Backyard Ghost

Curator's Note

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We are pleased to collaborate with Backyard Ghost for this new solo and our first online exhibit titled “LATE NIGHTS. EARLY MORNINGS.” presenting works by Ecuadorian-New Yorker multi-disciplinary artist, Max Sarmiento.

 

In Sarmiento’s current practice which is heavily influenced by Magical Realism, you'll find a broad range of themes from family relationships (broken and repaired ones), romantic love, despairs & hopes, dreams & nightmares, travel, internal struggles, hobbies, sports and personal victories presented in vibrant colors with playful tones giving the spectator a certain feeling of joy and playfulness without shying away from its raw reality.

 

Utilizing oil pastel as his ubiquitous tool of creation and combining it with elements such as collage, colored pencils, spray paint, marker, foam, cardboard, and paper the artist connects with his South American and Queens (NY) origins while navigating the duality of not only his own story but also many others in this country. 

 

As a former student of architecture, Max became skilled at model making and has been delving into sculptures as part of his practice. The frames that accompany Sarmiento’s drawings display a distinguished and unique approach to craftsmanship that elevates his works to a different level. His attention to detail and keen eye set this young man apart from the rest.

 

The title of this exhibit, “Late Nights. Early Mornings.” hails from the artist's preference of going into his studio late at night and working until the wee hours of the next morning. He explains “this is the time that I feel most comfortable at the studio since there’s not much noise in the streets and the distractions are minimal. It’s me, the materials, my music, and nothing else.”

 

All the works were created between 2020 and 2021.

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- Danny Báez, RegularNormal

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