CALLING ALL COCONUTS!

WE’RE NOT GOING BACK!  (Kamala Harris, 2024)
A couple months ago a young intern and I were working in my studio when we heard that Biden had ended his re-election bid and endorsed vice president Kamala Harris to run for the Presidency. A feeling of irrepressible joy and hope swept over us both, replacing the anxious gloom and doom that had previously prevailed. I started thinking about what we could do, as artists and designers, to be part of what was quickly becoming a dynamic and exciting new movement. Tessa (a student of Fashion at the Parsons School of Design) started sketching out some ideas on paper. I started playing around with them on Photoshop and… two new products were born! “Calling All Coconuts” is an inter-generational collaboration, born out of the renewed hope, humor, and sheer joy generated by the uplifting presence of Kamala Harris on the national stage. The cap is brat green with hot pink text quoting Kamala’s mother’s famous words reminding us of the importance of context: “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” on the front. And on the back the campaign’s omnipresent war-cry: “NOT GOING BACK”.  The 22” square cotton bandana has a pink and green checkerboard design with the words JOY, HOPE, and VOTE alternating on the pink and green squares. A row of coconut emojis borders the perimeter of the bandana. I am super excited to announce that a first, limited edition, batch of hats has just arrived in studio, and we are taking pre-orders for the bandanas. In celebration of Kamala Harris becoming the 47th President of the USA, we are pricing each cap and each bandana at $47, and 20% of proceeds will be sent to the Harris/Walz campaign. These items are now available for purchase on my webshop and at my San Francisco studio.

BUY ONLINE
San Francisco studio: 1890 Bryant Street, studio 308, San Francisco, CA. 94110

The STEAM Series

The STEAM series is… an experiment in “Photo-Painting”.

Every time I take a shower I observe the steam building up on the bathroom mirror. Patches of colors and textures are reflected, blurry and vague. Over time, as I look more closely, the steam condenses and starts dripping down gracefully over the mirror’s surface. My camera captures the movement, at times liquid and sharp, at times soft and blurred. I seize dripping jewels in suspended animation, amidst fields of wild or muted color. I arrange the images in graphic sequences. Each finished piece tells a story.

Northern Lights in My Bathroom 2023 Sequential photography, steam, light, mirror, time. Archival dye sublimation print on aluminum, 25″ x 40″.

This is Why…

Videographer Mushi Wooseong James asks that universal question: Why do you make art? Simo Neri answers with this 2023 update.

For many it is fascinating to look at art, or to observe the process of making art. But does one ever wonder what motivates an individual to express their creativity in a unique and particular way? To the point of such motivation defining their very being in the world?

Our Sheltering Sky

OUR SHELTERING SKY, is an installation on view at The Drawing Room Annex, SF as part of the invitational show SKY, beginning February 18, 2023.

Always fascinated by the changing nature of the skies above, I have used sequential photography of skies from different parts of the world in an effort to capture this ephemeral quality. Recently I have turned my attention back to earth, to those who find themselves below the skies, shelterless. In spite of many ideas and proposals, little action has emerged as a solution.

In this installation I subvert the conventional notion of sky by transforming a sky that is typically perceived as “above our heads” and un-reachable into an element to be contemplated vertically on a wall, unfurling down to the ground. Sequential photographic strips of blue skies with a variety of cloud formations cover the walls of the installation area, rolling down onto the floor. Viewers find themselves facing skies from different parts of the world, indicating universality. In their juxtaposition, the sky strips remind one of symbols of ‘a home’ or ‘a face’. A few strips roll up in two select ‘windows’ or ‘eyes’, revealing a diptych: “Shelter” and “Sleep”, featuring the harsh reality of the unhoused in urban areas.

OUR SHELTERING SKY is intended as a call to arms, as an awakening to this tragic condition that surrounds us. The imagery of skies as protective walls is a reference to both the nurturing quality of nature as well as to its perilousness. My intention is to provoke empathy in the viewer, to stimulate the imagination, and to find solutions.

EAT ME, DRINK ME

… at the Drawing Room Annex SF

The DREAM SCREEN

Stage set? Private nook? Zoom background?
It’s a work of Art!

The Dream Screen is a flexible, modular portal to the viewer’s imagination. It is at once a stage, a behind-the-scenes, a work of art. At the same time two- and three-dimensional, the Dream Screen freely changes shape and transforms space. It is both art and furniture, both decorative and functional.
Above: photo courtesy Trish Tunney

From September 10 to September 19, 2021 three prototypes of the Dream Screen will be on display in the 3-Door Gallery, on the third floor of 1890 Bryant Street Studios in San Francisco (1890 Bryant Street at Mariposa).
From September 10 to 15 in-person visits to the exhibition will be by appointment only. To schedule your visit go to: https://calendly.com/simo-neri/the-dream-screen Or contact us at simo@simoneri.com or (646) 505-7286.
From September 16 to September 19, 2021 the event will be open to the public at large, as part of Artspan’s Open Studios. Visiting hours are Thursday 09/16 and Friday 09/17 between 4pm and 7pm, and Saturday 09/18 and Sunday 09/19 between noon and 6pm. For the duration of the public event there will be security at the 1890 Bryant street entrance and masks will be required as well as proof of vaccination.

Shelter in Place: a diptych

After a full year of my own “sheltering in place”…

LISTEN ! a triptych

LISTEN ! is a triptych inspired by the urgency of the recent protests against systemic racial injustice.

In this critical time I feel an overwhelming need to pay attention to the voices on the street as well as to those from the past. Words matter.

Another pandemic art project: 2020, Spring Interrupted

In the middle of preparing for Spring Open Studios this year…

the floral, spring-like environment that I had planned for my studio tour was suddenly interrupted, mid-hanging, thanks to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Five months later, in preparation for another Open Studios, the four partially hung panels of peony details have become a virtual “Spring Interrupted”, while I complete the installation with a new collection of themed silk scarves on the facing wall.

A pandemic art project: It Was The Grief

“We need people to see our truth here. We will not stop. We will not quit until this is over.” Julianne V., Covid ICU nurse in NY

… At the height of the Covid 19 pandemic, I was struck by a particularly powerful testimonial by a NY ICU nurse on FaceBook. It inspired me to create a work of art in that same spirit, to interpret and enhance the universality of her message. I selected specific quotes, laid them out rhythmically on a horizontal template, playing with text size, varying the words from blaring to more intimate. 24 masked faces punctuate the text rhythmically with what was available to me in our quarantine: a variety of face masks printed with my photos of urban art from cities hit especially hard with Covid 19. With no models available during the pandemic, for this piece I wear the masks myself.

Step into the Rhythm!

BETWEEN THE LINES, an installation in studio 308

A summer exhibition in San Francisco!

Avenue 12 Gallery presents URBAN RHYTHMS _ Simo Neri: Photo Mosaics _ June 26 – August 16, 2019

American Spring 2018: Signs of the Times

Moved and inspired by the courage and passion of the young MSD survivors of the Valentine Day massacre in Parkland, FL

“AMERICAN SPRING” CAMPAIGN 2017

Inspired by the Women’s March on Washington, and by the clever, witty, irreverent signs crafted by the marchers

I created compositions for a silk scarf and a cotton pillow cover celebrating the message and spirit of the march.

When you purchase a scarf or a pillow cover from the American Spring collection, a portion of proceeds will go to Planned Parenthood.

Paula Dias is waving high an American Spring silk scarf.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: MASKS in RED and WHITE

These amazing Korean masks were used in a variety of purposes…

…in war, ceremoniously to drive away evil spirits, and in the arts, especially in ritual dances and theater. The often horrifying or grotesque masks were used in shamanistic practices for their ability to evoke fear, and humor.

Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Model Devie Miles is wearing a limited edition MASKS in RED and WHITE silk scarf and shawl.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: TREADING WATER

This work is about time suspended…

… the same way a body suspended in water must tread the water in order to stay afloat. The moving legs and the water’s refraction and diffraction combine to create an abstract rhythm.

Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Model Devie Miles is wearing a TREADING WATER silk scarf and shawl on the Williamsburg waterfront.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: SCAFFOLD

Scaffolding can be beautiful.

This one is from the third phase of NYC’s High Line. The construction process turned out to be far more rewarding visually then the luxury high rise that appeared once the scaffolding was removed.

Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Model Rozi Uhl, wearing a SCAFFOLD silk scarf, is photographed by Fernando Paz.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: BROOKLYN WALLS

I am struck by the inventiveness, variety, and irreverence of the art that covers the walls of many cities.

The combination of creativity and technical talent is ever evolving, and I am impressed by the spontaneity with which these city dwellers express being part of a city.

Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Model Rozi Uhl, wearing a BROOKLYN WALLS silk scarf and standing in front of a TALKING WALL wall hanging, is photographed by Fernando Paz.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: TRASH

On a hot summer weekend in my Brooklyn neighborhood, I went “fishing” for street garbage with my camera.

I recomposed these images – my own form of recycling – as an attempt to reveal the underlying beauty of rejected objects, the virtuosity of a cascade of shiny materials and colors.

Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Model Rozi Uhl, wearing a TRASH silk scarf and standing in front of a TRASH wall hanging, is photographed by Fernando Paz.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: CITRUS

Though citrus is generally considered a winter fruit, its juicy, refreshing colors make it a great design to wear in the summer.

After collecting oranges, limes and lemons from my local fruit stand, I cut them into roundels which I then photographed randomly scattered on my light table.
Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Rozi, wearing a Citrus scarf, is photographed by Fernando Paz

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: BOOKS

A rolling tide of… books.

This design is derived from a small segment of a 20-meter long, in situ installation, titled Marea, where I created a series of waves unfurling along a narrow corridor towards the viewer. The subject consisted of photographic sequences of books, seen from the page edge. The result was an actual “tide” of books advancing towards the viewer in waves.

Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Yogini Marta Quaglia is practicing with art pillow BOOKS I. Digital print on linen of details from the installation Marea.

DESIGN OF THE MONTH: LOW TIDE

Stay cool… it’s time to go to the beach!

The large Bassin d’Arcachon near Bordeaux empties out completely at low tide. I took advantage of this phenomenon to wander around the marooned vessels, photographing their varied palette of bright colors available during this brief window of time.
Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Rozi, wearing a Low Tide scarf and tunic, is photographed by Fernando Paz

DESIGN OF THE MONTH : SKY

After a long, dark, cold winter, spring is finally in the air in Paris and New York.

I have an urge to surround myself with blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Wearing this design inspires a sign of hope and promise.
Limited edition prints, wall hangings, pillow covers, silk scarves, as well as silk and cotton shirts, are available upon request, or on our web boutique.

Eunhwa & Simo Neri : a CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Two artists – one from Korea and one from Italy – cross paths in Paris.

As neighbors they have seen and admired each other’s work. They share a strong aesthetic affinity and an adventurous spirit. Simo’s wardrobe contains many of Eunwha’s designs; and Eunwha is intrigued by Simo’s photographic compositions on fabric. For this ongoing collaboration, Simo creates the printed fabric, while Eunwha provides the garment’s design as well as her fashion craftsmanship. These unique shirts may be purchased for 370 euros, and are available at EUNHWA‘s Paris boutiques: 19 rue Dauphine, Paris 6th arrondissement and 19 rue Claude Bernard, Paris 5th arrondissement / +33 1 42 50 69 20. / www.eunhwa.com