Artist Andrew Brooks showcases urban abstract art collective and film screening at The Arts Center
[Fayetteville, North Carolina] – Pushing the boundaries of urban abstract expressionism, the Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County and Vetrepreneur Visions invites you to explore the eclectic visionary works of artist and filmmaker Andrew Brooks at the “Vintage Vibes Exhibit & Film Screening” that will be on display January 6 – 21, 2023 at The Arts Center, 301 Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville. The exhibit and film screening are free and open for public viewing.
ABOUT VINTAGE VIBES EXHIBIT
Artist Andrew Brooks offers an “ARTlife” Art Experience featuring an aesthetically stimulating collection of over twenty large-scale acrylic and oil pen paintings on canvas ranging from 36” x 48” to 48” x 56” in size. His works are symbolic of the exaggerated, rhythmic stroke styles and the unconventional, dynamic application techniques used by the pioneers of the Urban Abstract Expressionism movement.
During his silent moments of coping with the seclusion of the COVID lockdown, Andrew channeled his focus and energy onto the canvas. 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. He is now taking his stories, and his passion, into the marketplace to share his extraordinary works in a gallery setting for other art enthusiasts to experience.
“This is my first solo exhibit at The Arts Center gallery”, says Andrew Brooks. “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.”
ABOUT "WHAT WOULD PICASSO DO?" SHORT FILM
Visitors of the Vintage Vibes Exhibit are also invited to view a special film screening of “What Would Picasso Do?”, a short film written, directed, and produces by filmmaker Andrew Brooks.
film synopsis
As a young, broke, and struggling artist trying to break through the cut-throat perceptions of art enthusiasts who simply do not understand and reject his creative direction, “What Would Picasso Do?” recounts the journey of Dewayne (played by Mehki Adams) whose years-long struggle ends abruptly when he lands the sale of his very first million-dollar painting, thus, launching his prosperous painting career.
Becoming a millionaire overnight, the quick money changes Dewayne’s lifestyle and perception of wealth and privilege in the world.
“What Would Picasso Do?” has been recently selected for viewing at the Black Panther International Short Film Festival and the Blue Dolphin Monthly Online International Short Film Festival.
Click to watch the Film Trailer.
Available on TubiTV.
MEDIA DAY: OPENING RECEPTION
All media and the general public are cordially invited to attend the Opening Reception for the “Vintage Vibes Exhibit & Film Screening” on January 6th from 6pm to 9pm at The Arts Center located at 301 Hay Street in Historic Downtown Fayetteville.
Nayjah Mickens, featured actress in the film “What Would Picasso Do?”, will do a Live Performance. In addition, Andrew Brooks along with film cast members will be onsite for interview opportunities and host a Q&A session for attendees. Free to attend (RSVP not required).
ABOUT ARTIST ANDREW BROOKS
Andrew Brooks is a multi-talented creative and army veteran of the United States Military who has served in OIF. Obtaining an Associates of Arts degree at The Art Institute of Washington and now attending Full Sail University to gain a BA in Cinematography, he has pioneered his career within the film industry becoming an award-winning Free-Lance Editor and Director of Photography.
Andrew’s artistic style is rooted in Urban Abstract Expressionism, a mixture of styles and techniques learned from the progressive mentors of the movement (Ernie Barnes, George Condo, Frida Kahlo, Basquiat, Warhol, and Keith Haring).
Having worked for many networks such as HBO, Hulu, Amazon, Showtime, and Fox, Andrew’s filmmaking experience extends to directing over 10 short films and producing over 70 music videos. His featuring short film, “What Would Picasso Do?”, is now streaming on TubiTV and Amazon Prime.
About the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County
The Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization based in Fayetteville, NC that supports individual creativity, cultural preservation, economic development, and lifelong learning through the ARTS. As a primary steward of public and private funding for arts, cultural, and historical activities in the Cape Fear Region, all
affiliated programs of the Arts Council exemplify our 5 core values: Excellence, Accountability, Transparency, Collaborations, and Innovation. theartscouncil.com
In the year 2021-22, the Arts Council distributed almost $1 million in grant funds and allocations to Cumberland County arts and culture non-profit organizations, artists, and municipalities.
Grants, programs, and services of the Arts Council are funded in part by contributions from community partners, and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. ncarts.org
About Vetrepreneur Visions, LLC
Founded in 2021, Vetrepreneur Visions, LLC is a Black Veteran-Owned Video Production Company primarily operating in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia). Committed to becoming the worldwide leader in content creation for marginalized and underserved storytellers, the company offers Video and Podcast production (Commercial and Private), motivational speaking, and mentorship for young entrepreneurs and filmmakers. vetrepreneurvisions.com