration of identity and emotion through abstract forms. The intense red hues, coupled with layered textures, convey a sense of anxiety and urgency, characteristic of Johnson’s ongoing Anxious Men series. His use of silkscreen combined with hand-applied pigment adds a tactile element to the work, making it not just a visual but also a visceral experience. Johnson’s work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, delving deep into themes of race, history, and personal narrative.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, “Phooey” (1982/2021)
Medium: Silkscreen on Lenox Museum Board
Dimensions: 43.5 x 84 in / 110.5 x 213.4 cm
“Phooey” by Jean-Michel Basquiat is a quintessential example of his dynamic style, which blends text, symbols, and gestural mark-making. The silkscreen, originally created in 1982 and reinterpreted in 2021, highlights Basquiat’s exploration of power, identity, and cultural critique. His bold lines and vivid colors capture the raw energy and chaotic beauty of his work, while the layers of meaning invite viewers to engage with the socio-political undertones embedded in the imagery.
Michael Hafftka, “Prometheus Unbound” (2016-2024)
Medium: Oil on Linen
Dimensions: 78 x 100 in / 198 x 254 cm
Michael Hafftka’s “Prometheus Unbound” is a monumental piece that delves into mythological themes with a contemporary twist. The expansive canvas is dominated by bold, expressive strokes that depict the story of Prometheus, the titan who defied the gods to bring fire to humanity. Hafftka’s use of oil on linen brings a rich texture to the work, and the interplay of light and dark within the composition underscores the dramatic tension of the narrative. This piece is a powerful commentary on defiance, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit.
Paddy Cohn, “Rhapsody” (2021)
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Dimensions: 40 x 30 in / 102 x 76 cm
“Rhapsody” by Paddy Cohn is a vibrant celebration of color and form, where abstract elements come together in a dynamic composition. The mixed media approach allows Cohn to layer textures and create a sense of depth and movement within the canvas. The bold, energetic strokes and the interplay of colors evoke a sense of joy and spontaneity, inviting viewers to experience the emotional impact of the piece. Cohn’s work is known for its ability to capture the essence of music and rhythm, translating auditory experiences into visual art.
These carefully curated works by Presley at Vibe Fine Arts demonstrate the gallery’s commitment to quality and relevance. From the vibrant pop art of Andy Warhol to the intimate photography of Sam Shaw and the emotive power of Paddy Cohn’s abstract expressionism, each piece offers a unique perspective and artistic vision. As Catiana Van Dinh and Zachary Presley open the Vibe Fine Arts doors, they promise to offer a fresh take on SoHo’s artistic scene, blending its storied past with modern sensibilities.