off the Beaten Path

artworks by Dean Richards
curated by Samantha Lewis
presented by chashama and Greater Jamaica Development Corporation

March 19 - May 2, 2010

chashama Jamaica Studios 161 Gallery
90-26 161st Street
Jamaica, Queens, NY

Opening Reception:
Friday, March 19, 2010, 6 - 9p

FREE and open to the public
For exhibit times contact Sam Lewis: samglewis@gmail.com

Sponsored in part by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation 

artist statement
"Graffiti as an art form always fascinated me, because it was different from anything i was exposed to. Vivid colors and an array of styles fueled my desires to create my own expression. It wasn't until I left college that I realized that my style of art would transcend letters in favor of forms. Inspiration comes from within, and various forms I come in contact with in everyday life. Ideas for paintings are collected in my sketchbook, which allows me to bring new forms to life. Working mainly in ink and acrylic nothing is discarded if it enhances my vision. The end result is a brand of work that draws the viewer into a labyrinth of lines that are as puzzling as the forms themselves. My work is reminiscent of jazz because of the many elements that comes to life under close inspection. Bending, twisting and posing add to the dance like quality. As of recently, I began experimenting with spray paint, the medium that sparked my imagination and desire to be an artist." 
- Dean Richards