The mica infused concrete blemished with years of discarded chewing gum and the copy and paste architecture of the NYCHA apartments seemed so far away once my body crossed over into The Kates-Ferri Projects. Within seconds of entry, I was engulfed by the alluring and carefree brain of Johnny Rozsa. His exhibit Blowjobs $1 : $5 with lipstick, is an illuminating look into his work spanning from the neon haze of the 80s to the digital world of the current day.
I found Rozsa sporting an all black Issey Miyake outfit that includes a fashionable round black hat reminiscent of the one the mad hatter wears; which is rather fitting considering he has created his own personal wonderland. Although he was dressed in monochrome, his art and personality are the complete opposite. The sound of his laughter was always louder than the murmur of conversation that surrounds him.
I found myself lost in the energy that Rozsa created. As I spoke with the other attendees, I discovered that the majority of them were long time friends of Rozsa. They were artists of all mediums, or Native New Yorkers like myself who decided to take advantage of their hometown being a hub for the arts and culture. No matter what your connection was to Rozsa, one thing was clear: we were all beautiful people dressed in his vision.
Everyone I spoke with talked about Johnny very highly. He was often praised for his ability to capture everyone in their best light. Which was proven by all the polaroids on display for the public to consume. From an adolescent Winona Ryder with her staple melancholy expression to all the glitz and glam that is Mariah Carey.
I got to experience this first hand when Rozsa and I made eye contact from across a sea of people. He walked right up to me and said“Would you like your polaroid taken? You have to with those titties” to which I replied with “Oh, of course, I got them pierced for a reason” we shared a laugh, then he gave us instructions on how to align our bodies for the camera and then with a flash our photo was taken. I was now the star in a Johnny Rozsa original.
A truly one-of-one experience that I will remember forever and be reminded of by the image taken of me on that day.
Blowjobs $1 : $5 with lipstick runs from October 16th through November 15th
Located at the Kates-Ferri Projects on the B-Side.
At 563 Grand Street, New York, NY 10002
Celeste Rodriguez Perez is a Native New Yorker. She attributes her admiration for the arts and writing to being raised by artist’s and growing up in Brooklyn.