Art Parade Soho September 9, 2006 Written by John Harris Photographed by Mary Blanco

Whenever a Roman general performed illustriously on the field of battle (usually subduing rebellious Gauls or Germans), he would often be rewarded by a triumph through the streets of Rome.  These were grand spectacles, a chance to parade the vanquished generals and captured soldiers and slaves (as well as the spoils of war) in front of the Roman people.  Saturday, Sept. 9, 2006, was the occasion of the Second Annual Art parade, sponsored by the Deitch gallery as well as Paper Magazine and Creative Time.  It had the air of a Roman Triumph.  While mad Emperor Caligula or his legions were unavailable for this particular triumph,  many of New York's up and coming artists were. 

The parade included a potpourri of images, grotesque imago's made from paper mache', a platoon of "Night of the living dead" zombies doing the herky jerky, as well as Jack Kennedy himself,  back on the campaign trail again (albeit with a hole in his head and a bloody shirt).  I almost forgot to mention the Malcom X Shabazz High School band who kept the parade stepping to a lively pace.

Lesny JN Felix, Haiti 1804	Lesny JN Felix, Haiti 1804

One of the participants in the parade was Lesny JN Felix, a Haitian artist relatively new to the NY art scene.  The project he submitted to the parade was called " Haiti 1804."  Felix is a painter and a photographer, but it was his paintings that were showcased in the parade.  Mr. Felix is relatively new to painting, having started working back in 2005.  He is eager to learn and often solicits the opinions of Gallery owners or just about anyone else who is willing to offer advice.  He considers himself a "Haitian" artist.   

The Haitian art tradition, perhaps enhanced by the meteoric ascendancy of the late Jean Michel Basquiat(although Basquiat's work would seem to defy categorization), deals with bright sunshine colors, tribal motifs, folk art traditions. The Haitians have a rich and proud culture.  They had the first slave rebellion and inspired American slaves to fight for their own freedoms.

Illegal Art, Reflective Serpent

Five of  Mr. Felix's works were included in the parade and they seem to reveal a kind of tribal minimalism and symbolism. The fives pieces include:  "3 take and a legendary band", stylized figures incorporating symbolic imagery.  "Gold medalist", almost looks as if it is part of a larger collage.   "Life and leisure", incorporates Basquait influences.  "Minimal concept", includes text with image, again ala Basquait.  "The world", seems to incorporate one big face or...?  They are all very striking. 

Fischerspooner and Gareth Pugh Get Conused	Julie Atlas Muz The Whore Cops

The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black
Eat The Weanie
Photo: L. Iannillo

Ohyun Kwon, Ohyun Ohyun Ohyun

One piece not included in the parade, a colorful, blue homage to NY Knickerbockers player Channing Frye, was particularly droll.  He works with acrylic paint, oil sticks, pastel crayons and collage and cites Damien Hirst as an influence.   Look for more from Mr. Felix in the near future.