We spent time behind the doors of Secret Project Robot, a cultural space in Brooklyn where creatives can show their works and the wider community enjoy interactive experiences, performances and live music. Outside, a haven of pebbled grounds and psychedelic charm leads to the studio door of artist Chris Uphues. Uphues has mid-western roots, spending earlier years in Chicago but New York City charmed him away. He has a long history working as a fine artist, in addition to the other outlets he continues to explore.
Up close, his canvases show layers of complexity. Countless hours of detailed lines connect characters with organic elements. Though lines look hand-penned, they are the result of countless paint strokes. Chris started creating art in the streets during his time out west, and has continued with this passion project since. Fluro happily pops up and peeks out from Brooklyn’s landscape in pasted heart shapes, a juxtaposition amidst the often dishevelled doorways and concrete. Boutique trunk shows peddle wares created by the artist as an extension of his street art characterisations, and have been sought out by the likes of influencer Todd Selby.
Upcoming projects involve pop-ups, gallery shows and future collaborations that cross over into other genres of design. This is a chap having fun with whatever he is making happen.
Photography © Kelly Salih
