EXHIBIT REVIEW: IMMIGRANT MENTALITY PARADIGM GALLERY
On July 23rd, Paradigm Gallery + Studio opened “Immigrant Mentality”, a solo exhibition from street artist Sean 9 Lugo that featured new paintings, illustrations and even a bodega installation which represents the immigrant experience in the United States. Visiting the gallery space, I instantly felt the presence of Latin/Hispanic culture just by the music that blasted through the speakers that was very reminiscent of the music I would listen to as I entered my local corner store during my childhood. The walls were covered in imagery that represented the immigrant experience from the emotions of having to leave their native countries to jobs that they may acquire when coming to the United States. As I walked to the back of the gallery, I was transported to an art bodega that showcased amazing comic books, candles and even snacks that you would see in a regular bodega. I was very impressed that Sean 9 Lugo was able to take a small space and create such an amazing installation that represented his childhood in New Jersey. Before having the pleasure of attending the opening of “Immigrant Mentality” I was able to interview Sean 9 Lugo about his creative process and the meaning behind “Immigrant Mentality”
Keyonna Butler: Who are you and how would you describe the art that you do?
Sean 9 Lugo: It’s hard for me to answer that *laughs* I’m a brown boy *laughs* I guess I’m an artist that bases my work on the experience of emotions on how I am feeling.
KB: What is your background in the art & culture sectors? How did you get interested in street art?
Sean 9 Lugo: I grew up doing graffiti and it wasn’t until I got arrested in 2001 (age 19) that changed my perspective. I didn’t do art for many years until meeting someone who reintroduced me to art again. This led me to going to art museums and trying to gain more knowledge in art and street art. I was inspired by New York street artists like Swoon and WK and tried to learn how to draw and sketch better. Doing street art came from doing graffiti and discovering that I can paste my art on walls was amazing. Street was everything to me and I love the culture. Doing this exhibition was important to me because you never know when you will do an exhibition so when you do, you have to do them right. It was cool because I have known Sarah and Jason (owners of Paradigm Gallery) for a long time. I just wanted to do the best that I can do so on one can say, it was just alright. When I make art I want to improve the culture and level up.
KB: What is your creative process? What are the things that inspire you to create and how do you take that inspiration to create your art?
Sean 9 Lugo: With the street stuff it's more about bringing light to someone or playing with placement. I’m also inspired by creating series such as my “Clones” series. Being a fan of Hip Hop and Philly artists such as The Roots inspired me to create the series. A lot of my work is more personal and it allows me to get through the good and bad in life.
KB: Tell us about your new solo exhibition, “Immigrant Mentality” why did you feel it was important to share the experiences of Hispanic & Latinx immigrants living in America?
Sean 9 Lugo: This exhibition was a dedication to my mom. My mom came here from Cuba as a teenager with her mother (my grandmother) to the Bronx. I grew up and lived in a community full of immigrants and I’m fortunate and blessed to grow up with 9 immigrant mothers. Cuban, Ecuadorian, Dominican, I was grateful to have so many mothers. Being surrounded by immigrants my whole life gave me a mindset of working hard for what you want. It’s a sense of community, you help ladies bring groceries no matter where they are. You always give a helping hand. Being around immigrants always gives a sense of family, culture and work ethic.
KB: What is the significance of the art bodega for you? Were there any real life experiences that inspired you to create this part of the exhibit?
Sean 9 Lugo: The bodega was very important to me. Bodega is like a family, the store owners know your mom, sister, friends, they memorize your birthday and when they are no longer here their kids run the store. I remember growing up with food stamps and not always having enough to pay for the food and they were always saying “no worries get it next time” they were always taking care of me. It was like a home away from home. During childhood, you would meet your friends there and we would always talk about what candy you are going to get. It was the meetup spot, even now it's still the meetup spot. Some elements added to bodega from childhood are the candy with sticker packs. Having the freezers packed with 40oz and quarter waters. Even having comic books added was important as well. The comic books were a tribute to my cousin who is no longer here. I’m dyslexia and he introduced me to comic books to help with my reading. Even going to Water St. in New York with my Dad and seeing racks of the comic books, it’s all personal to me.
KB: What do you hope people will learn when visiting “Immigrant Mentality” What is the stand out message you want your audience to take away?
Sean 9 Lugo: I just hope to put a smile on someone’s face. I’m not trying to push a narrative, I’m not a political person I just want people to enjoy it and appreciate what they see. Hopefully, they can learn something from the walls and imagery about the immigrant experience such as the butterflies that represent the migration or even the barber, chef and cleaning lady all represent jobs that are easy to get when you come over to the country. I just want to put a smile on someone's face and brighten someone's day. This art is used as therapy for me and helps clear my head from all the darkness. Being able to make images is a great gift and I just want to share my gifts.
KB: Lastly, do you have any other special projects that you have coming up?
Sean 9 Lugo: I just want to continue the Clone series now that I have more time to do it. Even working and collaborating with other artists even if they don’t do the same thing as me, working together is huge to me. My next collaboration is with Lace in the Moon who does crochet. Look out for that installation in September.
’Immigrant Mentality’ will be on view at Paradigm Gallery + Studio until August 22nd, 2021
