323 East Features Brookyln Artists

gallery is known for displaying contemporary art and has welcomed artwork from three Brookyln artists and will be exhibiting pieces from the trio in The Future is Now Part II: Brooklyn Meets Detroit until Jan. 4.

The three artists, Kimyon Huggins, Ellis G. and AVONE, have spread their unique works throughout the streets of New York and recently traveled to Michigan to display their artwork.

“The art scene in the area is growing momentum right now. Usually 323 East features local artists, but a few times a year, we try to bring artists from other areas to be exhibited,” said 323 East Gallery owner, Jesse Cory.

Cory said he choose these artists as a way to show Detroiters what is happening in the industrial areas of Brooklyn.

“The art in Brooklyn is exciting and I want Detroiters to have the opportunity to experience it,” Cory said. “These three artists really exhibit different angles of the art spectrum within Brooklyn.

“These artists are hard to find as it is, much less connect with them to purchase their work. The Future is Now Part II gives people the ability to not only see pieces that they may otherwise miss, but it also gives them the chance to own works from these great Brooklyn artists.”

Huggins helped organize this exhibit and was a part of the Future is Now Part I: New York Meets Detroit, which took place in late May.

“The Future is Now Part is really about the sentiment of modern artists and expression,” Huggins said.

Huggins believes art can be a blend of multiple mediums and artists should not be restricted to one form. Since 2003, Huggins has worked to present his art installations grouped with his music.

“In the age of technology, you can be any kind of artist you want to be,” Huggins said. “Just express yourself in the way that is best fitting for you.”

Huggins is displaying an array of mixed media pieces at 323 East, the largest of which took him three months to complete. In addition to preparing his 323 East display during his time in Michigan, Huggins launched his record Platform View.

Ellis G. is known in the Brooklyn area for his graffiti writings, but in recent years has taken his art to a new, legal medium: chalk art. As a way to continue his public works and avoid prosecution, Ellis G. now uses chalk to outline shadows.

“I enjoy street art because of its ability to make an impact on others,” Ellis G. said. “I utilize everyday objects to make people pause and reflect on that object.”

Ellis G. uses chalk to sketch the shadows of things like fire hydrants, plants, light posts and bicycles. Before starting an outline, Ellis G. considers the lighting in the area and checks the weather to ensure the piece will last for some time. His pieces at the Royal Oak gallery include a variety of photographs of his street work with hand embellishments.

AVONE is often classified as a graffiti artist, however his artwork includes a variety of styles and he doesn't attribute his work to one particular category.

“My work incorporates a wide range of things – from hip hop to symbolism to iconic figures, often with a graffiti influence,” AVONE said. “I do a lot of screen printing with the focus of many of my pieces being female models.”

AVONE has always considered himself an artist, even before he knew of terms like street art or graffiti. He often sells his pieces in the streets of New York. His exhibit includes an array of mixed media pieces, combining screen printing with spray paint, iron paint and other elements on canvas and artificial brick.

During their time here, the trio also left their mark on the Woodward Windows project, a public art project curated by 323 East and SCM Studios in an effort to fill vacant store fronts with pieces from various artists. Woodward Windows has permission to design 14 store fronts.

“This project is something that has the ability to lift the spirits in those empty spaces,” Cory said. “It can have a positive affect on the area and it's great because of how quickly it can happen.”