Congratulations! It's a ...

Grand success? Yes, exactly. Last night here at Like the Spice we celebrated the opening of Chino Amobi's show, "Pregnancy Pact." It was a beautiful night, not to hot and not too cold. There were plenty of new faces (straight off the Chinatown bus from Richmond even), as well as our repeat biggest fans. And even as the sun set and the night became dark, Chino's work never dimmed, in fact, it may even have become brighter against the backdrop of the attendees' excitement.


There was something here for everyone and no one left unsatisfied. From the print on Chino's button down to the slick surfaces atop his digital collage work, people couldn't get enough. In the wise words of Mr. Amobi himself, "my whole life has been leading up to this shirt." Yes, some might have chosen to employ the word 'moment' instead of 'shirt,' but in Chino's defense it was a vintage button-up "Sugar Daddy" shirt (I think we all knew what he really meant anyway, having found it in a Williamsburg vintage shop). It was a great night with amazing work made even greater by the attendance of Chino's Virginia contingency (including his wonderful mother). Thanks to one and all for attending no matter what your travel time was, we loved having you!

P.S. Also, Chino seems to be the gift that just keeps giving. When you get a second, just Google him, you'll most likely always find something new. For instance, check out this recent gem I found while cruising the world wide webs, it's fo' sho' going to be requested in t-shirt form...

Fertile Opportunity! Opening of Chino Amobi's PREGNANCY PACT Going Down at Like the Spice Tonight from 6:30-9:30!

Hey all! Come join us this evening for the opening of Chino Amobi's show Pregnancy Pact! The show is an electric display of brand new mixed media work. Amobi's collages are hybrid affairs, combining cultural references from anime to the artist's Nigerian roots. These artworks pop in acid tones and are not to be missed. Mingle and have a glass with the artists, going down here at Like the Spice tonight from 6:30-9:30 PM!

We've Seen the Light! Lopresti's Show "Afterglow" Goes Up in Washington and Catches the Attention of Local Press!

Check out the article on artist Eric LoPresti in the Washington Paper the Tri-city Herald! The article coincides with LoPresti's show "Afterglow" in Richland, Washington. LoPresti grew up in Washington. His current series of diptychs juxtaposes photorealistic renderings of aerial landscapes with abstract color gradients. The article talks about his beginnings in neuroscience, a serious turning point in his artwork, and his achievements as an artist. Yay for awesome local rags that cover awesome emerging artists!

Artist Ross Racine Interviewed on Breakthrough Radio!

Last week artist Ross Racine gave an interview to the Art Uncovered program on the hip Breakthrough Radio. Racine makes his surreal aerial images of make-believe suburbs that are configured into obsessively geometric patterns and often take simple, banal shapes. In the interview he speaks about the digital process he uses to make his images as well as his inspiration. He addresses the “vocabulary” he takes from Google Earth and his obsession with the aerial view. Racine and his interviewer pontificate eloquently on subjects such as abstraction and figuration and about how the aerial views conflate the micro and the macro, alleging to be whole towns but taking on the appearance of circuit boards. They talk about Racine’s upbringing in Montreal and discourse on the American dream. The interview provides great insight into Ross’s work and is a good listen, with segments interspersed with awesome indie tunes!

Also, be sure to check out Ross’s work in Lost Horizon at ARTJAIL on 50 Eldridge St. open from October 14 - November 13!

This post is because I love Jenny Morgan, screen shots, and New York Magazine...

Dear Jenny Morgan, you sure are a looker! Like the Spice would like to congratulate the lovely Jenny Morgan on her work being featured in the most recent issue of New York Magazine. That's right, her latest work is all over page 124 and it's just gorgeous. The front of the issue is black and white with the words "Who Runs New York?" You know, I figured that I would give you a visual just in case you wanted to go out and buy 4 or 5 copies for yourself. Jenny was approached to do a portrait of New York socialite and fashion icon, Lauren Santo Domingo and the above image is the end result. Pretty sure Rachel Zoe would definitely find it hard not to direct an "I die!" toward this piece; it is stunning.


That's right, lower left corner of the above screen shot: "Painting by Jenny Morgan." How cool is that? Congratulations to Jenny, and to the rest of you, it's time to buy your own copy!

In the words of Tyra Banks: You wanna be on top?

Well, we don't know about you all, but we here at Like the Spice seem to be experiencing the euphoric rush of feeling on top of the world. Curious about my Tyra Banks reference? (It's from America's Next Top Model, btw.) Curious also about the above screen capture? Might I tell you a bit about it? Well, it just so happens that Like the Spice was put on NYC Go's list of must see galleries. Great news huh? We are honored to be listed with many of the well established New York galleries that we have so admired over the years. The article describes Williamsburg as "a hotbed of hipness and home to many of the City's bands, performers and visual artists," what a cool place! They talk about our monthly dinner series and the prime location. We now are officially cool. And if the official guide to New York says that our dinners are delightful then maybe, if you haven't already taken our word for it, you should sign up for our next one featuring Chino Amobi: RSVP to "Cravings"! To read the full For Art's Sake: NYC Gallery Guide click here. Many thanks to "the official guide to New York City" for the positive acknowledgment!

Treasure Frey Sparkles at Artist's Dinner! Puns on Her Name Never Get Old!!

Though the silverware and wine glasses sparkled brightly at the latest instantiation of Like the Spice’s Artist’s Dinners, the delightful table was ultimately out-shown by artist Treasure Frey and her work. Guests started showing up around eight and were met with Frey’s colorful mixed-media pieces and a glass of Sangria. After getting to linger on each work and talk with the artist, everyone sat down and the intimate evening began in earnest.
Frey spoke eloquently about her work and her career. She discussed the evolution of her art as well as the differences between working in New York and L.A.. After the talk, everyone savored a delicious meal catered by the buzz-worthy new local restaurant Traif. The conversation flowed all throughout dinner, dessert, and last glasses of wine as guests discussed Frey’s work and art more generally. The evening was a huge success. Even the public speaking-shy Frey admitted to having a marvelous time!