90s Nostalgia – 48” x 36” x 2”
As I continue moving forward with this project, it transforms and becomes something new. Initially, I thought it was about everyone else and their relationship to their cultures and environment, but slowly, it’s becoming more about the cultures, people, eras, and flavors of my own life. In a weird way, I’m using this series as a vehicle to bring me back to moments in time with people I love—populating the space with totems that anchor me to those memories, so I can return to them whenever I like.
I won’t get too specific with this piece, but for me, it’s a throwback to the 90s. I grew up in that decade, and it was a true joy to revisit and relive that time once again. By presenting these totems of memory, I aim to create a space that resonates universally, allowing others to find their own anchors in time and nostalgia. It becomes a collective journey through the flavors of our pasts, reminding us that, regardless of background, we all share the desire to revisit moments that embody love, joy, and connection. In this way, I hope to celebrate not just my own experiences but the universal tapestry of memories that unite us all across time and cultures.
“Soju and Shrimp Chips” – 48” x 36”
In this new series, I’m revisiting storytelling—imagining lasting communal memories within kitchens, some deeply personal, others that just come to me. This piece captures a Friday night in SoCal, a group of Korean American friends gathering, unwinding, filling the room with laughter, conversation, and that perfect mix of warmth and chaos. I’ve had countless nights like this with my own close friends the moments are often short and sweet in the best possible ways. I also created this piece with my friends @anchoponcho , @tradykim , @dianaschoi and @gleeeebbbbbb in mind. Annie and Trady moved to LA years ago and I often think about what our reunion would be like. I think it would be something like this.
At the completion of this painting the LA fires began. I spent a good portion of my youth living in LA. Some of my favorite memories and people come from that place. My heart goes out to LA and I wish them a speedy recovery. ❤️LA
There’s two more days until MUGGSY closes @woawgallery . As I look back at the entire process I am met with profound gratitude. Grateful to make it, grateful to have such a supportive wife, family and friends. Grateful for those that showed up and those who appreciated it from a far. Grateful for it all. Thank you. Especially thank you to @kpee , legend.
It’s the last week of my solo show “MUGGSY” with @woawgallery in Hong Kong. Im honored and grateful for those who showed up or have supported me through this body of work.
Muggsy is a celebration of the communal power found in local basketball courts around the world.
At the core of this exhibition is the idea that basketball courts serve as timeless spaces of connection, transcending language, background, and age. Regardless of one‘s history or origin, a local basketball court is a place where strangers can become friends and individuals can find a lasting sense of community.
The exhibition is on view now at 3 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong! Drop by!
Thank you for coming to the opening reception of “MUGGSY”, a solo exhibition me! Im honored and grateful for those who showed up or have supported me through this body of work. Thank you @woawgallery for the support and friendship over the last 2 years. Muggsy is a celebration of the communal power found in local basketball courts around the world.
At the core of this exhibition is the idea that basketball courts serve as timeless spaces of connection, transcending language, background, and age. Regardless of one‘s history or origin, a local basketball court is a place where strangers can become friends and individuals can find a lasting sense of community.
The exhibition is on view now at 3 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong! Drop by!
Join us at the opening reception this friday 10 January, from 6-8 PM at 3 Sun Street for the opening reception of “MUGGSY” a solo exhibition by New York based artist @gilespates !
This vibrant and heartfelt collection of works celebrates the unifying power of local basketball courts around the world, inviting viewers to reconnect with the communal spirit that often defines these shared spaces.
Muggsy is a celebration of the communal power found in local basketball courts around the world. The title draws inspiration from Muggsy Bogues, one of the smallest players to ever grace the NBA, known for his heart, tenacity, and unshakable spirit - qualities that resonate deeply with the energy of a local court. Looking forward to seeing you at the opening this friday! The artist will be present!
Kitchen 2 - 36” X 38” - It’s often really hard to grasp the paintings through the Instagram so I’ll try to describe it through words as well. This painting is large, you would need a truck to transport it. The colors are vibrant but because it is painted with gouache it lays ultra matte and opaque. This gives off a very calm tranquil energy when you see it hung. It sits 2 inches off the wall and is on wood block so it feels like it’s floating in the air. Hope this helps 😌.
NEW SERIES: Kitchens 36” X 48”. My work has always focused on communal spaces. Spaces where people come together and bond. My first body of work on this was spaces in which people come together through music. Most recently I focused on basketball hoops around the globe. Where the common everyday boundaries fall by the way side and complete strangers become close friends. Sometimes having said very little to each other. This next series will focus on how kitchens bring friends, family’s and strangers together. Growing up the kitchen was always a place that created lasting memories with those around me. I also find the way in which we interact in kitchens very interesting. While in France I was cooking for some friends and noticed everyone hung out in the kitchen while I cooked. As an American this was very uncommon for me as it’s usually the house guests outside the kitchen while you prepared the meal. A few days later one of my friend explained to me that in France the kitchen is the hang out spot at the dinner party. They congregate with the chef and include them in all the conversation. After that trip I explored this conversation further with people from many different cultures and realized that the social boundaries vary quite differently. I will be exploring all these nuances in the year to come and I hope you can collaborate and share stories, details and even photos.
