Abstract works by artist and filmmaker Andrew Brooks will be featured in a new exhibit at the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County.
“Vintage Vibes: An ‘ARTlife’ Art Experience” will be on display Jan. 6-21 at the Arts Center at 301 Hay St. downtown, according to an Arts Council news release.
An opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, and will include a screening of Brooks’ short film “What Would Picasso Do?” Admission is free.
Brooks’ style is urban abstract expressionism, and his artwork is described as “eclectic” and “visionary,” according to the news release.
The exhibit showcases more than 20 large-scale acrylic and oil pen paintings up to 48 by 56 inches in size.
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While coping with the seclusion of the COVID lockdown, Brooks focused his energy on his artwork, according to the news release.
“Each paint stroke reflects distorted revelations of his life’s story that are articulated through his innermost self-discoveries and how he identifies with his creative visions,” the release said.
This is Brooks’ first solo exhibit at the Arts Center.
“Being able to showcase my work to a broader community is a game-changer for me because it’s an invitation for audiences to experience mainstream views of the urban culture,” he said in the release.
His wrote, directed and produced the short film “What Would Picasso Do?” The film was recently part of the Black Panther International Short Film Festival and the Blue Dolphin Monthly Online International Short Film Festival, the release said.
It tells the story of a young artist whose years-long struggles ends abruptly when he makes his first million-dollar sale. The overnight success changes his lifestyle and perception of wealth and privilege, according to the lease.
The film stars Mehki Adams as the artist, along with Ron Kelly, Nayjah Mickens and Ariel Paige.
Brooks is an Army veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has an associate of arts degree from the Art Institute of Washington and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cinematography at Full Sail University, the release said.
His film work includes stints as a free-lance editor and director of photography with production companies including HBO, Hulu, Amazon, Showtime, and Fox, the release said. Credits include directing more than10 short films and producing more than 70 music videos.
