It was an early spring evening in Chelsea and I had the pleasure of barely making it to the opening reception of Leah Yerpe‘s current solo exhibition, Internal Wilderness, at Anna Zorina Gallery. I refer to “barely making it” as a pleasure because everyone had left so there was a sacred window in which one could take their time with …
Sweet Megg Walks Us Under the Moonlight.
There is an air of nostalgia surrounding Sweet Meg’s Under the Moonlight. The album extends a hand and invites you for a stroll back in time through a warm soundscape rich with the sonic scents of love and wistfulness. Under the Moonlight is immersive. Steadfast but easy on the ears. It feels vintage without committing the sin of being outdated …
Nichole Washington’s Rebellious Black Girl.
Hailing from Minnesota, painter Nichole Washington has been cutting her teeth since deciding to take a bite out of the Big Apple and is currently on the verge of debuting her first New York solo exhibition at Untitled Space in TriBeCa. Aptly titled Rebellious Black Girl, the exhibition is a milestone for Washington and a well-deserved opportunity to show Gotham’s …
VIDEO PREMIERE: YUS Asks “Do You Still?”
VIDEO PREMIERE – It’s been a year and change since YUS released the revised version of El Yunque and the project looks to be a gift that just keeps on giving. “Do You Still?” is a succinct love letter from the future that is addressed to a past love. The song and video have been well-aged, their concepts taking on …
Kwesi Abbensetts Publishes Poems.
The multifaceted Kwesi Abbensetts recently released Poems. A film about a couple traveling through Jamaica, Poems is a far cry from your average artsy cinematic offering. Poems doesn’t break the rules, it simply ignores them. Poems possesses an enduring but delicate dichotomy that teeters on the edge while still remaining tethered to a safe, warm place that could only exist …
The Last Days of As Above, So Below by Michelle Doll at Lyons Wier Gallery.
If you are in the Chelsea area this week we suggest that you stop by Lyons Wier Gallery to see the last of Michelle Doll’s latest solo exhibition, As Above, So Below. Doll is known for creating endearing works that captures the lightning that is love in a figurative bottle. Whether it is a deep embrace or general interaction, Doll …
Ricardo Brey’s Doble Existencia/Double Existence at Alexander Gray Associates.
A brooding and covertly confrontational exhibition, Ricardo Brey’s Doble Existencia/Double Existence sits with you well after you leave the gallery. The exhibition is rich with symbolism and plunges its audience into a murky reservoir of poignant pigments, fragmented literature and found objects. The audience either willfully drowns or threads lightly. Brey is no stranger to evoking emotion and addressing life’s innerworkings. The …
NEW VIDEO: “Weave” by Ashni.
Ashni Davé, who simply goes by Ashni, recently released visuals for the single, “Weave.” The song, which has been heralded as an ode to women and selfhood, is gracefully heavy handed. It rolls, tumbles and flashes like a mesmeric storm. The juxtaposition of imagery in the video is just as striking, featuring brilliant choreography paired with pulsating visions of nature. …
NEW VIDEO: “Give It Up” by Salomon Faye Feat. Nas Leber.
Salomon Faye just released visuals for the single, “Give It Up.” Teaming up with fellow Illuzionist, Nas Leber, “Give It Up” is aggressively self assessing, triumphant and rhythmic. The video matches the rawness of the song perfectly. Shot by Dakota Blue Harper with visual effects by Alex Halbert, the video is a captivating glitchy one take featuring a dangerous looking …
Dave Persue Premiers Liminal Space at GR Gallery.
Artist Dave Persue recently debuted Liminal Space at GR Gallery on Bowery. The lively solo exhibition is a perfect balance of graffiti, fine art and merchandising. The intermingling between graffiti writers and the fine arts world has been layered and, at times, polarizing; but, Persue, pronounced Per-sway, seems to know what he is doing. He has found an ideal niche, a perfect …
5 Shows That Made White People Move to NYC.
Let us start by addressing the term “white people.” In no way are we attempting to be derogatory when we use this term. We are simply referring to migrating caucasians. But beware! This article will not kowtow to white fragility and will, in all, be an observant joyride of pop culture and sociogeographical trends. In New York City, as well …
Julia Sinelnikova Opens Ice Pores at Lazy Susan
Multifaceted artist Julia Sinelnikova recently debuted a brand new solo exhibition at Lazy Susan Gallery in the Lower East Side. Appropriately titled Ice Pores, the sculpture heavy exhibition is based around a new iteration of her celebrated “Fairy Organs” series and also builds on ideas from a previous solo exhibition, Organ Farm, which took place earlier last year. Per usual, Sinelnikova did …
The Others: What Really Happened to Charles Stewart?
The Others is a classic horror film with an famous twist that never gets stale. Although The Others partly mirrors the groundbreaking twist of M. Night Shyamalan’s Sixth Sense, the film’s nuanced narrative and neoclassical pace has made it a standout not only in the horror genre, but in cinema overall. Alejandro Amenábar’s third large film, The Others won eight …
another Gallery Presents ‘Fugue’ Inaugural Exhibition
On the evening of November 29, 2018, an enthusiastic gathering of artists, curators, and collectors came out to celebrate the launch of another Gallery. Opened under the premise that New York doesn’t necessarily need “another gallery”, its ironic name plays off the concept of creating something very unusual or significant, while merely referencing it as “another”. Promising a robust curatorial …
Making Space: Politics of Space A Triumph by Long Island City Artists and Sculptors Guild
Space can be a fraught term: as both abstract concept and concrete marker, space delineates a potentiality waiting to be made manifest. It can be argued that the exhibit “politics of space” achieved just this goal for contemporary sculpture. The exhibition, on view at Plaxall Gallery in Long Island City through Dec 2, 2018, featured works by participating artists drawn …
Give Me Some Head Pops Up in Tribeca.
David “Mr.StarCity” White has finally brought the critically acclaimed solo exhibition, Give Me Some Head, to the States! But, staying true to his showman nature, White only gave us the tip of the iceberg with a special two day pop up in Tribeca. If you missed it, don’t fret because we were there and we’re here with the review. Having recently …
Courtney McKenna Releases FIRST Official EP
Newcomer Courtney McKenna recently released her first live acoustic EP. Titled Renegade, the project is a short but sweet two song affair that leaves a lasting impression and has solid replay value. Reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, McKenna’s vocals are powerful, haunting and whimsically sensual. There is growth to made with McKenna’s sound yet this EP still resonates. You can tell that McKenna …
Jumping Through Hoops | Q&A with Lucy Orich
Idle hands aren’t always doing the devil’s work; but then again that all depends on what you consider to be deviltry. The mischievous nature of Lucy Orich’s embroidered pieces have an “inappropriate” charm that is playful, brash, clever and relative. At the core of Orich’s creation there is a moshing punkish audacity that is juxtapose with a deceptively domestic delivery. …
Parallel Pushes Art’s Boundaries at BOS.
While wandering around Bushwick a couple weeks ago during Open Studios, I found myself suddenly set a path of redemption. Although there was at least umpteen places to be, the main objective was to visit Bushwick Generator to experience Parallel: Artist Evolved, a brilliantly interactive exhibition brought to us by curator Keli Lucas and artist Justin Muñoz. Having already missed …
The Existential Journey of Joanne Leah.
Art is an outward articulation but it is also an inward journey of growth and painstaking self exploration. Joanne Leah’s work is a raw, beautiful, candid blossoming of the artist. Although she no longer uses herself as a subject, Leah manages to weave an existential narrative that is relatable but still intimately her own. When you gaze upon her work …
RECAP: Cecilia Collantes presents PARACAS: Comrades of the Wind.
Peruvian interdisciplinary artist Cecilia Collantes presented a one-night-only multimedia performance titled ”PARACAS: Comrades of the Wind” at the renowned East Village exhibit space Ideal Glass. The performance took place in front of Collantes’ mural which was done in collaboration with graffiti artist Outer Source. The mural was inspired by 3000-year-old pre-Incan supernatural shamanic characters and depicts ancient iconography from the Paracas culture, colliding in cosmic space …
Artist Amanda Browder Helps Celebrate Diner’s 20th Anniversary.
Installation maven Amanda Browder teamed with Diner restaurant to celebrate their upcoming twentieth anniversary. The Brooklyn neighborhood staple began looking for a potential creative collaborator and their search ended with Browder who was more than happy to join the celebration. Known for her sprawling psychedelic works, Browder is a phenomenal artist who often uses donated fabrics to create an eyecatching …
Kwesi Abbensetts presents Pepperpot.
We are huge fans of Kwesi Abbensetts here at Quiet Lunch, so you can only imagine our delight when we discovered that the artist recently debuted a charming photozine titled Pepperpot. Sharing its namesake with a popular and delicious Guyanese dish, Pepperpot is a gathering of striking images shot by Abbensetts. As a whole, the zine is a collective snapshot of Abbensetts’ …
NEW Music Video: “Sad” by XXXTentacion.
Visuals for XXXTentacion’s hit song “Sad!” was posthumously released today and the video is autobiographical and shockingly foreboding. The rapper was gunned down in Deerfield, Florida last week and the video’s death-centric theme only adds to the clairvoyant lore that surrounds the deceased emcee. Written and creatively directed by X himself, the shows him attending his own funeral–presumably a funeral …
Linden Hopwood Channels Kip Omolade: Coincidence or Plagiarism?
With the news of Donald Glover’s hit “This is America” possibly being a product of plagiarization, I coincidentally discovered the same scenario in the arts. For those who aren’t aware, Glover is being accused of ripping off a song, “American Pharoah”, by the lesser known rapper named Jase Harley. When you listen to both songs, there is an uncanny similarity …
Klavdia Balampanidou. | Hand to Mouth.
Currently based in Cyprus, Klavdia Balampanidou is yet another perfect example of a creative finding therapy in the work. Balampandiou newest series, From Hand to Mouth, draws from an autobiographical well anxiety, depression, fragility and instability. The series takes its name from a 1967 Bruce Nauman sculpture. Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, …
The Death of XXXTentacion: An Open Letter to Those Who Thinks He Got What He Deserved.
On June 18 2018, rising music star XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was gunned down while leaving a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Two men approached X shortly before 4 p.m. After a very brief exchange one of the two men opened fire on his black BMW and then fled in what appeared to be an attempted robbery. The …
Agni Zotis Wants Us to Step Into the Light.
Painter Agni Zotis recently debuted her compelling solo exhibition, Step Into The Light, at Project 200 in Chelsea. The stirring body of work is a culmination of vivid colors and explosive composition. In 2015 on Valentine’s Day, a man jumped to his death from the roof of Zotis’ apartment building and landed directly on her patio. Traumatized, Zotis took the …
NSFW | Creative Censorship. | Tiane Doan na Champassak.
Tiane Doan na Champassak‘s Censored consists of over 4,000 erotic images that were hand censored—by decree of the Thailand government—during the ’60s and ’70s. Featuring women’s naughty bits covered by hand-painted patterns, flowers and even insects, the concept is humorously arousing and nostalgic. It also informs us on the nature of censorship and sexuality. Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A …
Mindscapes. | Regina Scully at C24 Gallery.
The true magic of art lies in its ability to interact with its audience. When you walk into C24’s latest exhibition, Mindscapes, by Regina Scully, you instantaneously feel that magic. Scully’s pieces, a multifarious ensemble performing a colorful symphony of visual jazz, “slow and fast marks” that immediately draws you in. There is a recognizable balance of purposefully precision and improvisational …
Is Facebook Making You Unsuccessful?
Originally intended as a way for collegiate chums to keep in touch, Facebook has now grown into a monolith of cultural proportions. While some see it as a useful technological tool capable moving the societal needle, others see it as distraction that dissolving the very fiber of society itself. Despite its polarization, Facebook isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Nevertheless, just …
New Enamel Face Pin by Shantell Martin.
One of our favorite illustrators, Shantell Martin, just debuted a new enamel pin. Encouraging us all to not lose our head, this limited edition pin is now available for pre-order—but be sure to get yours now because Martin last sold out almost immediately. SHOP NOW! Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is …
Kyoto no Kodo. | Philippe Marinig.
Recently discovered Kyoto no Kodo, a series by French photographer, Philippe Marinig. Although brief, the series has a playful elegance and timeless appeal that makes quite memorable. Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such …
LiAngelo Ball Reveals UCLA Made Him Thank Trump for China Release.
A new entry in the Ball-Trump feud. During an interview with The Breakfast Club this week, former UCLA hoopster LiAngelo Ball revealed that the university made him thank President Donald Trump for helping with his release from China. Last November Ball was with teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill when they were accused of shoplifting some sunglasses and subsequently detained. …
Recess. | Brooke DiDonato.
Photographer Brooke DiDonato puts an adult spin on recess. Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE …
She Did That. | Tree Toppers by Women To Look Up To.
Tired of your holiday being too basic? Well, now you can give your holiday some life with these handmade tree toppers by Women To Look Up To. Featuring popular women such as Serena Williams, Beyoncé and Hillary Clinton, these are way better than your average angel or cherub thingy. SHOP HERE Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, …
New Pin by Dadu Shin.
We’re big fans of Dadu Shin and we are absolutely pleased to find out about his new pin! A universal hand signal meant to ward off undesirables, let this pin do it for so you don’t have to. SHOP HERE Akeem K. Duncan.Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction …
The Sound of Masturbation: 5 Masturbatory Anthems.
No Nut November is coming to an end—yes, you read correctly, No Nut November. Apparently November has been deemed a month in which some collectively refrain from the vile but ecstatic act of masturbation; otherwise referred to in more brash circles as choking the chicken, jacking (or jilling) off or flicking the bean. Unlike its counterparts “No Shave November” a.k.a. …
NYFW Recap. | EgoSoleil. | Spring/Summer 2018 Collection.
oday the staff sat down and took a look back at New York Fashion Week. While a lot of big name brands put their best foot forward as usual, we decided to focus on the up and comers and we all agreed that Ego-Soleil stole the show and our hearts. Designed by Marie and Photini, Ego-Soleil unveiled their new Spring/Summer 2018 …
Why Network Television Doesn’t Deserve The Carmichael Show.
reat shows get cancelled all the time, some for a good reason and others out of nowhere. Unfortunately, The Carmichael Show seems to have a plot in both parts of that sitcom graveyard. That is ultimately the way it goes in TV Land; but the death of The Carmichael Show reeks of foul play. Well, not foul play exactly but it seems …
Why Is Teen Vogue Teaching Your Children About Anal?
et’s get straight to the point. Teen Vogue published an article titled “Anal Sex: What You Need To Know” and people are absolutely butt hurt. Pun intended. No, but really, leave it up to a modern society to prove how unmodern it actually is when faced with a test in modernity. In all honesty, when I first read the article there was …
Rooting for the Underdog or Undermining Black Girl Magic?
veryone loves an underdog—especially when it comes to sports. The 1980 US Olympic hockey team versus the Soviet Union, Patrick Ewing and the Knicks versus Michael Jordan and the Bulls… everyone wants the “little guy” to have their day in the sun. But sometimes things aren’t so simple. Sometimes there are politics involved that can add meaning to the jeers …
The Kids Are Alright. | Torrance Hall.
Today we’re having a look at the work of conceptual photographer Torrance Hall. Only 17 years-old, the young Richmond based shutterbug is producing some striking self portraits that has landed him on our radar. What intrigues us the most about Hall’s work is the vivid commentary on masculinity. Hall, with a soft but determined gaze, challenges the constructs of “manliness”—disputing …
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop. | The Story of Bad Boy Records.
an’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story, a documentary putting a long awaited spotlight on the famed Bad Boy Records, was recently released on Apple Music. Now, if you are a fan of 90s hip hop, you know what the Bad Boy movement meant to that era and Black culture —hell, culture in general. Centered around a 2016 reunion …
Unnatural Selection. | Tara de la Garza at The Lodge Gallery.
ara de la Garza recently debuted her newest solo exhibition, Unnatural Selection, at The Lodge Gallery. Inspired by Nature’s potential, the west coast artist uses her exhibition to help us envision what it would be like if that very potential went unchecked—undisturbed by human interference. The result is a whimsical world of hybrid organisms, a library of awe-inspiring holistic hodgepodges pieced …