Wilton Library is pleased to present the diverse works of area artists in its June art exhibition “Disruptive Narratives,” opening on Friday, June 7 with a reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The exhibition, curated by Tara Blackwell and Jahmane, invites viewers to explore the works of these visionary artists using pop culture symbols and clever commentary to challenge societal norms, offering a fresh, critical perspective on the ordinary. The artists compel viewers to question the narratives shaping our world through satirical reinterpretations and subversive twists on familiar imagery. To encourage deeper exploration and discussion, each artist has selected a book that relates to their work and the themes addressed in the exhibit. These recommendations provide additional context and insights into the provocative topics explored by the artists. The artists are: 5iveFingaz (Norwalk), Tara Blackwell (Stamford), Lauren Clayton (Stamford), Dooley-O (New Haven), Alejandra Gonzalez Zertuche (Norwalk), Thalia Hernandez (Bridgeport), Jahmane (Norwalk), Lily Morgan (Stamford), and Sain't Phifer (Bridgeport).
In addition, “Disruptive Narratives: Teen Edition” celebrates the transformative power of youth creativity, offering a platform for the bold and fearless expressions of a new generation of artists. Join us in embracing the rebellious spirit of these emerging voices as they redefine the boundaries of contemporary discourse and offer a fresh, critical lens on the ordinary. Each teen artist has also contributed to a curated selection of books that resonate with their work and provide deeper insight into the themes of the exhibit. The emerging teen artists are: Clara Eliot (Weston), Freya Goldenberg (New Canaan), Olive Goldenberg (New Canaan), and Lila Malone (Stamford). The artists will display their works in an array of styles, media choices, and subject matter. The opening reception on June 7 is free and open to the public.
The artists come from a range of backgrounds:
Born and raised in Norwalk, 5iveFingaz continues to make Norwalk his home. Having been on the receiving end of some timely genuine kindness while attending Norwalk High School some years back, Mr. 5iveFingaz established a scholarship fund where annually selected students at Brien McMahon High School (and soon Norwalk High) will receive scholarship awards based on their “kindness, love and leadership.” This began initially through him putting his own money in, and it inspired others to join him in donating. 5iveFingaz will not rest without pressing hard to improve others’ lives. It appears it is genuinely his primary motivator. The threatening national climate and the emotional instability many are sharing in common these days has given 5iveFingaz more impetus than ever to sift through the enormous stream of information and paint late into the nights to share and connect with his ever increasing following. He is listening, and sifting through to what really matters. This gallery is convinced that his messages – paintings most often with precise phrases are providing a new hope and guidance helping people to have something that’s not damaging and worth focusing on. And since he is more often than not, giving his works away via scavenger hunts conducted on social media, the coveted art pieces really are his gifts to humanity starting with one person at a time. 5iveFingaz’ alma mater is Sacred Heart University. Uncannily, the gallery happened across an ad for this university in July just as we had begun to know and work with the man during the “Summer Of Love” Pop-up that was another collaborative fund-raiser benefitting a neighbor gallery. The ad read like a description of 5iveFingaz, “Courageous leadership, Passionate service to others. Creative, innovative thinking. a willingness to take risks, to transform themselves and the world around them.” The bottom line is this, FiveFingaz is all about his ART, the individuals who view it, and the positive effects it can have. When asked what artists influence him the most, the answers make good sense; Dali, Kahlo, Basquiat, Picasso, Warhol, Harding, adding that he is “attracted to each of their eccentric personalities more than their actual art. “ Indeed. His works are not puzzling like Dali, nor does he dwell in images of opposites and negative angst often found in Basquiat. Yet, what is clear is 5iveFingaz’ unrelenting exploration of his mind in search for simplification of truth and meaningfulness that is universal to all humans. He feels a tremendous sense of responsibility to humanity, and we believe he is succeeding in making an impact that is pleasing. For those who would think that his #LoveMoreThanEver Movement is too saccharine, think again. It is a successful renewed translation of the messages so many rockers of the 60’s (esp. John Lennon) delivered to us of peace and love. It is the universal urge of humanity who is sick and tired and #morereadythanever for peace love and positive change. Instagram: @5ivefingaz
Tara Blackwell is a mixed media pop artist working in Connecticut and New York. Raised in a household of artists, Tara was immersed in differing artistic styles and modalities from a young age. Experimenting with a variety of mediums and techniques, Tara employs bold colors, layers, and texture, often incorporating nostalgic pop culture to explore contemporary social issues. In her work, Tara utilizes her advertising background to take us back to her childhood. Exploring vintage imagery with subversive wit and whimsy, Tara recreates familiar logos, packaging, and cartoon characters into a visual narrative of her youth as she transports us back to our own. At a glance, these paintings depict a childlike innocence, but there is usually underlying social commentary seen with a closer look.
Lauren Clayton is an artist, graphic designer and founder of Studio 162 based in Stamford, CT. She studied at the Cooper Union School of Art in NYC before launching her art and design business in 2003. Over the years, she has grown to offer a variety of creative solutions from brand identity to commissioned artwork and murals. In her intricate pencil drawings and collages, Lauren explores ideas of identity, connectivity, and our impact in our community and beyond. She enjoys using monochromatic palettes in her drawings and bold bright colors in her murals. She often weaves in words and symbolism inviting people to spend time getting closer and being curious.
Legendary Connecticut rapper-producer-DJ Dooley-O is widely recognized in DJ circles as the first in hip-hop to sample obscure 70's band Skull Snaps' It's A New Day and Producer of the underground Graffiti Videos called GTV (Graffiti TV). As a young street artist Dooley-O was not accepted in the art world so the streets became his gallery.
Alejandra Gonzalez Zertuche (born in Coahuila, Mexico) immigrated to Texas and had resided in central Texas, until recently moving to the East Coast. Alejandra is a figurative painter who draws inspiration from her Mexican heritage and familial stories. She is currently a practicing artist in CT and an artist in residency at The Norwalk Art Space in Norwalk CT.
Thalia Hernandez (born in New York, NY) is a hispanic (of Puerto Rican descent) multidisciplinary artist (visual artist & musician) that relies on nostalgia and intuition as a blueprint for her paintings. Hernandez was raised in the Bronx and moved to Connecticut for her high school education. When living in the Bronx dance and music were the artist’s medium of choice, however towards the end of her high school career she expanded to the visual arts. The uprooting of her lifestyle and new exposure contribute to the feeling of displacement and ‘child-like’ seeking that show through in the work. Post high school Hernandez attended Pratt Institute graduating with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in 2019. Thalia has recently been showcased in Miami Fl, Paris France, Brooklyn NY and Bridgeport CT. Over the last 2 years she has worked with Champion creating custom pieces for notable musicians during Coachella 2023. Instagram @x.thalia
Lily Morgan grew up in Fairfield County CT and found her way back to the area in 2017 after attending Messiah College, where she earned a degree in Art Education. Lily now teaches art full-time at Darien High School and she finds that working with students in the classroom is constantly informing her own art practice. Her work explores the balance between impulse and intention as well as whimsy and weight. Most pieces begin with a bold color and a grid to provide structure for the piece. After those initial steps her paintings are built, layer by layer, and increase in complexity as they move towards the surface.
Sain't Phifer is a self-taught artist who has the remarkable ability to transform simple concepts into meaningful, saturated pieces of art that awaken the consciousness. Driven by a deep passion for self-expression, Sain't has found solace and healing through their artistic journey. Art became a powerful tool that helped him navigate and overcome personal struggles. He invites viewers to embark on a journey through his abstract and minimalistic work. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Basquiat and David Hammons, his visual creations transcend conventional boundaries, offering a unique visual experience that sparks imagination and introspection beyond the canvas. Through his artistic exploration, he captures the essence of his subjects, distilling them down to their core elements. Each brushstroke and color choice carries intention, inviting viewers to interpret and connect with the work on a personal level. Instagram: @saintphifer
Emerging Teen Artists:
Clara Eliot, a high school Junior, is based in Weston, Connecticut. She is a multimedia artist primarily focused on painting. Clara’s pursuit of art was inspired by her early childhood in Los Angeles, her passion for animals, and her appreciation of graffiti. She is inspired by the work of Keith Haring and Banksy. Clara is interested in making the unseen, seen and on exposing life for what it is. As an emerging teen artist, Clara is still on a journey – and loving it.
Freya Goldenberg relocated with her family in 2018, from London to Connecticut, and is now a Senior at New Canaan High School. Freya is aware of how important Mental Health is and has been a part of her school's Mental Health Club for the last 3 years. She is passionate about women’s rights and an advocate for ALL women. Freya was lucky enough to work at both the US Open and NY Fashion Week in 2022 and is now looking forward to fulfilling her dream of attending Fashion College in New York City in the Fall. But first she is off on an adventure in South East Asia, with her older sister, for the Summer.
Olive Goldenberg is a young and effective social advocate, who has a passion for the fight for an equitable world. She has been homeschooled in Connecticut for the last two years and in that time found her voice at just 12 years old. Olive is currently serving as an ambassador with the Pad Project, where she advocates for Menstrual Equity. Prior to becoming an Ambassador, Olive hosted a screening of the Award-winning film Period. End of Sentence, along with a Q&A in conjunction with the Diaper Bank CT. Olive collected over 6,000 menstrual products for distribution in local communities and spoke at Connecticut’s inaugural Menstrual Equity Summit. Olive is a part of LiveGirl, a non-profit that aims to develop young girls' confidence and leadership skills. This year on Earth Day, Olive will be representing LiveGirl by moderating a conversation with an esteemed panel of ladies from Avangrid. Olive has previously showcased her art locally. She loves to express her activism through art and her clothes and jewelry.
Lila Malone is an emerging visual artist from Stamford, CT, passionately embracing various artistic mediums, including painting, collage, ink illustration, photography, and digital art. Lila continues to develop her skills through her active participation at The Norwalk Art Space. Through commissioned digital art for nonprofits, Lila utilizes her creativity as a means of visual communication and branding. She has designed logos for the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford and a local team participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk. Lila has cultivated leadership abilities through her involvement with LiveGirl and currently serves as a Camp Counselor at Waterside School. With a solid foundation in diverse artistic mediums, Lila Malone continues to explore new horizons, share her creative vision, and positively impact her community. The exhibition runs through Monday, July 1. A majority of the works are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the library. Wilton Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. The library will be closed on Sundays starting on June 16 and on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
For more than 128 years, Wilton Library has served as the cultural and intellectual center of Wilton with the mission to inform, enrich, connect, and inspire our community. The library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For more information, visit https://www.wiltonlibrary.org/ or call (203) 762-3950.