Playlist
Gavin Benjamin~ Hans Neleman~Andrew Fish
and Hans Neleman. Drawing inspiration from the eclectic sounds and the pulsating energy of New York City during the 1990’s, these artists have created an extraordinary collection that beautifully reflects the profound impact of music on their artistic journeys. The 1990’s were a decade of musical diversity and similarly, these artists employ an array of styles and techniques, reflecting the vibrant and multifaceted nature of the music that captivated them. Although varied in their artistic approaches, there is a unifying thread of shared experiences in the art and music culture of NYC that binds these creators. Fish and Benjamin initially met Neleman, an adjunct professor at the renowned School of Visual Arts, while they were both students. Another connective threads is the legendary nightclubs they frequented such as The Limelight, The Palladium, and Nells. The City’s fashion, diversity and street style provided a rich tapestry of inspiration for these artists; which was absorbed and manifested itself in their work.
For Playlist each artist selected their favorite and pivotal songs from the 1990s, which form a foundation for this exhibition. These songs have served as catalysts for their creativity, influencing their artistic process and shaping their perspectives both then and now. The exhibition explodes with this fusion of art and music; where brushstrokes and collage elements blend with the melodies that once permeated the streets and clubs of New York City. Rules were broken, boundaries disregarded and the 90’s spirit infused the creative process that Benjamin, Fish, and Neleman have embraced and are now exhibiting together in Playlist.