Liquify
Markenzy Cesar and Bradd YoungFeb 16 2:13pm — Apr 7, 2023 2:13pm
Liquify features the work of Buffalo artist Markenzy Cesar, and Rochester based artist Bradd Young (Salut). Their work might be considered an unconventional pairing, however, both artists strive to evoke the concepts of nostalgia and imagination. The hyper contrasted styles of the artwork simultaneously blend together both visual and literal representations of liquid. Cesar’s works would seem to display more realistic depictions, and yet integrate visually with the more abstract and vibrant expression of the works of Young. Together, they symbolize that the senses of both nostalgia and imagination are not limited to a single mode of expression. More importantly these artworks provide a visual sensation of escapism.
Cesar’s work, highly intrinsically oriented and strongly influenced by his childhood in Haiti with its “beautiful moments”, brings him back to the feeling of playing in water and the sensations of floating and being limitless. These artworks were created from within his child-like imagination, describing emotions beyond the earthly realm, while also bringing to the viewer a sense of safety and serenity.
Young’s work appears more extrinsically oriented, calling back to the 90’s where one finds reference to cartoons, using impressionist motives and techniques to create an abstract scene of the moment, capturing fluid movement. His created point of perspective stems from a child’s vision of beauty, the color schemes mimicking the vibrant and dreamy aesthetic of those in Sunday morning animations while recreating the boundaries of reality and allowing a fuller immersion in an alternate dimension.
Together, both Cesar and Young collectively merge highly personal and singular ideas of nostalgia to create an alternate perspective for the viewer’s entertainment.
Written by
Christina BUSCARINO & Jenelle RANALLO
Liquify features the work of Buffalo artist Markenzy Cesar, and Rochester based artist Bradd Young (Salut). Their work might be considered an unconventional pairing, however, both artists strive to evoke the concepts of nostalgia and imagination. The hyper contrasted styles of the artwork simultaneously blend together both visual and literal representations of liquid. Cesar’s works would seem to display more realistic depictions, and yet integrate visually with the more abstract and vibrant expression of the works of Young. Together, they symbolize that the senses of both nostalgia and imagination are not limited to a single mode of expression. More importantly these artworks provide a visual sensation of escapism.
Cesar’s work, highly intrinsically oriented and strongly influenced by his childhood in Haiti with its “beautiful moments”, brings him back to the feeling of playing in water and the sensations of floating and being limitless. These artworks were created from within his child-like imagination, describing emotions beyond the earthly realm, while also bringing to the viewer a sense of safety and serenity.
Young’s work appears more extrinsically oriented, calling back to the 90’s where one finds reference to cartoons, using impressionist motives and techniques to create an abstract scene of the moment, capturing fluid movement. His created point of perspective stems from a child’s vision of beauty, the color schemes mimicking the vibrant and dreamy aesthetic of those in Sunday morning animations while recreating the boundaries of reality and allowing a fuller immersion in an alternate dimension.
Together, both Cesar and Young collectively merge highly personal and singular ideas of nostalgia to create an alternate perspective for the viewer’s entertainment.
Written by
Christina BUSCARINO & Jenelle RANALLO