About the Exhibition:
Established Gallery is pleased to present DEAR SELF. A solo exhibition by artist Mark Anthony McLeod. Imagine finding a door that allowed you to portal into a different version of yourself. For McLeod, these portals are personal journeys that invite you to embrace a better version of who you are.
McLeod’s artwork is an open love letter to himself. He tends to lose the importance of self love and self care, moving past the idea of mistakes but more of lessons. Having daily reminders helps to strengthen his growth. His hope is that the viewer is able to engage into not only his personal journey but also look into their own evolution. The functionality aspect of his work is not just a way to interact with the art but a constant reminder of loving oneself, even at the worst of times. If you're not ok, how can you be the best you?
SELF LOVE IS THE BEST LOVE!!
This exhibition will be Mark Anthony McLeod’s first solo exhibition at Established Gallery
DEAR SELF is organized by Yvena Despagne, Associate Curator, Contemporary Art
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About the Artist:
Mark Anthony McLeod Originally from Brooklyn NY, Mark Anthony's functional Art can be seen throughout the world, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Europe, Middle East and Asia and Australia. Growing up Mark always viewed the world from an artistic stance. Finding his "artist eye" at an early age he would find ways to create by either drawing, shooting with is mothers vintage nikon slr, repurposing or saving found objects (even if his mother considered it junk). Rearranging and designing his friends and family's living spaces (even if they were reluctant). Mark Anthony considers himself a lifelong artist. Studying at The Fashion institute of Technology. He fell in love with the myriads forms of Art. Interning with various successful Artist. Eschewing formal training for his pursuit of his own unique style. MarkAnthony has established himself as one of the foremost artist of this genre. His simple approach to the realities of life draw you in. Differentiating him from his peers and giving his Art an
"one of one" and relatable quality.
About the Curator:
Yvena Despagne is a Haitian-American art curator, based in New York City, who has a focus on highlighting emerging and mid-way career artists and their stories. She aims to encourage and provide opportunities for artists, who are interested in intercultural collaboration, dialogue and to indulge in the culture, while expanding on their individual talents.
Yvena has curated art exhibitions throughout Brooklyn, NY, including her latest Tangled In Femme: A Solo Exhibition at Established Gallery, where she is currently an assistant art curator. Yvena is also the Founder and Creative Director for Art x Ayiti, an online platform dedicated to highlighting and uplifting contemporary artists of Haitian descent and the Diaspora. Yvena continues to curate art exhibitions throughout New York City and work with artists to develop their individual careers.