Sweetness at Dylan's Candy Bar

New York, NY

Prepare your taste buds for a visual treat! On August 1, 2007, Lucas Stoffel, the celebrated Starving Artist Award winner, will unveil his latest masterpiece - a captivating series of Pop Art Candy paintings titled "Sweetness." This delectable exhibition will take place at the renowned Upper East Side candy haven, "Dylan's Candy Bar" (1011 Third Ave.), and art enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the world of sweet nostalgia until August 31, 2007.

Sweetness at Dylan's Candy Bar by Lucas Stoffel

"Sweetness" is far more than an art exhibition; it's a whimsical commentary on love as seen through the lens of candy. Stoffel, known for his unique fusion of pop culture and art, has masterfully crafted this series using nostalgic candies that tug at heartstrings. From conversation hearts that convey raw emotion to wax bottles and old-fashioned candy sticks that evoke light-hearted joy, each piece in "Sweetness" tells a story of affection and delight.

Stoffel, who recently wowed the art world with his "iCon" exhibit in Chelsea, was thrilled when approached by Dylan's Candy Bar for this joint venture. He remarked, "I couldn't think of anything more exciting to create! The color, the texture, the fun that candy presented so intrigued me that when Dylan proposed the project, I jumped at the chance."

Sweetness at Dylan's Candy Bar by Lucas Stoffel

The official unveiling of "Sweetness" will take place on August 1, 2007, from 6 to 9 PM at Dylan's Candy Bar, and the public is warmly invited to attend. This enchanting event will also feature an opening reception sponsored by P.I.N.K. Vodka, adding an extra layer of sweetness to an already delightful evening.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience "Sweetness" - a convergence of art, nostalgia, and the simple joys of life - at Dylan's Candy Bar throughout the month of August. Lucas Stoffel's candy-inspired masterpieces promise to leave a lasting impression and perhaps even satisfy your sweet tooth for art.

Sweetness at Dylan's Candy Bar by Lucas Stoffel

Made in Taiwan at Gallery Bar

New York, NY

On the night of my arrival in Taiwan, I was jolted from my bed by an earthquake. This was just the first of many surprises awaiting me in this enigmatic land, engaged in an internal struggle as it grapples with the concept of westernization.

Made in Taiwan at Gallery Bar by Lucas Stoffel

The Taiwanese countryside, scattered with imposing industrial structures, communist-style apartment complexes, and towering gray grain elevators, starkly contrasts with the cityscape. Taiwanese cities are dotted with ubiquitous Starbucks and McDonald's outlets, resulting in littered streets due to the absence of public garbage cans, sidewalks, and proper sanitation systems. All of this creates a striking juxtaposition with the vibrant beauty and colorful life found in the temples.

Taiwan is deeply spiritual and profoundly superstitious. Here, belief systems intertwine with folklore, ghosts, and ancestry. This becomes apparent when walking through the streets, where the scent of burning paper wafts through the air as locals offer paper money at temples to honor their ancestors.

Made in Taiwan at Gallery Bar New York by Lucas Stoffel

My project delves into Taiwan's rich heritage, including its religious symbols like Taoist temples adorned with intricate dragons, colossal Tao statues, and omnipresent Buddhas. It also explores the fading art of opera performed in hidden alleyways, the remnants of a once-mighty military state, and the aspirations for a brighter future for the younger generation, symbolized by English cram school signs. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of an ever-present street sign, a symbol of tradition in the midst of the country's transition towards a more Western way of life.

Lucas Stoffel, a multimedia pop artist, was the recipient of New York's Starving Artist Award last year and has achieved best-selling status at the Starving Artist Ball twice. He has been commissioned by private collectors worldwide. In 2007, Stoffel was honored as the selected artist for the amfAR Rocks benefit for AIDS research and was featured in AM New York's Premiere Art Rocks Event. He also completed a commissioned series, "Sweetness," for the renowned Dylan's Candy Bar on the Upper East Side. Stoffel wrapped up the summer of 2007 by displaying his award-winning project, "iCon," at the Prince George Gallery on 27th Street before embarking on his current project in Taiwan.

Opening Night Party at Gallery Bar by Lucas Stoffel

Furthermore, Stoffel's "911 Emergency" panels (derived from his award-winning "iCon" project) are currently being considered for display at the World Trade Center Memorial Museum. Stoffel is also looking forward to 2008 as he plans an in-depth exploration of Japanese culture with his upcoming project, "Japan-a-nation," scheduled to begin in June.

By challenging the traditional aesthetics and norms of fine art in the digital age, Stoffel merges dehumanized technological and modern graphic elements with various warm mediums. Starting as photographs, each piece undergoes a transformation into a dimensional work that invites tactile exploration and arouses curiosity.

After earning a degree in design and theatrical arts from Iowa State University, Stoffel studied in Paris, where his appreciation for pop culture grew, and he began incorporating projections, carbon paper, and newspaper into his designs. As a passionate traveler, Stoffel recently spent a year on the island of Oahu, contributing as a photographer to Hawaiian Airlines Magazine. He currently calls New York his home.

Made in Taiwan at Gallery Bar by Lucas Stoffel

iCon: A Thought-Provoking Dive into Modern American Art by Lucas Stoffel

New York, NY

Artworks by Lucas Stoffel

iCon at The Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel

Brace yourselves for a captivating exploration of modern American culture as Lucas Stoffel, the acclaimed 2006 Starving Artist Award winner, unveils his thought-provoking project, "iCon." This award-winning endeavor, funded by Studio 42's Starving Artist Award Fund, has been a year in the making, and it's set to open at the prestigious Gallery at the Prince George Ballroom on June 18, 2007. Stoffel's "iCon" is not just an art exhibition; it's a critical examination of contemporary American life through the lens of iconic symbols. The public is cordially invited to immerse themselves in this extraordinary display, which will be showcased, along with some of Stoffel's previous works, at the Gallery at Prince George until August 16, 2007.

"iCon" stands as a meticulously planned visualization of social commentary. Stoffel embarks on a journey to expose the lopsided excesses that plague modern American society by juxtaposing modern icons with startling statistical data. Each pair of panels tells a compelling story. The first panel in each pair features a haunting rendition of a commonplace cultural emblem - from the 'American Idol' logo to a 'Freedom to Marry' sticker. Stoffel crafts these images to evoke a sense of haunting, akin to "a scar on the sidewalk after a nuclear attack," as he aptly describes it. The second panel delves into the cultural impact of these symbols through a collection of facts and quotes.

iCon at the Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel

"iCon" extends Stoffel's tradition of seamlessly integrating popular culture into art. It includes panels that offer commentary on pressing contemporary issues, such as voter turnout, the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In one striking juxtaposition, a Louis Vuitton handbag is paired with earnings reported by the company during Katrina's cleanup process, creating a poignant commentary on priorities and consumerism.

"The Gallery at Prince George provides the perfect backdrop for this powerful piece of social commentary," says Stoffel. "The raw and open ambiance of the space is beautifully reflected in the work itself."

Stoffel's "iCon" project has been made possible through a grant from Studio 42's Starving Artist Award Fund, a division of The Emerging Artists Fund. As the recipient of this prestigious award, Stoffel has worked closely with The Starving Artist Award Fund to refine his proposal and transform his vision into a compelling reality.

iCon at the Prince George Gallery by Lucas Stoffel

The unveiling of "iCon" is scheduled for June 18, 2007, and it will remain on display until August 16, 2007, at the Gallery at the Prince George Ballroom, located at 15 East 27th Street, between Fifth and Madison Avenues. The public is warmly invited to attend the opening reception on June 18, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., featuring an open bar and music. The Gallery at the Prince George Ballroom welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with free admission.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness "iCon" - an artistic journey that challenges our perceptions of modernity and encourages us to reflect on the icons that shape our lives. Lucas Stoffel's work promises to captivate, question, and inspire.