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“I create the world, and painting is the tool for it.”
Artist Arang Choi possesses a remarkable ability to bridge the gap between tangible and the intangible. She draws us to an intricate realm where mysteries, emotions and dreams converge. 
Having recently graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, her career has been marked by incredible milestones, including her first solo exhibition, Three Moons, held at the <a href="https://elektrohalle-rhomberg.net/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Elektrohalle Rhomberg</a> in Salzburg, this year, as well as her participation in various group exhibitions like The Blue, The Pink, The Immaterial, The Void at the Austrian Cultural Forum in London and Common Room at <a href="https://www.hilger.at/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Galerie Hilger Next</a> in Vienna.

Arang Choi, Emulb Selfportrait 3, 2022. Courtesy of the artist. 

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Choi’s artistic journey so far is a testament to perseverance, marked by both challenges and immense triumphs. As with many early career artists, her recent graduation took place within the midst of the global pandemic, adding a layer to her narrative and resilience. 
This resilience is demonstrated in the relentlessness of her process, describing how she tries to draw and sketch at all possible moments to get all the ideas out of her head. Choi&#8217;s creative process is an intricate dance between inspiration and execution. Her prolific sketches serve as the gateway to her imaginative universe, capturing fleeting ideas before they take form. She then flips through these works, and chooses one that fits both her canvas and mood before beginning painting. Choi paints in silence in her studio, so she can hear the sound of the brush on canvas. Silence is an essential companion, in her words “a kind of white noise for [her].” Her studio practice is a sacred ritual, involving moments of contemplation and sketches that serve as bridges to her canvas.

Arang Choi, Parallel, 2023. Private Collection, New York. Courtesy of the artist & newcube. 

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Many of her figures sit against a dark, mysterious background, inviting contemplation of what lies beneath the surface. She describes this space as possibilities. Works become visual puzzles, urging viewers to sit with the piece, to figure out what is lurking there. 
Discussing inspirations, Choi referenced artists such as Henri Rousseau, Leonora Carrington, Nicole Eisenman and Marc Chagall, among many others. She describes how mostly all her inspiration comes from nature &#8211; mostly plants and animals as well as &#8220;their strange and extreme moments.&#8221; Her fascination with rare and peculiar flora and fauna serves as a testimony to her insatiable curiosity and thirst for the unconventional.
Surrealism, with its emphasis on the subconscious and the dreamlike, is a seemingly fitting vessel for Choi’s work. Though she employs the term &#8220;surrealism&#8221; to describe her practice, her introspective responses during the interview unveils another layer of her artistic philosophy. The merging of reality and the abstract within her works reflects a journey into the depths of the human psyche, and a desire to genuinely connect with her audience.

Arang Choi, Fluid Organism series 1, 2022. Courtesy of the artist & newcube. 

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Arang Choi, Fluid Organism series 1, 2022 (in situ). Courtesy of the artist & newcube. 

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&#8220;My works are like my dream stage.&#8221; 
Emotionally, all works invite viewers to explore their own feelings and interpretations, creating a diverse tapestry of emotional reactions. &#8220;All emotions play a role according to one&#8217;s own experience&#8221;, she states. Arang Choi’s commitment to allowing viewers the freedom to interpret her work through their unique perspectives underscores her respect for individuality. She describes her fascination with how “different we are and [how we] can interpret.”
Her approach to titling works is both intuitive and pragmatic, as she doesn’t enjoy titling a piece. She tells me how she doesn’t appreciate “[summing] up all the possibilities of fantasy in one sentence,” not wanting to impose limitations to understanding of her works, emphasising her commitment to connecting with her audience organically.

Arang Choi, Emulb am Feuerwerk, 2020. Courtesy of the artist & newcube. 

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Arang Choi’s connection with her works is both personal and profound. They are externalisations of her inner worlds with each brushstroke encapsulating a fragment of her soul, breathing life into her art and transcending the boundaries between artist and artwork. Choi’s dream project would be to make an installation, one born from a vivid dream and desire to create a powerful experience, a tapestry of objects, colors, and sensations that leave an indelible mark on her creative consciousness.

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Curator Mollie Barnes dives into the fantastical world of Vienna-based artist Arang Choi whose works guide us through through an intricate realm where mysteries, emotions and dreams converge. 


Surrealism, secrets and souls: an interview with Arang Choi

Curator Mollie Barnes dives into the fantastical world of Vienna-based artist Arang Choi. Discover and read more.

Surrealism, secrets and souls: an interview with Arang Choi - newcube.

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Saj Issa in her studio, photo credit Ian Byers-Gamber

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“The reality is that I have a political identity, and I’m just making art that&#8217;s informed by my surroundings and experience.”
Saj Issa<a href="https://sajissa.com/about-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a> is one of the most exciting talents working today. A Palestinian-American artist, Issa’s practice explores vital topics, including cultural erasure, dispute, displacement, capitalism and climate change. In a recent interview, Issa described how each of these themes and realities are not isolated. They happen simultaneously within our society, and are each derived from capitalism.

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Issa&#8217;s artistic journey has taken a profound impact, as she recently spent time in Ramallah, Palestine. The regional transition between Palestine, Los Angeles and St. Louis, Missouri where she is currently based, has had a significant influence on her practice, fueling her exploration of the current social context and the contrasting realities between these places.
She begins each day in the studio early, “before the remaining 75% of the village wakes up.” She collects an abundance of “consumed, battered objects” from the streets of Ramallah, each serving as the starting point and subject for her daily drawing practice. Artwork begins with ideas scribbled down in words, then a loose sketch, then tighter. Boards are primed, and tiles are laid. Working predominantly with clay and ceramics, Saj uses a variety of mediums to best communicate the varied and nuanced topics.
“I must know the blank slate will get dirty for a decent reason,” she justifies.
Reflecting on this recent transition, Issa describes how, “in LA, [she] was checking the forecast to see if it was sunny enough to play tennis.” When she spends time in Palestine, “[she] has to check the news to see if anyone is getting forced out of their home to be sure it’s safe to travel.“ The shift from checking sunny forecasts in LA to verifying the safety of travel amid potential conflicts and displacement in Palestine, and now working from her hometown St. Louis underscores the stark differences in the environments she now navigates.

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These contrasts are drastic &#8211; and somehow still shocking to some in the ‘Western world’ They make up the forefront of her works. A standout of Issa’s works are the incorporation of ‘Western’ languages, brands and logos – each a highly commercial aspect – layered before ornate ceramic tiles that have traditionally been tools to represent the “divine principles of unity and order, as evidenced by God’s creation of the universe.” In doing so, Issa describes how she draws “parallels of ubiquitous, powerful corporations to the transcendent of The Higher Being.” Her use of tiles are as a “ tool to express repetition of advertisement while simultaneously being decorative.”
These interventions are markedly jarringly. Brands that have made critical impacts to our lives and planet are featured – including Nike, Shell, Coca-Cola and tobacco companies. Each mass produced, each defining mass consumption. They are repeated within the works, just as they are printed across our lives. Inescapable. Relentless.
Through this juxtaposition, Saj draws attention to the impact of colonisation on “indigenous ways of life… in obvious and woefully mundane ways”, highlighting the pervasive influence of powerful corporations. She goes further, examining how “signs, symbols, and language transfuse with one another.” and how “The hybridity in [her] art is a reflection of the way [she] perceive(s) globalisation and [her] urgency to document it.”
“Trying to survive is 75% of the journey.”
Issa rarely feels attached to a singular piece, but weeps at the loss of a body of work that has developed within the space. “All my emotional energy gets put into the work… plus I spend so much time in my studio… the art hears all the gossip.”

Saj Issa, Evicted From The Hachoora, MFA Thesis exhibition at New Wight Gallery, UCLA, Los Angeles, 2023. Photo credit Ian Byers-Gamber

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One of Saj&#8217;s notable exhibitions was her thesis show, <a href="https://sajissa.com/">Evicted From The Hachoora</a>, 2023. Striking panel works emulated these similar ideas, with vibrancy and clarity fading from each logo as it moved down the piece. Reflecting on the overstimulation of adverts in LA, each “competing for attention”, Issa draws parallel to current road signs, each displaying three languages’. Rather than ignoring these signs, “it’s important to read each sign because some state who is prohibited from entering certain roads.” A key theme within the exhibition was Issa’s imagining of “what information [she would] rather not see exist.

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In her artistic journey, Issa has found inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Sliman Mansour, Mona Hatoum, William Kentridge, David Hammons, Ed Ruscha, and Tom Wesselmann. Titles are carefully chosen to encapsulate the essence of each piece, each drawn from  “a soundbite of harangue”. They range from John Berger quotes and names of deliberate, violent military tactics to location names and even one of the &#8220;99 names of God in Arabic.&#8221; Each title represents the “seed of inspiration or conclusion of the artwork”, reflecting her intention to communicate profound messages through her creations.
As Saj prepares for upcoming group exhibitions this year, and a solo in 2024, her artwork continues to evolve and make powerful statements about regional transitions, cultural erasure, and the pressing issues that affect both the US and Palestine. Her commitment to documenting the social context and her surroundings remains steadfast, creating art that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Curator and writer Mollie Barnes interviews artist Saj Issa. “The reality is that I have a political identity, and I’m just making art that's informed by my surroundings and experience.”

 A Weight of Consumption: Displacement and Transition, an interview with Saj Issa

A Weight of Consumption: Displacement and Transition, an interview with Saj Issa - newcube.

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Diallo Simon-Ponte. Photo credit: Akhira Montague

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In this summer spotlight, we chat with Diallo Simon-Ponte, curator, Black Art supporter and Assistant to Director Antwaun Sargent at Gagosian. Diallo has a keen eye for talented artists and is primed to follow in the footsteps of one of the world&#8217;s most respected curators today.
Hi Diallo, great to reconnect with you. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to enter the art world?
I’m deeply grateful to have grown up with parents who understood the value of knowledge, so local artist’s artwork, African masks, and black literature adorned the walls and bookshelves of my childhood home. However, for much of my life my focus was always on playing professional soccer and it wasn&#8217;t until I was playing D1 at Fairfield University where I took an African American Art History course that changed my life. The class was taught by Professor Andrew Davenport who is a descendant of Sally Heming’s. He exposed me to a plethora of Black Artists and ideologies around the Black Arts that I quickly became deeply enamored with. It was then I felt called to explore these ideas for the rest of my life.
You work at Gagosian, can you tell us a little bit about your role and what your day to day is like? 

Before I began at Gagosian I was an admirer of the curator, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sirsargent/">Antwaun Sargent</a> and am fortunate to have now been working for him at the Gallery for close to two years now. My title is Assistant to the Director and he’s been incredibly welcoming in helping me expand that definition to broaden all I can gain from the role. Day to day at a Gallery like Gagosian is incredibly dynamic and can include the drafting of exhibition abstracts, compiling research on contemporary artists, sales strategy and outreach, managerial and scheduling duties, coordinating artist dinners and after parties, and handling artwork shipments are some of the tasks that remain consistent.
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You also curate, what has been your most exciting experience/project and what are some of your upcoming projects?
At this time, I feel I’m in an intensely studious period where I’m learning a certain curatorial acumen from Antwaun and at the same time training my eye working at Gagosian so much of my energy is dedicated to learning. Earlier this year Antwaun brought me on to a project working with <a href="https://hannahtraoregallery.com/exhibition/helmut-lang-seen-by-antwaun-sargent-yobwoc/">Helmut Lang at Hannah Traore Gallery</a> where he commissioned a series of artists to respond to the notion of the Cowboy. He allowed for a fluid conversation around the selection of artists which included <a href="https://www.instagram.com/turiyadkins/?hl=en">Turiya Adkins</a>, American Artist, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/awolerizku/?hl=en">Awol Erizku,</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/devinbjohnson/?hl=en">Devin B. Johnson</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/leroysoundsystem/?hl=en-gb">Justen Leroy</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamdanielobasi/?hl=en">Daniel Obasi</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/__________quay/">Quay Quinn Wolf. </a>
Outside of the space of the gallery, a couple months ago I put together a film screening <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3954418/">Dreams Are Colder Than Death</a> by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anamibia/?hl=en">Arthur Jafa</a> and followed it with a panel led conversation to encourage discourse around the geographic localities of expectation in the art world. I’m also really excited about an article I’ve written about the overlap in Chef, Nathanael Cox and Architect, Dominique Petit Frere’s artistic practice which is meant to come out this summer!

We first met you when you were curating Shantel Miller’s work in the Black Art Sessions exhibition Straight Lick. How do you find and curate artists? Do you have expertise or a focus in a particular movement or era?
My pairing with <a href="https://shantel-miller.format.com/about">Shantel Miller</a> for the <a href="https://straightlick.com/14-Between-the-Linoleum-Me">Black Art Sessions</a> was completely the work of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ebotron/">Ebony Haynes</a> who conceived and structured the entire project. I remember being so youthfully excited but also very ready to work with an artist as brilliant as Shantel. Working with Shantel was really seminal in how I feel my eye has grown to identify what I like about an artist. Before thinking about the work I focus on the mind of the maker. I usually am looking for a deep love for the technical, the proclivity for narrative, and the imagination for research. Also I don&#8217;t really frame it in my head as “searching” for artists but finding people I enjoy thinking with.

Diallo Simon-Ponte next to Woman in Tub by Shantel Miller at Straight Lick Exhibition. Photographed by Emily Lombardi, 2021

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What advice do you have for other young people trying to enter the art world?
Relentlessly pursue your curiosity and read endlessly about the things you love.
Do you collect yourself at all? If you could own one dream artwork, what would it be?
I have a small collection of works by artists Rossana Romero, Lamar Robillard, Bakari Akinyele, Luke Austin, and Aaron Laserna to name a few. 
If I could own any artwork it would probably be Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali or Blood by Barkley Hendricks.

The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory, Salvador Dalí, 1952-54

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Barkley Hendricks, Blood (Donald Formey), 1975

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As someone based in NY, how do you feel the city’s art scene has shifted over the years? 
I’ve lived in NY only a couple years now and am still understanding how the city’s art scene is evolving but in the past year and half assisting on exhibitions of the likes of <a href="https://gagosian.com/artists/rick-lowe/">Rick Lowe</a>, <a href="https://gagosian.com/artists/tyler-mitchell/">Tyler Mitchell</a>, <a href="https://gagosian.com/artists/amanda-williams/">Amanda Williams</a>, <a href="https://gagosian.com/artists/awol-erizku/">Awol Erizku</a>, <a href="https://gagosian.com/artists/cy-gavin/">Cy Gavin</a>, and <a href="https://gagosian.com/artists/alexandria-smith/">Alexandria Smith</a> at Gagosian I understand that these faces at this level of gallery is rarity. I deeply believe in and respect Antwaun Sargent’s vision.
Last question for you, from newcube’s artists, who would be your few favorite ones? And are there particular artworks you’d pick for your personal collection? 
Proudly and loudly <a href="https://www.newcube.art/artist/shantel-miller">Shantel Miller</a>. I am also quite fond of <a href="https://www.newcube.art/artist/brandon-elijah-johnson">Brandon Elijah Johnson’s</a> work.

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Brandon Elijah Johnson, Claire's Knees, 2022. 

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Meet Diallo Simon-Ponte, curator, Black Arts champion and Assistant to Director Antwaun Sargent at Gagosian. Diallo has a keen eye for talented artists and is primed to follow in the footsteps of one of the world's most respected curators today. 

Spotlight on Diallo Simon-Ponte

Meet Diallo Simon-Ponte, curator, Black Art supporter and Assistant to Director Antwaun Sargent at Gagosian. Diallo has a keen eye for talented artists and is primed to follow in the footsteps of one of the world's most respected curators today.

Spotlight on Diallo Simon-Ponte - newcube.

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1. Black Art: In the Absence of Light, 2021<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Black-Art-Absence-David-Driskell/dp/B08W8D8PL4" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a>
Presented by HBO, this compelling documentary showcases the rich legacy of African-American art spanning two centuries, tracing its evolution to the present day.
Through engaging interviews with esteemed curators, artists, and scholars such as Jordan Casteel, Amy Sherald, Carrie Mae Weems, Kara Walker, Faith Ringgold, Kehinde Wiley, and numerous others, the film delves into the captivating stories and experiences of these creatives. Their poignant and thought-provoking insights shed light on the historical neglect endured by African-American artists and emphasise the urgent importance of acknowledging and rectifying. 
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Black-Art-Absence-David-Driskell/dp/B08W8D8PL4" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon.</a>

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2. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aggie-Agnes-Gund/dp/B08L43NVSL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FZEW950L3SK&#038;keywords=aggie+the+movie&#038;qid=1689008284&#038;s=instant-video&#038;sprefix=aggie+the+movi%2Cinstant-video%2C80&#038;sr=1-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Aggie, 2020</a>
Aggie depicts the remarkable journey of Agnes Gund, a prominent art collector and philanthropist. This documentary delves into the intersection of art, race, and justice, as it explores Gund&#8217;s decision to sell a 2017 Roy Lichtenstein painting titled &#8216;Masterpiece&#8217; for a staggering $165 million. Inspired by this sale, Gund initiates the Art for Justice Fund, an organisation dedicated to combating mass incarceration. The film presents an exceptional portrayal of Gund&#8217;s generosity and highlights the transformative impact of social change.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aggie-Agnes-Gund/dp/B08L43NVSL/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FZEW950L3SK&#038;keywords=aggie+the+movie&#038;qid=1689008284&#038;s=instant-video&#038;sprefix=aggie+the+movi%2Cinstant-video%2C80&#038;sr=1-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon Prime. </a>

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3. <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81406333" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Made you Look: A True Story About Fake Art, 2020</a>
Directed by Barry Avrich, this captivating feature-length documentary unravels the mesmerising world of art forgery. 
Delving into the notorious Knoedler Gallery forgery scandal and subsequent trial, the film sheds light on the intricacies of this grand illusion. The scandal rocked the art world when the esteemed New York Gallery faced accusations of selling counterfeit Abstract Expressionist masterpieces attributed to renowned artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. The documentary exposes the astonishing events that led to the closure of the gallery.
<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81406333" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Netflix. </a>

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4. <a href="https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/drawing-the-line-a-portrait-of-keith-haring/umc.cmc.2fvo7rf5vqc7xhgqzaf1j8e7b" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Drawing the Line: The Graphic Legacy of Keith Haring, 2005</a>
Drawing from a wealth of archival footage, this documentary delves into the enigmatic life of the iconic artist, Keith Haring. 
From his early days in the graffiti scene of New York to his meteoric rise to international fame, the film traces the remarkable journey of an artist whose influence reverberated across the globe. Titled &#8220;Drawing the Line,&#8221; the documentary not only showcases Haring&#8217;s art but also features illuminating interviews with his colleagues and friends, providing fresh insights into the man behind the artistic genius. Through this exploration, viewers are immersed in Haring&#8217;s world, gaining a deeper understanding of his impact and enduring legacy.
<a href="https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/drawing-the-line-a-portrait-of-keith-haring/umc.cmc.2fvo7rf5vqc7xhgqzaf1j8e7b" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on AppleTV.</a>

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5. <a href="https://theartofmakingitfilm.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Art of Making It, 2022</a>
This captivating film is an absolute must-watch. Offering a thought-provoking perspective, it provides an extraordinary glimpse into the contemporary art scene. 
Through the lens of a group of young artists teetering on the precipice of failure or triumph, the audience is granted exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes workings of the unregulated and mysterious art world of today. While the documentary does not offer definitive solutions, it serves as a powerful medium to shed light on the existing challenges and underscores the ongoing necessity for change. With its remarkable insights, this film serves as an exceptional catalyst for dialogue surrounding the issues at hand.
<a href="https://theartofmakingitfilm.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on iTunes, Amazon, YouTube and Google Play. </a>

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6. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Waste-Land-Vik-Muniz/dp/B004QM882A" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Waste Land, 2010</a>
Witness the transformative power of art in this remarkable documentary that explores the concept of creating masterpieces from waste. 
Accompany artist Vik Muniz on a captivating journey to the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, where he collaborates with landfill workers to produce awe-inspiring contemporary art. Set against the backdrop of an increasingly aware world grappling with the significance of waste and the environment, this uplifting film places the indomitable human spirit and the urgency for climate action at its heart. It showcases the potential for creative expression to transcend boundaries and illuminate the path towards a sustainable future. Prepare to be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the immense beauty that can emerge from unexpected sources.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Waste-Land-Vik-Muniz/dp/B004QM882A" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon.</a>

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7. <a href="http://www.thepriceofeverything.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Price of Everything, 2018</a>
&#8220;The Price of Everything&#8221; is a thought-provoking documentary from 2018 that takes its title from an insightful quote by Oscar Wilde in Lady Windermere&#8217;s Fan. This captivating film delves into the current state of the contemporary art market, shedding light on a world where the pursuit of monetary worth often eclipses true artistic value. Through compelling interviews with influential figures in the contemporary art scene such as Jeff Koons, Marilyn Minter, Jerry Saltz, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and many others, the documentary offers deep insights and diverse perspectives on this complex industry. Prepare to be engaged and challenged as you embark on a journey that questions the balance between price and intrinsic artistic significance.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Price-Everything-Jeff-Koons/dp/B0C54L7Z2V/ref=tmm_aiv_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&#038;qid=&#038;sr=" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon.</a>

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8. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Through-Gift-Shop-Banksy/dp/B004FVJQGO" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Exit Through the Gift Shop, 2010</a>
No art documentary list is complete without acknowledging Banksy&#8217;s impactful 2010 documentary. This film chronicles the captivating journey and meteoric rise to fame of Thierry Guetta, a French immigrant. Over the course of several years, Thierry Guetta documented the work of street artists, capturing their creative process and artistic expressions. Banksy&#8217;s documentary provides a compelling narrative that sheds light on the underground world of street art while exploring the remarkable story of Thierry Guetta&#8217;s immersion within it. Prepare to be enthralled as you witness the intersection of art, culture, and personal transformation in this influential film.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Exit-Through-Gift-Shop-Banksy/dp/B004FVJQGO" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon.</a>

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9. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blurred-Lines-Inside-Art-World/dp/B07526M55L" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blurred Lines: Inside the Art World, 2017</a>
This gripping documentary shines a spotlight on the alluring but ruthless realm of the contemporary art world and market. It artfully captures the external allure of this domain while revealing its fiercely competitive nature. Through compelling excerpts, the film showcases the perspectives of renowned artists like Marina Abramovic and Damien Hirst, offering profound insights into their experiences and reflections. Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the complex and multifaceted world of contemporary art, where beauty and ambition intertwine in a captivating dance.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Blurred-Lines-Inside-Art-World/dp/B07526M55L" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon.</a>

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10. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Light-Art-Blind-Photographers/dp/B01N0ZARQ6" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dark Light: The Art of Blind Photographers, 2009</a>
We found great appreciation in the way this film delved into the lives and artistic journeys of three visually impaired artists. Through the unique perspectives of Bruce Hall, Henry Butler, and Pete Eckert, viewers are granted a profound opportunity to witness the world through their distinct experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of creating art without sight. The film beautifully portrays their remarkable practices, shedding light on the extraordinary ways in which they navigate and interpret the world around them. Prepare to be inspired as you embark on a profound exploration of artistry and the boundless human spirit.
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Light-Art-Blind-Photographers/dp/B01N0ZARQ6" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Watch now on Amazon.</a>

With curator and writer Mollie Barnes, we delve into newcube's top 10 curated list of Art World documentaries sure to inspire and teach throughout the Summer. 

10 Art World Documentaries to Watch this Summer

Let's delve into our top 10 curated list of Art World documentaries sure to inspire and teach throughout the Summer!

10 Art World Documentaries to watch this Summer - newcube.

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Baoying Huang in her Long Island City studio. Courtesy of the artist & newcube

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“In a world that&#8217;s constantly bombarding us with information and events, it&#8217;s a conscious decision to pay attention to the mundane.”
Moving away from the mechanical state of education she experienced growing up in China, Huang moved to the US to pursue her studies about 7 years ago. Here, Huang learned how to freely create. The last few years have seen Huang embrace the charm of realism, while most of her inspiration stems from intuition, as nothing can truly bind an artist.
Her inspiration also comes from a multitude of spaces; female artists such as Catherine Murphy, Jennifer Bartlett, Vija Celmins, and Sylvia Plimack Mangold, as well as her imagination, research and readings. 
Carefully selecting her scenes, Huang makes the mundane, spectacular. She describes the seemingly quiet moments as “creases in our routine that are essential to our lives”. These quieter moments are, to the artist, more important to us in the long run. “That&#8217;s why painting is such a powerful medium. It allows us to capture and prolong these fleeting moments, giving them the attention and significance they deserve.” Works are autobiographical, often reflecting her state of mind during the moment of creation. The scenes depicted are transcendental moments she catches in the mundanity of life, making them all the more real and tangible. 
Many works incorporate a clearly technological, digital aspect. Be that a machine being depicted, grid lines, QR codes and so forth. Huang began incorporating these elements such as computer screens and pixelated Chinese characters into her paintings during the COVID-19 pandemic when social interactions were limited. In her own words, “these elements represent the increasing role of digital technology in our lives.” 
Titles come to her unexpectedly. While working with a cup of coffee in hand and her dog by her side, she listens to podcasts and music, which often synchronize with the flow of the painting in progress. When the lyrics match, these often become the titles. She says this intuitive process of choosing titles not only adds an element of spontaneity to her work, but also balances out the strictness of the painting itself and completes the story. Working in oil paints, Huang often enjoys working on several paintings at once. Her studio is her haven. She describes how it protects her most sensitive nerves.
“I wish my paintings can be more than the images the viewer can perceive on the surface. They embed my hope in the world.”
A series the artist spoke about was Sisters I Never Met. Within this body of work, flowers are imbued with metaphors that relate to women&#8217;s fate, going beyond being merely beautiful still-life paintings. Huang contrasts this to the way flowers are utilized commercially in society, such as Valentine&#8217;s Day bouquets, wedding flowers; and as she describes “arrangements imposed by humans and meaning imposed upon flowers, as if it is their natural duty to be beautiful”. This body of work challenges the representations of flowers. She elaborates, “this is a shared fate &#8211; we are all sisters who have never met. The images juxtaposed with the flowers in my paintings hold many possible definitions, representing authority, restraint, harm, and something opposite to women&#8217;s consciousness. It is the reflection raised by the juxtaposition that I wish to bring to the audience&#8217;s attention.”
2023 is a busy year for Huang, with her first solo exhibition in the US at <a href="https://latitudegallery.nyc/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Latitude Gallery</a>, NYC in May, as well as two group exhibitions in Beijing in June. As if that wasn’t enough, she is exhibiting in another solo exhibition with <a href="https://mouprojects.com/en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mou Projects</a>, in Hong Kong, in October. Prior to these exhibitions, Huang will be showing two works at <a href="https://futurefairs.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Future Fair</a>, with newcube early May. 
Visit newcube at <a href="https://futurefairs.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Future Fair</a>!
BOOTH R5 
Chelsea Industrial 
535 W 28th ST 
New York, NY 10001
May 10-13, 2023

Baoying Huang, Plush Love, 2023. Courtesy of the artist & newcube

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Ahead of newcube's participation to Future Fair and Baoying Huang's presence in her first art fair in the US, art writer and curator Mollie Barnes spoke to the artist about her creative process and her inspirations. 

Everyday is more important than the bigger picture: an interview with Baoying Huang

Ahead of Future Fair and Baoying Huang's first art fair participation, Barnes spoke to the artist about her creative process and inspirations.

Everyday is more important than the bigger picture: an interview with Baoying Huang - newcube.

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Nick Farhi, Tangled Up In Blue, 2022. Courtesy of the artist & newcube

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Tranquility base (Modern Ruin with Red, Blue and Yellow) - 71

“In a circle of friends, he wonders “what their glasses would think of them.””
Nick Farhi makes small objects, extraordinary. Cookware, shiny toasters, bottles, ceramic figurines, crystal shapes and glasses – each painted into a painterly, visual adventure from the everyday. 
Farhi arrives at the painting studio at 9am &#8211; sharp. Often working long hours throughout the day on his fascinating still life scenes. His inspirations come from ideas of society, as well as a desire to make strong, visual metaphors that explore our shared existence. 
Farhi’s artistic journey began when “touching sculptures as a child in the Guggenheim!”. Noting how he would not do this now, he tells me that touching the works so intimately gave an unmatched sense of awe, “that art is enormous, captivating and rare”. Working across a variety of media, including oil, utilizing his iPhone, with stencils, pastels and spray paint, I was particularly fascinated by his works on metal. Selected as a surface after seeing the works of some of his heroes, namely Dike Blair and Marilyn Minter who painted on a similar canvas, he enjoyed experimenting with the substrate when working between LA and Mexico. The surface is unmatched in its flatness, perfect for rendering his accurate visions. Indeed, visiting and meeting other artists is a key and enjoyable part of his life, saying how he believes “it important to be outside of the studio weekly”.
Works are a “life long relationship” &#8211; one of immense care, research, poeticizing, reflecting, envisioning and perfecting. Farhi paints to expert realism, expanding these &#8211; often overlooked &#8211; objects into a large scale. They become unmissable, and imbued with context; intricate brush strokes render light from challenging materials and forms. 
One such challenge is his frequent representation of glass: fish tanks, bowls, ornaments, glasses, bottles, jugs… Painstakingly created, glass here references a warning to viewers on how fragile a Western, consumerist society is. He describes how, in one work, “earthy green glass represented our environmental detriments” while depicted “glass slippers nodded to the 1,000 year old fable of Cinderella – an oration which can be traced across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Where in which the protagonist is thwarted with the expectation that they need to love a luxury found object (the slipper) in order to ascend and find inner happiness. This is much like the way corporations today tell us what is needed objectively to join what they refer to as the ‘heights of society’.”
A focus on mundane objects further explores the artist’s insight into a capitalistic, consumerist present. We have become “a society so entrenched with instant gratification, driven by late capitalism, and to what end? I am not painting paintings for the instant gratification of someone enjoying them, yet to produce a latent effect.” Rather than addressing our daily life, he describes his works rather as “advertisements for the objects of daily life.” They have references to found imagery, often from the internet, travel, sometimes from memories of his Grandmother’s home, books, films, stories from friends. He gives agency, life and stories to these objects. They are not merely background props of utensils, but rather, stars of their own show. Inspiration is drawn from everywhere. Farhi has referenced how the artist Gaughin was constantly observing that and those around him. Upon seeing people share a drink, he wondered “what their glasses would think of them.” A particular period of his practice saw his ideas draw from accidental photographs, meaning postings of people’s possessions and “junk” on sites like Craigslist and eBay. These became references in his works. This online method of influence shopping was only exacerbated during the pandemic. He describes how many of these objects were somewhat universal, representing “archetypes that reflected society and its function within our consciousness.” 
Works are not merely representational – they each share an entrenched story and mystery. Titles add another layer – who is moving? Where are they going? What are they saying to one another? 
While Farhi is currently working on new works that will be exhibited in New York, he is also pursuing “ideas that stop [him] in his own tracks.” With a laptop full of writing and dream projects, there is no telling what he will continue to achieve. For the time being, we look forward to discovering his new paintings at <a href="https://futurefairs.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Future Fair</a> with newcube in May. 
Visit newcube at <a href="https://futurefairs.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Future Fair</a>!
BOOTH R5 
Chelsea Industrial 
535 W 28th ST 
New York, NY 10001
May 10-13, 2023

Nick Farhi, Regarding States of Ecstasy (Drink a Coke, Have a Sandwich/in the Periphery of Cherry Garcia), 2023. Courtesy of the artist & newcube

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Tranquility base (Modern Ruin with Red, Blue and Yellow) - 58

Ahead of newcube's second participation to Future Fair in New York, writer, art critic and curator Mollie Barnes spoke to NY-based Nick Farhi about his paintings and his upcoming projects and works. 

The painted language of things: an interview with artist Nick Farhi

Writer, art critic and curator Mollie Barnes spoke to Nick Farhi about his paintings and his upcoming exhibitions in New York.

The painted language of things: an interview with artist Nick Farhi - newcube.

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Maria Vogel at Rococinco, Los Angeles. Courtesy BFA

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A few weeks ago, newcube’s cofounders Bibi and Claire had the pleasure to sit down and chat with Maria Vogel, a young art advisor and writer based in New York, founder of Rococo Advisory and Rococinco. 
A pleasure to connect again, Maria. You wear many hats, as a writer, curator, advisor, and also in many ways patron of the arts. What transcends when speaking with you is your genuine passion for artists and your support of their work and careers. We would love to hear more about your unique trajectory in the art world. What brought you to the art scene initially and to establishing Rococo? 
First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for that moving introduction! It will never cease to thrill me to know that is how I am received by my peers because it’s something I work toward daily.
I was brought into the art scene by way of moving to New York at 22 and enrolling in an MA for Art Business. After beginning my career at a blue-chip gallery and experiencing its limitations toward personal growth, I set out on a very non-linear path to find the growth within the art world I was so hungry to experience.
Could you tell us a little more about Rococo’s mission and projects? 
Rococo is an advisory focused on creating touchstones of connection between collectors, art enthusiasts, and artists. Our mission is focused around lifting the veils of the art world while bringing more and more people into the fold and helping them on their collecting journeys. Apart from operating as a full-service advisory, Rococo hosts regular activations, including group studio visits, exhibition walkthroughs, and a dinner party series, Rococinco. Each of these gatherings aims to generate a space for memorable interactions and close engagement with artists.
We love the concept of your Rococo dinners. We’d love to hear more about those events. How did this idea come about and how do you typically choose the artists and guests that you bring together on those special nights? 
My dinner parties are called Rococinco – a play on the advisory name and the number five, since each dinner celebrates five different artists. I always say that the idea of merging art and food is certainly not something I was the first to come up with, but I do think my timing and spin on it has been the recipe for success. Coming out of the pandemic, I had a reawakening – as so many of us did – on how I wanted to spend my free time. My idea of an ideal night involves homecooked food, cozy ambiance, and the company of others who inspire me. Dinner parties really seemed to take on a new role during this time as larger gatherings became less and less frequent.
While in this headspace, I started to dream up what a dinner party for the art world could look like. It didn’t happen overnight—in fact the concept took on many different iterations as it tossed around my mind and I tried to piece everything together. This summer, I felt ready to bring things to fruition and it just so happened to coincide with the launch of Rococo. That was really the finishing touch—realizing that the ethos of my advisory and what I was creating with Rococinco were so in tandem.
Each dinner will look a little different than the last – a new venue, chef, group of artists – but the idea of coming together and celebrating artists over a shared meal will remain the same. So far, I’ve chosen artists I have personal relationships with but looking forward, I’m hoping to expand the web and invite in different partners to help curate the artist list in inventive ways. There is only one guideline I follow for guests—people who are interested and excited to be a part of the evening.

The guests at Rococinco, Los Angeles. Courtesy BFA 

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Rococinco Launches in Los Angeles with Botanica

Many collectors and artists we have met along the way have shared how friendships made in the art world have enriched their life. We spoke to you a lot about this sense of community, which we really pay a lot of attention to as well at newcube. Could you tell us how you have built a community throughout your projects? 
I think that my community really fell into place as I began to find my voice within the art world. There’s a lot of industry pressure to conform that I definitely fell victim to early on. As soon as I was able to work past that and set my own parameters of how I wanted to show up, the type of people I wanted to surround myself with also showed up. I’ve always felt like I connect more to artists than to other industry professionals and many of my close friends are also the artists I’m trying to get onto more people’s radar and into more people’s homes. 
 How do you typically meet new collectors? 
Many of the collectors I’ve been lucky to support I’ve met organically, either by introduction or referral from other collectors or people in my life. Instagram has played a role as well, but in my opinion, nothing beats meeting in real life by happenstance and realizing you share a common thread that could lead to an advising relationship – these moments tend to happen at art fairs or events totally outside of the art world.

Rococinco traveled to LA for Frieze 2023 and honored artists Greg Ito, Lily Stockman, Aryana Minai, Carlos Jaramillo, and Emma Webster. Courtesy BFA

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Do you collect art yourself? If yes, who are some of the artists in your collection? 
Ever since I started to have even a little bit of disposable income, it’s gone towards collecting art. I’m fortunate to live with art by some of my closest friends: Lujan Perez, Hunter Potter, Austyn Weiner, Kristin Texiera, and Caleb Hahne Quintana, as well as pieces I cherish by Dani Orchard, Basil Kincaid, Mia Middleton, Kevin McNamee Tweed, and Daisy Dodd Noble, to name a few.
As an advisor, who are the artists who have been the most interesting discoveries for you? Do you have an area of expertise?  
I love when I get the chance to meet and visit with an artist when they are in this particular sweet spot on the cusp of growth. I always keep tabs on any artist I meet and connect with and in this way, get to witness their progression through the art world and remember the before moment we spent together. I don’t know if I would go as far to claim expertise but I’ve developed a good sense of pinpointing which young or newly discovered artists will really take the art world by storm.
Which artists, writers, academics, curators and other creative thinkers have influenced you throughout the years? 
Inside the art world: Leonora Carrington, Su Wu, Kimberly Drew, Peggy Guggenheim, and Elizabeth Dee. Outside the art world: Hanya Yanagihara, Ocean Vuong, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and my Aunt Julie.
Would you have any specific advice to emerging artists?
I’ve never been in an artist’s shoes so I won’t pretend to be a voice of authority in this arena, but over the course of hundreds of studio visits something that sticks out to me as one of the most intoxicating traits an artist can have is knowing the why behind every decision they are making in their practice. When you can feel an artist is making work that is so purely themselves, it’s one of the most beautiful experiences to encounter.
Any fun predictions for trends in 2023-2024? 
I try to steer clear of the word trends in art because I want what I am doing to help others to last much longer than the life cycle of a trend. One thing I hope will occur more in the next year is young collectors taking an interest in adding depth to their collection, be it through older or lesser-known artists, deceased artists, or pieces that are in direct conversation with one another.
What has been the most exciting exhibition you’ve seen in the past year? 
Surrealism and Magic: Enchanted Modernity at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
Thank you for your insights and for sharing your story with us. We look forward to seeing you soon!

The first rendition of Rococinco. Courtesy BFA

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Maria Vogel Celebrates The Launch of Rococo Advisory

Meet Maria Vogel, a young and inspiring art advisor, curator, writer and founder of Rococo, an art advisory that aims to connect collectors, art enthusiasts and artists.

Spotlight on Maria Vogel: from Rococo to Rococinco

Meet Maria Vogel, a young and inspiring art advisor, curator, writer and founder of Rococo, connecting collectors, art lovers and artists.

Spotlight on Maria Vogel: from Rococo to Rococinco - newcube.

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