«Artists should be on streets» - said somebody I can’t remember, but it doesn’t really matter anymore. Times have changed. The masters of paints and brushes were found safe and sound in New York city downtown last weekend - not living rough on sidewalks, but enjoying their high sales numbers. «Pretty-pretty high» [in Larry David voice]

Artexpo New York 2025 - the 48th edition of the world's original fine art trade show - featured over 200 galleries, art publishers, dealers from around the globe, showcasing original works from more than 1,000 artists. You can imagine the visual overload.

And so, I stood on my heel, turned clockwise and spanned around. Wizards of art sent their warm welcome through the colored waves of unique visions.

Magaly Ohika - Jean-Michel Basquiat, 2024

The most amazing thing about Art Fairs is a chance to meet and chat with artists themselves. Whenever I saw these hypnotizing portraits by Ivan Gauthier - 24-years-old East European artist adopted in France, I felt a weird connection with his creatures. Sadness in their eyes, sincere face expressions, purity of colors - as if they were characters from slavic folklore books - made me feel warm. Young superstar talent from Paris definitely has a unique art style with obvious French influence. Think of Montmartre street artists, but with price tags reaching $8K. Enchanté.

French artist Ivan Gauthier at Art Expo New York 2025

Now, a little Paris reference.

There is this powerful painting at Whitney Museum, of the sad clown smoking a cigarette. Below is a pic of my friend Olya Sonica looking at him with a bit of distrust (you can also read more about our Whitney Museum walk via link):

Soir Bleu (1914) is a vivid homage to the years American painter Edward Hopper spent in Paris. The painting explores loneliness and existential isolation experienced by everyone who lives in a big city.

The painting below reminded me our Whitney’s find. is called «Whispers in disguise». I couldn’t find the creator’s name next to it, but I really love it and find so many different meanings in this creepy portrait of the Self, studying the duality principle - that idea of two opposing forces coexisting. One laughs, another not so happy about it. Is that all happening in one person’s head? Sure it is.

Comedians and jokers are often broken inside, but they’re here to entertain us indefinitely.

For me - art is therapy, and it’s also a tool helping many to deal with the unbearable reality. It teaches to focus on details and stay still in thought. Not an easy task these days.

«Rapids of Thought» is a drawing by Yianna Foufas. Such a perfect illustration of a human mind. I thought it was impossible to picture overthinking, but she did it.

Self-psychology is a trendy thing at the moment. Nobody paints broken hearts and gorgeous bodies better than New York based artist Eddy Bogaert. I call his style Sexy Dangerous Soul Splash. His paintings are glossy and mirror the nature of an alfa-feminine spirit. The mixed media list is impressive: acrylic, latex enamel, oil, spray paint & nail polish on wood board.

«Who is that gorgeous lady, posing naked unbothered?» - you’ll ask. And I answer: that’s you, my girl. All of us together at once. Isn’t pink our favorite color?

Brazilian artist Diogo Snow answers «YES» indefinitely.

He has a cool style, nickname and he received a reward for being the best new exhibitor at Artexpo 2025. His graffiti art with hot pink signature crowns reminding Basquiat logo is very popular at the moment, but I couldn’t stop staring at his other two paintings.

Kate Moss & Frank Sinatra paintings by Diogo Snow

With their pixelated muzzy eyes and neon pink gunshots in chests Kate Moss & Frank Sinatra look immortal. Not sure if Mustache Kate found her home, but Sexy Frank has been already sold by Saturday. Celebrities make cash!

Speaking of celebrities. Dear Biggie, can I please look at you daily? You kinda boost up my confidence. $5,500 - Dream on, Alëna Adamson.