#AfroCaps 006

Afro Caps 006:
A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario
Black Sheep - The Choice is Yours
Boss- I Don't Give a Fuck
Cypress Hill - Insane in the Membrane
www.alboe.art

#AfroCaps: March 13-18

#AfroCaps 005

AfroCaps, 005:
Munchi - Gracias
Notorius B.I.G - Juicy (GTA Moombahsoul Bootleg)
Dj Gambier - Wine And Kotch
Dillon Francis & Diplo ft. Maluca - Que Que (Alvaro Remix)

www.alboe.art/afrocaps

#AfroCaps 004

Afro Caps 004:
Shortie No Mas - U Like My Style
Wu-Tang - Method Man
Mariahlynn - Once Upon A Time (ALBOE Edit)
Mikos Da Gawd - Blow da Whistle

www.alboe.art www.alboe.art/afrocaps

#AfroCaps 003

Afro Caps, 003:
Big L - MVP
Keith Murray - World Be Free
Zaki Ibrahim - Tonight
Tall Black Guy - Love to The World
Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme the Loot

www.alboe.art

#AfroCaps 002

Afro Caps, 002:
Nelly Furtado - No Hay Igual
Planet Giza - Nostalgia
Nick Pacoli -Ualreadyknow
Thatmanmonkz - Be With Me

#AfroCaps 001

Tracklist:
domolo - vulturez
Joyce Wrice - Good Morning (jRobb Remix)
the Mouse Outfit - Sip a Little Bit of Rum
People Under the Stairs - The Dig

3006 Seven Lakes Drive

Bear Mountain State Park // November 7, 2015

Artist Statement

I love reading artist statements but writing one for myself makes me cringe.  But of course, I can't close my eyes and wish this art world staple away. Here's what I nailed out...

Ashley-Simone McKenzie is a illustrator, muralist and photographer who creates her work with pens, markers, spray paint and a DSLR. Through vessels of cartoons and surrealistic scenes, she explores contrast and duality with black-and-white or minimal colors. Inspired by childhood nostalgia and psychology, her illustrations and photographs bridge a gap between psychoanalysis and surrealism through a wide range of styles and techniques.

Since graduating New York University (B.S. in Sports Management), she has been engaged in art direction, curation and design, through her experimental studio, ALBOE, and conducting hands-on workshops for Rush Philanthropic at their galleries and partnered schools. Her artwork and projects are placed in various locations in Long Island, New York City, Manchester and Paris. 

Ashley-Simone's solo and group exhibitions include The Adventures of Ashley-Simone at The Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art; Power, Protest and Resistance at Long Island University – Brooklyn; and Justice at Jersey City Theatre Centre. She is also a former resident artist at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden.

24 Years

Personally, I'm not a fan of birthday celebrations but I'll admit that it's the perfect, personal milestone for where you're going in life. On October 29th three years ago, I was extremely sad and upset because of my awakening – a period of self-reflections/struggle for self-actualization. I was confused about almost everything and had a false sense of security; all which led to a powerless state of being (cue in selective, antisocial behavior). Now, I can say that I have an idea of what I'm doing – which means the world to me. And although I still feel powerless every now and then, it sparks progress and action. I don't feel incapable by any means. Currently, I have a brand, mural/permanent installation, and a solo exhibition on my resume; I produced three successful events; I've learned to say no because I have a better idea of what I want; and I'm constantly eager for the next step for my career or happiness. 

This time around, I'm happy to celebrate my birthday because it represents the accomplishments under my belt. From now on, I hope I can match, and top, my future birthdays with the same drive I put into my passions. Until then, I will always appreciate where I've come from and never lose sight of where I can go. 

2015 #GoldRushAwards

Invite and photos from the 2015 Gold Rush Awards. I also created the red, white, and black piece for their silent auction. Such an honor; especially since I went to the event for the first time last year, fell in love with the cause, and wanted artwork at the 2015 event.

My First Solo Exhibition

On August 3rd, I relocated to Snug Harbor Cultural Center's red cottage as a artist in their Snug Harbor Artist Residency Program (SHARP). During the two month residency, I created a series of stories and adventures through ink, photography, sharpies and paint; then curated and installed my artwork in a 1,500 sq. foot gallery  

From October 3rd to November 15th, I presented these illustrations and photographs at my first solo exhibition The Adventures of   Ashley-Simone, in the Newhouse Center of Contemporary Art (Staten Island). These are the photos of the artwork. 

P.S. Special thanks to Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the Van Lier Fellowship for the opportunity, space, and gallery; Jillian; Hilary and Harbor Eats for the hospitality.