Debut of Brick City Project
The Brick City Project started about 5 years ago when Malik Hardaway-Whitaker decided to focus more on his art career. He was looking for a style that could display his art in a unique way. As a born and raised Newarker he wanted to do paintings of Newark, but wasn't wowed by the idea. On a walk, he found a brick sticking out of an old building and felt its smooth texture and it hit him (insert brick cliché here).
He wanted the project to represent how sustainable and durable Newark has been throughout the years and the all the changes it has gone through. The actual bricks have been collected from construction sites and abandoned buildings. They bring the city's energy and history to project, and are pieces of art all to themselves, but Malik adds a level by painting on their skin. The Brick City Project will debut Saturday, April 26th at Gallery Aferro at 7pm and be on display until May 24.
The installation features over thirty scenes depicting Newark life and historical landmarks. According to Malik, "I'm mostly a portrait artist and figurative painter....I also love landscapes and cityscape painting as well. I feel like this project was a way for me to infuse all of my interests and subjects into one project."
Outside of this project, Malik sustains himself financially in between art projects as a bartender and a massage therapist. You can also find him teaching art workshops at schools in Newark throughout the year. His work adorns some buildings around Newark and in Essex County College, and has been featured at Gallery Aferro and City Without Walls.
More info: www.malikwhitaker.com
