Notes:
This piece titled "H2O C15 H12 Br4 O2 - Homage to David Hammons" draws its inspiration from David Hammons' "Cold Shoulders" artwork exhibited at Jack Tilton Gallery in Manhattan, NY, back in 1990. During my years as a graduate student at Yale from 2005 to 2007, I had the privilege of showing my work with the Jack Tilton Gallery at the NYC Armory Show in 2006. Jack Tilton himself frequently visited my studio, always on the lookout for fresh creations.
Knowing my admiration for David Hammons' exceptional artistry, Jack generously shared some catalogs featuring David's exhibited works. Graduating from Yale in 2007, I decided to revisit this piece in 2009, and it led me to create my first site-specific work in Syracuse, NY. Eventually, in 2015, I transformed the work into a mesmerizing LED lightbox.
As I reflect on these experiences, I find myself fondly remembering Jack, and I am deeply grateful to David Hammons for being a constant source of great inspiration.
- RJG