Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adrian Halpern. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Adrian , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project(s) I have worked on would be my solo art shows. I have collaborated with friends on video animations with original music productions and sound installations.
For example:
In 2023, I secured a spot at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center in Kansas City, Mo. in their basement gallery The Leedy Underground 2. I checked out the space and immediately visualized sound pulsating towards the viewer as they enter the long rectangular gallery. I asked my friend Rich ‘JKR70’ Lester, a long time collaborator to create sound in his interpretation of my art. I texted him updates on my process of any new work such as the series of laser engravings on wood, the 50 monotype mixed media pieces on paper and the new ink drawing I was working on. Over a two month period Rich ‘JKR70’ Lester created a 24 min EP album that ran on a loop on a speaker/USB attachment that was mounted on the far end of the gallery. We discussed that the EP album will be turned into a full length album and I will create the artwork for it which will be finished in the summer of 2024. The show was called “Beneath The Surface” Featuring Sounds by Rich ‘JKR70’ Lester and showcased a variety of ink drawings, digital prints, mixed media pieces, laser engravings on wood and unique sounds.
Currently, I have a solo show that will run to the end of June 2024 at the Golden Stag Tattoo & Gallery in Kansas City, Mo. This will be my third solo show at their space since they have opened. This solo show has 4 animation videos on loop with collaborations with music from Xavier “Omni San” Fleming, Rich ‘JKR70’ Lester, and visuals/music by Dan Matic.
The meaningful part of collaborating especially creating art within a short period of time is to be spontaneous with our imaginations. To let go of control (to flow back and forth within the creative conversation), learning from the mediums being used and the process that will always change from the original idea. The meaningful part of a solo show is creating new art, involving myself with the installation, the business side such as networking and promoting and deinstallation of the show.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

“My art morphs different mediums into visual meditations and dream-like imageries. Creating is therapeutic, a form of alternative medicine for me.”

I was born in Kansas City, Mo. My first memories of art was at The Nelson-Atkins Museum. I took children’s art classes there and was selected to show my art multiple times on the hallway walls by the classrooms at the age of 6.
Currently, my career is reaching close to 100 art shows. I use a variety of disciplines ranging from highly detailed ink drawings, video, digital art, laser engravings, screen printing, mixed media, and collage works to name a few. I hope to continue collaborating with sound and visuals to create and explore different multimedia environments. As an artist, I create forms of communication from the subconscious and conscious state of mind. I have a strong need to create something that is healing for myself and possibly a connection for others. This expanding language is interpreted with personal contemplation. I have many ideas on what I want to create but from what I have learned, it is best to go by my gut and to focus on what is inside my circle at that moment in time. I believe skill level is important and creating can project a portrait of yourself that demonstrates your personality and bond between the mediums you use such as the pen and sword or the heartbeat to a drum.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Art is not a hobby for me it is a life force. The rewarding aspect is the need to create and elevate ideas. I want to push my imagination, my intelligence and boundaries on what I can achieve during the time I am creating. I also want to evolve with others in collaboration, if it feels right without unhealthy pressure. As soon as my art is ready for installing or promoting, I am already pondering on what I can do next or excited that I am working on multiple projects at that time. When I see the viewers interact with my creations just by standing and staring at a piece for more than ten minutes, I feel successful. If I transform the senses and the environment with mystery and wonder for anyone that walks through the door that is a great connection. Rather it is through their upbringing, religion, art therapy, the colors, the detail, the small conversation we share or that they share. It is cool to hear that my visions that came from a weird mash up of energy can uplift their imaginations. If someone decides to purchase a piece then they will continue to have an experience that all started from handing out a business card and saying, “Hi, my name is Adrian Halpern this is my art if you have any questions please let me know.”

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to continue to transform and expand my imagery in the local community, national and international. One of my goals is to have multiple commissions to create a series of work for businesses, restaurants, health centers, universities, private collectors, etc. I have a lot of ideas to generate visual interactions for the public. Maybe one day I will get to design the playground I always wanted to play on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adrianhalpern.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adrianhalpern

Image Credits

Personal photo taken by:
Steve Bayman owner of Golden Stag Tattoo & Gallery (Adrian Halpern’s 3rd solo show, 2024)