Curator and Producer
BREAKING NEWS!, Gregory Simmons Solo Exhibition, June 7 - 14, 2024, 191 Henry St. NYC
"BREAKING NEWS!" presents a series of works based on candid television news interviews with Black celebrities, spanning from 1988 to 2024. These interviews, unfiltered and raw, showcase a range of emotions—from playful, dismissive comments to intense emotional outbursts — that went viral and became cultural touchstones for many Americans. Gregory Simmons describes these moments as "two worlds colliding," two distinct American viewpoints highlighting the intersection of personal vulnerability and public spectacle.
Gregory Simmons, a celebrated Brooklyn-based artist, is renowned for his bold use of oil, pastel, and gouache. His art, deeply influenced by modern culture and social media, captures fleeting moments with a blend of humor and nostalgia to highlight the absurdities of life. As a self-taught artist, Simmons draws inspiration from his passions, including skateboarding and 90s television imagery, to create works that resonate with authenticity and immediacy.
Through "BREAKING NEWS!," Simmons delves into the complexities of contemporary identity as shaped by media and pop culture. His paintings invite viewers to reflect on the nuances of modern existence, examining how viral moments and media representation impact our collective consciousness. This exhibition is a thought-provoking exploration of how candid celebrity moments become ingrained in our social fabric, challenging us to consider the deeper implications of these shared experiences.