The Goods #2
The rise of art influencers, an artist commune, designing spaces for the elderly, and a BIPOC fair in LA
Welcome to The Goods, a monthly list of things I’m excited about and interested in across art, fashion, trends, and more.
1. Art: The Rise of Devon Rodriguez and “Parasocial” aesthetics
New to me term, “Parasocial" relationships are a one-sided relationship where one party knows all the intimate details of a celebrity/influencer/fictional character, while the other side remains unaware. While it is a concept that dates back to the 1950s to describe the relationships viewers felt with media on TV, social media has led to a rapid rise in frequency and depths of these “connections”.
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Devon Rodriguez is known for his realistic portraits that he seemingly completes in minutes while on the subway in NYC. Rodriguez has an incredible story and built a strong fanbase online with his first ever show in NYC earlier this year. This article is a fascinating look at what happens when he receives critical feedback on his art and looks at the changing dynamics of what is means to breakthrough as an artist.
2. Art: Salmon Creek Farm an artist commune in NorCal
Salmon Creek Farm, located about three hours north of San Francisco in Albion, CA, originated as a hippie commune. Today, it's a hub of creativity with a focus on slowing down, hosting workshops and skill shares for artists in fields like writing, ceramics, textiles, and gardening. If you're an artist, consider applying for their 2024 retreats; they're reviewing applications next week and are committed to making it affordable especially for BIPOC applicants. This month's Milk Decoration magazine features the commune with photographs by the talented Kate Berry. Sneak a peek below!
3. Architecture: Designing for Elderly in the City
"The goal of the building is to foster a community atmosphere, allowing residents to live life to the full and have fun. It responds to growing evidence about the value of community in old age, the importance of preventing loneliness, especially as loneliness is twice as unhealthy as obesity for older people.” - Alex Ely, founding director at Mae Architects that designed John Morden Centre (below)
I recently discovered two housing and community spaces in South London that are beautifully and thoughtfully designed to promote community and connection. The first, the John Morden Centre, recently secured the 2023 RIBA prize. It serves as a senior day center and health facility within a 300-resident retirement community. The spaces are welcoming, open, and feature subtle design elements to facilitate mobility for senior citizens and encourage moments for building relationships.
The second, Appleby Blue Almshouse in South London, caters to those over 65. All community spaces are outward facing vs. inward to give the residents of a sense of the buzz of the city. Instead of private balconies, the architects designed walkways for strolling and socializing after hearing feedback from residents who said they preferred a social outdoor experience vs. sitting on their balconies alone.
Both of these spaces boast the small touches that make the buildings come alive, which to me seems like the point of architecture in the first place. Hope to see more of this, especially for this often forgotten demographic.
4. Events: In Todo Fair featuring BIPOC artists in LA
This weekend in LA In Todo is hosting their Holiday Craft Fair. There are lots of fairs this time of year, but what sets this one apart is that is focuses on BIPOC creators across art, fashion, ceramics, and more. Some brands I’m excited that will be featured there are Dushyant, Ziran, Loti, Edition Cf, and ZouXou.
P.S. Spots are still open for my free art and style consults. Sign up here.