Leap year artist, Treyvian Dowell, opens a solo exhibition with MINT--a gallery located in MET Atlanta--on January 14th. When entering the room, guests were greeted with a curated playlist by the artist himself and a multitude of mediums on every wall. There was graphite, spray paint, watercolor, and more!
Pulp had the opportunity to meet with the artist after the event to understand his process and what influenced each piece the most:
Interview with Treyvian Dowell
Who influenced this collection of work the most?
That’s tough. [But] I honestly feel that my friends influenced me the most as far as making decisions like eating a salad instead of McDonald’s. And that eventually bled into my work. All my work is just my daily experiences and who I see the most are my friends.
How do you prefer to work?
When it works on paper, nine times out of ten, I prefer the wall--like just taping the paper onto the wall. Every now and then I use a drawing board.
As far as canvas, I don’t believe in easels unless they’re heavy metal ones because I find myself knocking the painting off them a lot. So I balance it on top of some paint cans or I'll work on the floor every now and then like “nearertothee” (photo on the left). Eventually, I would prop them up on a wall, it just depends on what type of mark I’m trying to make.
Are you completely satisfied with your work?
I have no regrets regarding this exhibition. Of course, everyone feels like something could’ve been different or done this or that [regarding exhibition deadlines]. As far as what’s here, am I totally satisfied? That’s an interesting question. Satisfaction in what is present, yes. Satisfaction knowing what’s next, I’ll get that when I see it.
Overview of Exhibition
photos taken by Amanda Rivera
Dowell’s work represented the new age of art, in my opinion. Most would probably compare him to Basquiat because of the execution of his work. However, to me, his work reminds me of Jackson Pollock, an American painter that is known for his “drip art” and on-the-floor work ethic. Even though there are no matches or a roach embedded in his work, I feel as if he left something even better on the canvas: his childhood’s soul.
To view Treyvian Dowell's work, visit MINT between now and February 11th. You can also purchase his work by clicking here.
Follow Treyvian Dowell via Instagram