The eclectic art gallery in Montrose buzzed with life on that Friday night. As the sun dipped below the Houston skyline, the gallery’s white walls came to life, showcasing a vibrant collectionof artworks. The perfectly lit track lighting accentuated every detail and brushstroke, casting a warm and inviting glow throughout the space.
Visitors strolled through the gallery, dressed in all black attire, taking in the varied mix of art that adorned the walls. What truly set the scene was the meticulous arrangement of these artworks. Every piece found its place in the gallery with utmost care, creating a visual narrative that unfolded with every step taken. Whether it was the bold strokes and vibrant colors of abstract pieces or the intricate details of realistic portrayals, each painting was a chapter in this grand visual story. The atmosphere was intimate, offering both art enthusiasts and casual admirers the opportunity to fully embrace the creativity on display.
I had the opportunity to engage in a pre-event discussion with Alise Art Group regarding the evening’s core concept. Alise Art Group Executive Director, Moriah Alise, elaborated on the night’s highlighted artist, LaMonté French, who is set to unveil a tantalizing preview of an upcoming collection. This collection will be revealed through a captivating series of online presentations. Naturally, I found Alise Art Group’s chosen approach for this collection, known as the B-SIDE, to be quite intriguing.
“Instead of launching an entire collection all at once, we’ve opted for a staggered release”, Moriah explains.
“This allows art enthusiasts ample time to engage themselves in each piece, understand the artist’s perspective, and if desired, make an acquisition. Furthermore, it generates a sense of anticipation and excitement for what’s coming next. This periodic unveiling means that those keen on acquiring a piece can gear up, both mentally and financially, for the next wave of releases.”
In contrast to many artists who rely on digital platforms like their websites and social media to showcase and sell their artwork, AAG adopted an innovative method to actively involve LaMonté French’s audience.
Houston native, LaMonté French, is a self-taught abstract-expressionist artist whose works are inspired by high fashion, music, philosophy and history. French’s preferred medium is canvas in which his works are presented in various sizes but leans towards larger pieces. Made up of a series of journal entries, the B-SIDE collection features 28 original works representing a nuanced manifestation of LaMonté French himself, reflecting his vulnerabilities, brashness, and sensitivities.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience intimate interactions with the artworks, all the while engaging in conversation with French as he circulated throughout the room. This interaction added a layer of depth to the experience, as visitors had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the artistic process, the inspiration behind the artworks, and the intended message. Given my longstanding acquaintance with French, I was delighted to hear his perspective on the strategy he and his team had selected for the evening’s artwork presentation. The presence of the artist himself as he shared his thoughts and the strategy behind the presentation not only enhanced the appreciation of the artworks but also created a memorable and enriching artistic experience for the attendees. It’s not every day that art enthusiasts get to engage with an artist in such an intimate and interactive manner, making this event truly exceptional.
Artistic Statement from LaMonté French PROCESS is a journey into an internal space an artist takes when creating work. There is no specific direction yet only a selfish battle of the mind which is in disarray, melting with the energy that the artist is delving through. This space is often a place of comfort due to the fact it holds a particular freedom. A freedom of no mistakes, pigeon holds, nor deadlines. Within this culture, some of the purest work is upheld and created. These works are known as studies. Testing grounds so to speak of materials, aesthetics, styles engulfed in and with grand delicacy and detail.
The B-Side is not a collection but a mere glimpse into the “Process” of birthing my work that is SOMETIMES seen on a grander scale (exhibition). These works have no boundaries because they have no direction, hence some of them simply being personal journal entries leading to image.
These pieces give pathway to years of practice, content and culpability of the artist you know as “LaMonté French”. Personal, Vulnerable, Brash and Sensitive…these are the puzzle pieces to the works of who you dissect as “The Creole Kid From Houston”.
Alise Art Group is making waves in the art world by reimagining the way artists’ exhibitions are presented. They are known for their one-night-only pop-up events that create an atmosphere of immediacy and interaction, encouraging art enthusiasts to form deeper connections with both the artworks and the artists, resulting in a truly distinctive and intimate artistic experience. However, the effectiveness of Alise Art Group’s approach goes beyond these events. The red dots beside artworks aren’t just symbols of successful sales; they are evidence of the group’s skillful execution of a comprehensive and diverse strategy to engage art enthusiasts and foster meaningful connections within the art community.
At the heart of Alise Art Group’s approach is a belief that art is a journey, not just a destination. They emphasize the stories, inspirations, and backgrounds of artists, creating a more profound and meaningful connection between the artist, their creation, and the audience.
What happens next? For the next release of works, interested patrons will have a chance to join the waitlist to preserve the essence of this intimate experience. The next release of the B-SIDE by LaMonté French will be on October 16th.
