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Rachel Vancelette

Photo by Sophie Spinelle

Donald Baechler Rachel Perry

Robert Farber Alteronce Gumby

PUZZLES WITH PURPOSE

PUZZLING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC WITH ARTXPUZZLES

BY ALYSSA FISHER

In 2018, artist Alteronce Gumby, selected by AXP’s first curator choice Alaina Simone, was working on a series of iridescent paintings inspired by how color materializes on Earth when he paused for a lunch break and headed to the bodega. It was a sunny day, and his eye caught a puddle of broken glass by the bus stop, shimmering with the colors of the rainbow. It reminded him of the pigments he was working with, and of how Sir Isaac Newton discovered rainbows refracting through a prism.

Inspired, Gumby took two buckets of glass back to his studio, and over the course of a year he incorporated it into his paintings, placing each piece one-by-one, determining where it fits. one of his pieces from the series, Callisto, was reproduced as a puzzle for ART x PUZZLES: Puzzles with Purpose, a project designed and launched exclusive limited collector edition jigsaw puzzles in close collaboration with artists from across the globe. The project launched officially in Fall of 2020, to support artists’ studios, existing wider artist relief efforts, and causes of personal, social and economic concern to participating contemporary artists during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If I were to teach a seminar on how to make one of my paintings, we would probably start with putting together a puzzle without looking at the box,” the New York City artist said. “It’s heartwarming to think that everyone who “Callisto” is one of the vibrant pieces selected for the Art x Puzzles initiative, which features more than 100 contemporary artists from around the world. It was art expert Rachel Vancelette’s inspirational idea on how to reconnect people with art, and hopefully help people cope with the anxieties of the pandemic while galleries and art fairs remain closed.

“It occurred to me that the benefits and joy which puzzlers seem to get could be extended and expanded in some way to connect with international artists worldwide and uplift the art world in such a terrible moment,” said Rachel Vancelette, Founder of ARTXPUZZLES: Puzzles with Purpose.

The puzzles range from $65 to $450, and the sales are divided between the artists, artist relief initiatives and other charitable organizations, including Black Lives Matter, the Animal Welfare Institute, First Responder’s Children’s Foundation and several other Artist Charity Choices. While Gumby has been a fan of puzzling since childhood when his grandmother always had a puzzle on the dining room table, it made participating in the causes a no-brainer.

“Being an artist of color and someone who cares deeply about their community and who stands against police brutality, I immediately thought it was a great idea,” he said.

Christopher Eamon, AXP’s 2nd guest curator for December, said the artists “have been very excited and very positive about it.” They’re not just donating a piece, he explained. “It’s a reproduction, it’s a multiple, it’s more accessible. They like it, it’s quite innovative in that way.” He paused for a moment. “The word innovative comes up a lot,” he said, and we both let out a laugh — puzzles, we know, have been around forever (the first was said to be made in the 1760s).

Yet at the height of quarantine, when uncertainty and fear were pervasive, people around the United States turned to puzzling for activity, distraction and of course, some much-needed fun. NPR reported that in the beginning of March, sales at Ceaco, one of the largest producers of jigsaw puzzles in the country, were up 300 percent compared to the same time the year before. Eamon recalled his social media feed was full of photos of friends who fled the city for their country homes, either attentively piecing together a puzzle or showing off the finished product.

Carrie Moyer Idris Khan

AXP doesn’t produce your typical puzzle… while Eamon noted friends were building standard images — landscapes, autumn days, and quarantine puzzles such as clowns - The Collector Edition Art Jigsaw Puzzles by AXP include the striking pieces by top contemporary artists such as Carrie Moyer (Marshmallow Squash Blossom, Rosewater and Brimstone 2020), Donald Baechler (The Kiss), Spencer Tunick (Big Color), Rachel Perry (Lost in My Life), Winston Chmielinski (Bodies of Water), Robert Farber (Laundromat), Marilyn Minter (Wet Kiss), Will Cotton (Cotton Candy Cowboy), Idris Khan (The Old Tune) and many more which are the perfect addition to any art and/or puzzle lovers collections.

While Eamon’s was writing his Curator Choice statement, he remembered the dismal figure of museum-goers spending an average of 15 to 30 seconds in front of each piece, taking delight in knowing those who acquire the puzzles will have a unique opportunity to stare, to concentrate, to visually focus on each piece for an extended amount of time.

The last time Megan Connolly, AXP’s 3rd curator choice sector, viewed art in person was at the Armory Show in New York, during the first week of March. And then in an instant, she was sheltering at home, breaking out every board game, playing Rummy (“my game is hotter than it’s ever been”) and puzzling. She said “I’m craving this interaction with art, and also just the spirit of play, and playing together, and puzzling as stress release is something that I love,” said Connolly, AXP’s guest curator for February. “It’s positive, it’s uplifting, it also helps artists.

“My whole career has been about sharing the story of artists,” she continued. “[Art] tells a story of our time, it adds joy, and if we can help support Covid19 relief and some of these artists who are struggling during this time, why not. And give us all sitting at home something to do with our time and our hands while we’re sitting here, rather than Valentine’s Day and the Chinese New Year are serving as Connolly’s curatorial springboard for her AXP selections and she’s eager to highlight the work of more Asian artists. Christopher Eamon and Alaina Simone, AXP’s first two guest curators, similarly took their time selecting artists, searching for works that were vibrant and appeal to puzzlers and art lovers of all ages. All the curators have been intentional in their choosing, even considering the

Christopher Makos Matthew Day Jackson

artists’ practice and how it relates to puzzling. They took their time selecting artists, searching for works that were vibrant, by artists of a range of ages, that would make for a puzzling time.

Curator Alaina Simone also reached out to Helina Metaferia, an artist and professor at Brown University whose process of collaging is different, yet similarly embodies the joyful mechanics of puzzles. Metaferia’s piece is titled ‘Headdress 6’, part of her ‘By Way of Revolution Series’ that she started in 2018. Typically, Metaferia’s artistic practice uses different research materials such as contemporary photographs, she puts them together in a way that’s like “an unfolding of a new story or a new history.” For artwork titled Headdress 6, Metaferia photographed a former student, who became the central image. The artist went through archives of the Black Liberation movements and collaged images taken from multiple historic protests. The result is powerful. She enjoys the fact that her art is accessible, that anyone can experience it. things that we’ve experienced in 2020,” Metaferia said. “It’s really appropriate to have this in the hands of everyday folk who want to remember this time period, remember where we are and where we continue to be when it comes to issues of social justice.” “In this time when galleries and institutions are having to make different changes according to social distancing — and a lot of times that includes closure — [AXP is] giving people an opportunity to experience art at home, to think about culture, to think about the role of the image and the art in social movements,” she said. “I do think this is an appropriate project for everyone and hopefully people can find time, now that we have ample time to enjoy a puzzle.

ARTXPUZZLES: PUZZLES WITH PURPOSE artxpuzzles.com | Instagram:@artxpuzzles

ARTIST CHOICE CHARITIES: First Responder’s Children’s Foundation 1strcf.org Animal Welfare Institute awionline.org + more can be found at AXPs website. The AXP CONTEMPORARY ARTIST VOICES: “When Rachel approached me with this idea, I immediately was taken to it, I have always loved the idea of taking my photos, and dealing with them ways other than just a static piece of paper, and to that extent, my puzzle is clearly not static, but quite a daunting challenge for anyone that might try to assemble my photo. This has been such a terrific experience, hopefully there will be more to come!” - Christopher Makos

“Puzzle is about fitting — when two and more puzzle pieces are separated they are useless, lost, and only together they make sense, they work. These are puzzling times, no doubts, but one thing is clear — it’s time to stick together, help each other, what exactly ArtXPuzzles: Puzzles with Purpose and its curator Rachel Vancelette do” - Veronika Georgieva

“Get it together!” - Kenny Scharf

“It’s never been harder to find the beauty in the challenges the universe delivers than in 2020. ‘YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL’ is about never forgetting how beautiful you are, and not being afraid to let

Kenny Scharf Tatyana Murray

your true colors show. When we celebrate the intrinsic beauty in ourselves and in each other, the world is a better place. I can’t think of a better mantra to meditate on while puzzling!” - Michael Angelo

May ‘Tree of Life’ shine ‘light’ on these ‘dark’, challenging times and create a sense of hope and connectedness as the puzzle is assembled. United, we will get through these stormy times, like the defiant trunk anchoring itself as the branches and leaves dance in the wind and at times are thrown around by gale forces. At the heart of this movement lies a calming, meditative space where the puzzler can breath and catch their breath - Tatyana Murray

Rachel D. Vancelette Vancelette Global Art Acquisitions Instagram: @rvancelette www.vanglobalart.com

ARTXPUZZLES: PUZZLES WITH PURPOSE Instagram: @artxpuzzles www.artxpuzzles.com

Black wool coat with pleated belt and accordion pleated black and white skirt, Jose Luis González Black wool tights, Wolford. Black ankle boots, Vince Camuto

Robert Maxwell & Mie Iwatsuki

FOCUS ON PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT MAXWELL & COVER STAR MIE IWATSUKI

BY ADAM KLUGER PHOTOGRAPHED BY ROBERT MAXWELL

STYLIST | TY-RON MAYES LOCATION | IDEAL GLASS STUDIO LOCATION SCOUT | ERIKA BOGNER MODEL | MIE IWATSUKI PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS | AITUAR NUGMETULLIN AND HUAHAO LUO MAKEUP ARTIST | TAKASHI MATSUZAKI HAIR STYLIST | SERINA TAKEI

Mie and Robert, how did you two meet?

Mie: We first met on social media the last summer, Robert wanted to do a photoshoot with me, I think he knew I collaborate with a lot of artists. So usually, the first thing I do is to research the artist’s work. I looked up his works at https:// robertmaxwellphoto.com/portraits and I immediately thought his work is compelling and spoke on the phone with him for a few hours. Later I found that most of my photographer friends all knew his name and as the photographer or the legend who shot all the celebrities in Hollywood. We decided to meet for a coffee to discuss the shoot a week later, and I noticed that he was very humble, he prohibited me to call him a legend. Then we spoke like hours because we have many crossovers and experiences in life between fashion, art, photography, modeling, and we each exchanged so many interesting stories that are never-ending... and that is still continuing today.

RM: I don’t remember. I probably saw her photo on IG or Facebook and knew right away this was someone special. We met for coffee, then sat in the park and I watched this beautiful creature float for six hours. Google Marc Chagall, Bella floating. He described exactly how I felt. I knew right away that I’d met the most beautiful, interesting, and diverse talented individual that I’d ever met. Only Gordon Parks Jr. comes close.

Why is there such strong creative chemistry between the two of you?

Mie: I think we trust each other now. I know I can feel relaxed walking into his studio and expect something magical to come out each time we shoot, even if I do not try or prepare so much. I think he feels the same way with me, we are always happy about our end product. After communicating with him in detail, we now know what we are looking for and not in our works, and I think in the end it is the “trust” in each other’s eye, we usually end up feeling the same and agreeing on the same about which work we feel is best. And these days, even if Robert suggests doing something that is outside of the box which initially I didn’t think would be a good idea, I now start to rethink to trust that idea or his instinct also, because he is usually right! (laughter!)

RM: I think she likes and appreciates my work. I think Mie is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes upon. So it was good for both of us.

Google Marc Chagall, Bella floating. He described exactly how I felt. I knew right away that I’d met the most beautiful, interesting and diverse talented individual that I’d ever met. Only Gordon Parks Jr. comes close.” - Photographer Robert Maxwell

What appeals to you both the most about working together?

Mie: Working on the photoshoot knowing that I am going to get the most amazing images each time and all the time. He is one of the best photographers I have worked with before and he never betrayed or disappointed my trust in this regard. And thanks to him, there are more and more great photographers in the world starting to approach me these days because of seeing his work (of my portraits). I feel so lucky to have met him, but I hope he feels the same! (Laughter!)

RM: A continuous unpeeling of the most interesting “onion” I’ve met, her infectious laughter, kindness, and humbleness. In my career, I’ve worked with 10-15 super-models. Mie is on a different level. This woman floats.

What is the special bond between an artist and a Muse all about?

Mie: I think when an artist and a Muse creates masterpieces, there has to be a certain kind of chemistry in between them all the time. It is not necessarily having a relationship as the old age discourse, but what I mean is that the chemistry also exists between people, good friends or someone who you respect, trust their work, having strong admiration for their activities, works, personalities and it could be just an atmosphere they bring out--One of such feelings or qualities may be elegance, grace, poise, intelligence & experience that never bore you and let each other to keep gazing, I can not explain this in detail only by words. But after working with many artists, masters, and legends in the art world, this is something I was also told, and I now can say so strongly this “Chemistry” has been one of the important factors the artists have created such timeless portrait pieces through the centuries.

RM: I’m not sure. This is the first time in my career where I felt the need to shoot someone more than once or twice. She’s like a drug and I’m the addict.

Robert, what’s the secret to creating timeless images?

RM: Being honest and true to your craft. Not all the noise surrounding it. I’ve pissed many people off over the years because for me it was always about the photo, not ego.

Mie, why is the relationship between an artist and a muse so interesting to you?

Mie: It is the humanistic experience. Why we even create art, let’s start from there. We crave for something lasting impression in humanity, we all know that one day we are all gone, but in what we create the spirit of our soul will always live there I feel. I want the viewers of 1,000 years from now to also experience and feel what I am feeling today from the artwork. I just happened to have studied art, art history, and familiar with artists and artworks from curatorial experiences, and today I hope to be some sort of A shaman who can connect the viewers of today and the future to the soul of the artists I love and collaborate in my life through the voice of a model. Robert Frank once said, --”There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment. This kind of photography is realism. But realism is not enough, there has to be vision, and the two together can make a good photograph.” I now feel that the master already knew. If vision is by the artist, this humanistic experience is by the invisible factor, “Monad” created between the subject or model and the artist. This relationship in moments is the key to making a lasting impression in art history.

Who are some of your artistic and creative influences?

Mie: For me, definitely the long working & personal relationship with the legendary photographer, Robert Frank, and master painter, Alex Katz, The numerous sittings and having opportunities of conversations with such masters have helped me to gain significant insights and ability to distinguish what is really good work. They both have “reached” to the point where whatever they would create is always masterpieces, without the need for explanations. Have you encountered any artworks that make you cry just by visual experience? It takes usually, some decades for artists to get there, it is really hard, but the key being honest, being themselves, true to their vision, and having beliefs and having humanistic experience, I have always believed in this. Actually, this just made me recall that recently there were some people who contacted me and have said that they started to cry by just looking at a picture of mine, and it was one of Robert Maxwell’s portraits of mine in which I am wearing a fur hat. . So, I also want to say this. I feel that Robert Maxwell is also one of such rare artists who can leave a lasting impression by his timeless work.

RM: Edward Weston, Walker Evans. Disfarmer was my favorite though.

White jacket, top and ruffled dress, Jose Luis González. Black tights, Wolford. Silver boots, Soid Studios New York

Mdie Iwatsuki is more than just a model. She is the embodiment of serenity and elegance. She is like a walking installation of fine art that was curated by the muses. Once I discovered her vast knowledge of art and love of architecture, Mie inspired me to style her in this unconventional layout. In a story that crosses pop culture, Asian influences, and avant-garde clothing, even under the most rigid lenses Mie Iwatsuki stepped out of her comfort zone and made my styling and story come alive.

- Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes

fashion

How has the art world and art/photography changed over the years?

Mie: It has been the same in the art world for few decades, it has been increasingly hard for artists to create new work. I think only 2-3% can make it, and they say only 5% of 500 galleries are making money. I think the same applies to photography. Especially now the Covid impacting a lot of artists friends in NYC or elsewhere. But I do believe good art sometimes comes out from their struggles, and they never stop creating. Once the female artist I respect, Robert Frank’s wife, June Leaf has told me in a conversation that “Artists do not create work for money, they create because they have to create.” --This resonated in my mind so deeply, and I wanted to cry when I heard that. I feel for artists usually, and they can also feel me sometimes. Even if the world has changed, artists will always be here.

What do you both do for fun? What else are you both passionate about?

Mie: I think Robert will say cooking, and he is a great cook. Once he created Japanese lunch for me and my makeup artist, after I learned the recipe from him, I ended up cooking the same dish over and over at home. He is a better cook than I am, and I like to cook these days especially during Covid, I do not go out to eat, so I cook a lot. Robert has inspired me to cook Japanese food! (Laughter!) but true. And my other passion is to write, write my experience working with artists or photographers I collaborate with. I think artist lives in me also, I used to paint, play piano, so I can feel what artists are feeling sometimes. My other passion is traveling, taking my parents to travel around the world, and let them also experience what I have experienced. Since my father prohibited me from going study abroad alone and told me that he would not finance me and he would only agree if I go on my own, I had to save money and pass a scholarship exam to come here, but I still feel guilty leaving my parents when I was young. I feel I hope to give back something to my parents so I take them on trips abroad every year, (for example Hawaii, Cambodia, Cebu, Paris, Taiwan, Bali, Korea, Vietnam, Okinawa, etc) When I tell this story to people they all say they want to ask me to be their daughter! then I would tell them then they need to give me a monthly allowance. (Laughter!)

RM: Cooking and riding my motorcycle around this beautiful city

Burnett New York

Frank and June Leaf said in the prior conversations, So I would like to share what Alex Katz has told me before. He said he thinks people see things in their cultural backgrounds. And then their personalities are different, all people see things differently inside the culture, outside the culture. Ernst Gombrich said that African art is symbolic and Impressionism is realistic. And he would say, ‘”To whom?” to an African, an Impressionist painting is not realistic. And their art is realistic. It’s a different culture and a different way of seeing. -- This opened up millions of ways of possibilities for me to see things. and this is why, I would like to be inside of artists’ brains or philosophy, understanding their personalities and experiencing their realities. There are so many possibilities in art, artworks, artists, and art history in humanity. So, I hope everyone does not stop creating.. and I will keep writing about my collaboration & experience with them.