Black artist’s new exhibition inspired by his recent trip to Caribbean

Jerome Lagarrigue grew up in Paris, France, where he was immersed in an artistic and creative environment. Lucian Freud’s paintings influenced him to become a painter. He now lives and works in New York City.

“I adored the risks he would take in painting figures. There was a level of intensity that felt contemporary and modern. The paint application was something I’d never seen before. It was thick and deeply psychological,” he said.

Lagarrigue added that Freud was always in the back of his head, and his work triggered the desire to explore painting while he was in college.

Growing up in Paris was quite enjoyable for him, and he spent a lot of time biking through the beautiful city of Paris. “I could see that it was a culture rich and gorgeous place. During the day, or night, I discovered the architecture, sculptures, the history and uniqueness of it all,” he added.

He also used to do graffiti in legal spaces where he was allowed to paint, such as yards that were under construction or where buildings used to exist. It was in these spaces that Lagarrigue and his friends would meet up and create murals, and he was always the guy who spray painted characters.

He’s recently traveled to many islands in the Caribbean, and the terrain became a catalyst of his most recent artistic inspiration. For him, travel is all about exploring new boundaries.

“While on a trip to St. Lucia, I began to feel inspired by the intense colors of the landscape. Some of the colors were new to me. It was a new challenge to capture these vibrant and illusive color ways and incorporate them into my work,” he stated.

He eventually came to the United States, and stayed in Rhode Island for a few years to attend the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he received his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in 1996.

He had many experiences there that have shaped his artwork today.

“At RISD, we were given small studios to work from. I once saw two students painting each other. One would paint the other, and then they would switch. They invited me to join in so we began to paint each other. It was such a liberating experience I realized that I wanted to experience those feelings of freedom and excitement for the rest of my life. Life made sense at that moment. I felt a sense of purpose.”

His experience in the Caribbean led him to create his first solo exhibition, “Shoreline.” He will also be part of the group exhibition, Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.

He then shared more about how these collaborations came together. For Fridman Gallery, it was important for all involved in planning it to be understood.

“Fridman Gallery understands the path that I’m on artistically and the director & owner fell in love with my work from an intellectual and visual standpoint, and have presented an opportunity for me to show at their beautiful space,” he continued.

For Giants, he met Swizz Beatz first. Lagarrigue began communicating with him and soon he began to collect pieces.

“It seemed that they both took a real interest in my work. Soon we began collaborating and have now become friendly.  The Giants collection is a win for the culture and it was an honor to have my work featured in this important exhibition with all of these extraordinary artists,” he said.

In regards to the process of creating the artwork, Lagarrigue said, “If I’m not working from sitting and observing an object or space, I shoot images with a high resolution camera. I’m not a photo realistic painter as much as I am a figurative painter – on the cusp of abstraction. I use these images as the foundation behind my work, and then build on it.”

He hopes that his method, process and path will inspire younger artists to embark on a journey of creativity.

Lagarrigue wants younger artists to know that if they have a dream and vision, it’s essential to work hard towards it, while also mastering their craft. “In turn, it inspires me to see young students honing their tools and craft in the beginning stages of their journey.  That to me is the cycle of legacy building.”

Lagarrigue’s solo exhibition will be on view at the Fridman Gallery, located at 169 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, from May 3 to June 15. The opening reception will be from 6-8 p.m. For more information, those who are interested can send an email to info@fridmangallery.com or call 646-345-9831.

His work in the Giants exhibition is on view at the Brooklyn Museum, located at 200 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11238, until July 7.  Those who are interested in seeing his work, and the work of the other artists, can purchase tickets for this exhibition by visiting: https://my.brooklynmuseum.org/events/018b8c32-fc2c-b34a-a019-f2182af23198?_ga=2.46348707.525511716.1713921029-351782024.1713921029.