MINT + Projekt202 Presents: A.B., Solo Exhibition By Andrew Blooms

 
 
 

MINT and Projekt202 are proud to announce A.B., a solo exhibition by Andrew Blooms to be hosted May 18th through May 22nd, with an opening reception on May 19th, 6:30 - 9:30 PM. 

 

ARTIST STATEMENT

In 2015, I took a relief printmaking course through my college that sparked my interest and deep appreciation for traditional Asian art. I remember being particularly drawn to the art of Ukiyo-e, or Japanese Printmaking. I couldn’t believe its simplicity, not quite understanding how something so seemingly humble could be so powerful. From that point on, I tried to emulate those woodblock print motifs in my class, and my love for Japanese printmaking and traditional Asian art began. Over the years, my passion for these art forms grew, and I began exploring the Ukiyo-e expression through drawing, painting, and eventually tattooing.

Being Taiwanese American, my art became my way of exploring a cultural part of me that had been buried deep beneath my American upbringing. Studying and emulating this art became my way of dignifying, celebrating and rediscovering my own Asian identity within my mostly American experience.

Through my paintings, I want to display the beauty, simplicity and power of traditional Asian culture within a Western context, and I believe that there is an opportunity now for this art to serve as a bridge for those who feel caught in between two worlds, as well as those who are simply interested in Asian philosophy, culture, and art. My work is my way of honoring and enjoying who I am at my core, and I hope that it might inspire others to do the same.

 
 

Biography

I moved back to Atlanta about a year ago in the summer of 2020. Prior to that, I had spent the last 9 years of my life in Athens, GA, getting an undergraduate degree in graphic design and music business. After graduation, I worked as a music producer, studio owner, song-writer and touring artist, all while pursuing art here and there on the side. When I moved to Atlanta, I decided to pursue fine art, which was always another passion of mine that I never fully pursued due to my dedication to music. I made myself a promise that I was going to move to Atlanta and give it a 100%, all-of-me shot. This is when the yarn began to unravel in the best way. I showed in my first show in April of 2021, and from then on got more and more opportunities to show my paintings around Atlanta. This led me to connect with the art community in Peter Street Station in Castleberry Hill, which led me to my interest in tattooing. After a year in Atlanta, I showed in 4 gallery shows and eventually was accepted as a tattoo apprentice under Miya Bailey of City Of Ink Tattoos. This is where I am currently practicing and growing as an artist. At the time of writing this proposal, I am fully booked with private painting commissions and have a 137 person wait-list for tattoos.