Blu Dot's April Newsletter

New York-based painter, sculptor and performance artist, Derek Fordjour has never been afraid to push his art into new territories, whether that means a 5400 square foot painting or Japanese puppetry. His latest exhibit—and first solo exhibition—is no exception. Magic, Mystery & Legerdemain is a multisensory experience exploring the history of Black magicians through Fordjour’s signature collage technique, which, let’s be honest, is its own kind of magic. Created by layering painted cardboard, aluminum foil and newspaper, his layered compositions will leave you amazed, captivated and wondering, really, how does he do it? To witness the magic IRL, get to LA’s David Kordansky Gallery before May 7. Or see it right here.

Mixed-media artist Alvaro Barrington was born in Venezuela to Grenadian and Haitian parents and raised between the Caribbean and Brooklyn. Drawing from his diverse cultural upbringing, he creates layered compositions that tell complex stories about his identity and its many influences—from 90s hip-hop to his grandmother. Though he considers himself primarily a painter, Barrington isn’t afraid to play with unexpected materials and include them where they make sense. We hear that. See more of Barrington’s work here.

Artist, designer and writer, Edith Young began creating her color palette series while studying at RISD. A project inspired by fashion editor Diana Vreeland who said “...the best red is to copy the color of a child’s cap in any Renaissance portrait.” Young’s first palette, “the reds of the red caps in Renaissance portraits” is now part of a larger palette collection covering everything from John James Audubon’s bird bills to Tonya Harding’s skating dresses. (She’s even written a book about them.) Amusing and educational, Young hopes her painterly research makes art history fun. Worked for us. See her latest palette prints here.

A little something new to keep everything shipshape and cute as can be. Simple wood pegs, a tidy shelf and a sweet side mirror bring multifunctional finesse to your entryway, hall, bathroom, you name it. Take a second look.