Reception: March 7, 2014, 7–9 PM
Dates: March 7–30, 2014
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 12–6 PM

ARTIFACT is pleased to announce a solo exhibition of new work by a Madrid (Spain) based artist Carlos Aquilino. An opening reception for the artist will be held on Friday March 7, from 7 to 9 PM.
Carlos Aquilino’s paintings and sculptures announce themselves with a playful confidence and exuberance. At the heart of this artist's work is his evident impulse to offer the viewer an experience that is grounded in material reality (hence the strongly felt use of silhouette-like outlines that remind us of objects of cultic value) yet keenly aware of the need for an interplay of immateriality, and a reference to a transcendent reality to co-exist within each work.

Carlos Aquilino is a Madrid (Spain) based artist currently in residence at Point B Worklodge, Williamsburg, Brooklyn,NY.

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Interview with Ralph Ferraro

was conducted by Daria Gradusova, Board advisor, Museum of Russian Art (http://dariagradusova.wix.com/exhibit-design)

Ralph Michael Ferraro is the winner of 2013 International Art Festival competition in the photography category.

For Ralph Michael it is not just the art of photography, it is the art of capturing the moment. Ralph Michael’s photography goes hand in hand with poems. You can check out his great blog to inspire, observe, create: http://www.RmfTop.blogspot.com/

For Ralph Michael Ferraro photography started as a passion in high school. At one point in highschool he got a one page assignment to write about himself. All the students wrote an essay, but Ralph Michael presented a poem. However, that writing skill went back into the back burner at that point.

After college Ralph Michael went on a trip where he captured the moments of his travels. He said: “I was fascinated by the colors, by the shapes, and by the patterns that I saw, the experiences that I had when I traveled. So I organized them into the slideshows. And when I showed them to people, they really enjoyed it. They said: “ We have been there, but we did not see that!” or “We have never been there, but now we feel like we have been there”. So I did it as a passion.”
After college Ralph Michael worked as a social worker and helped people make changes. Then he gradually shifted from legal psychology to emotional-energy psychology - your thinking is energy, your feeling is energy. Currently Ralph Michael teaches psychology and creates award-winning photography.

Ralph Michael also shared his experience at the International Art Festival:

Daria Gradusova:    Was the IAF a good networking opportunity?
Ralgh Ferraro:    The IAF was a mixed experience in regard to networking. The opening night on Central Park West and the opening night in Jersey City were great opportunities to meet both talented artists and visitors to the exhibit who enjoyed the artwork. After the grand opening at each event, the visitors were few and far between. Even the artists were not around most of the day.
Daria Gradusova:    Indeed. However, the openings of exhibitions always get a big visitation due to reception and a limited time of event, while the rest of the days the galleries open regular hours and do not provide the social opportunity.

DG:    Did IAF in any way influence your career?
RF:    The IAF was an exciting experience for me. I was very grateful to have my photographs chosen for the exhibit. I enjoyed talking to the fellow artists that were on display. I also enjoyed taking visitors through the gallery to see my photographs and the work of the other artists.
The IAF experience definitely encouraged me to pursue my artistic passion without reservation.

DG:    Did you enjoy the vibe of the event?
RF:    The IAF produced two different types of vibes.  
The first vibration was the excitement of being chosen and on display for all to see. The ability to share my art, my photographs with other artists and with the public was truly a joy. This positive vibration was exhilarating.
The second vibration was the joy of showing visitors around the gallery and helping them to experience the various artists. It was a joy to see their attraction to the different works of art.

DG:   Would you recommend this competition for emerging artists?
RF:    I would definitely recommend this competition to any artist. When I submitted my works, I felt positive. I felt that I was offering works of value. I didn’t know for certainty that they would be chosen, but was very excited when I got the news that my photographs were chosen.

DG:   What advise would you give to those who are submitting their work?
RF:    Be playful
Be in touch with your inner spirit
Allow your unique qualities, your passion to emerge in each piece that you do.
Do not be concerned about whether someone else would like or value your work. A woman who came to the exhibit said, “there is a lot of shit masquerading as art, but if the work is truly art it will speak to the soul of those allowing themselves to experience the work of art.”
Do not attempt to imitate someone else (famous artist) or style (classic, avant-garde, etc.).

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Site-Specific Group Art Show / September, 2013

Aleksandr Razin / Site-Specific Installtions (SSI)
Dmitry Krasny / SSI, PHOTOGRAPHY
Emil Lansky / PHOTOGRAPHY
Emil Silberman / SSI, SCULPTURE
Ernie Sandidge / PAINTING
Ethan Abelev / SSI, VIDEO
Ginger Ando & Chuck Glicksman / VIDEO INSTALLATION
Margot Spindelman / SSI, PAINTING
Milosz Koziej / SSI, PAINTING
Naomi Cruz / SSI, PAINTING
Randi Nussbaum / SSI