“To not dare is to have already lost. We should seek out ambitious, even unrealistic projects… because things only happen when we dream.” – Andrea Putnam
We visited the Brooklyn address of artist Gilf, her lofty space assembled into both a place to create and retreat, divided by her tailored eye for design. An industrious mind and penchant for materials led to early pursuit of engineering, with a focus on automotive design. Amidst her studies Gilf was swayed by a less linear path and diversified into interiors and furniture.
Post-education, the fledgling designer relocated to New York City and began exploring various outlets. A chance encounter with Swoon’s work at street level inspired Gilf to create art that impacts others as that experience had effected her. The goal? Drive awareness to social issues that question authority. Gilf seeks out materials for her pieces that discuss the concept behind them, gravitating towards surfaces, elements from our environment and words.
The titles of her recent body of work captures phrases from a poem by Percy Shelly, Mask of Anarchy, which was commonly referenced by Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. The artist has had a presence at Scope and Fountain art fairs, and continues to show works throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan galleries in addition to commissions. Outdoor experimentation is favoured, such as her installation at the Department of Transportation’s abandoned painting shed underneath the Manhattan Bridge, entitled Heroes of Unwritten Story.
Opening a dialogue with those who find her work, Gilf is an ambitious artist continuing to focus on projects that create experiences and encourage conversation.
gilf! Brooklyn studio,
Photo, Kelly Salih
To be a Slave in Soul
Evolve
Hypocrisy on a Crocodile,
from Scope Art Show NYC
gilf! Brooklyn studio,
Photo, Kelly Salih
gilf! Brooklyn studio,
Photo, Kelly Salih
This is Slavery
Heroes of Unwritten Story,
from Dumbo Arts Festival 2013
Grandpa’s Flag
American Dream
Images courtesy, gilf!
unless otherwise stated.
