TURNSTILE: ART THUG
“People always ask me: What is an Art Thug? An Art Thug is someone who encompasses the necessary character strengths: creativity, honesty, love, social intelligence, leadership, wisdom, humanity, and justice.”
I was raised on New York City’s Lower East Side of Manhattan; the cultural center of the World. I have seen many trends come and go over the decades. I’m from a period when opulence wasn’t cool and if you were wealthy, you didn’t want anyone to know it. To have the respect of the community, you had to represent, and whatever you were creating for the World to witness had to be cutting edge, original and a masterpiece.
In my World you became famous because you created something that was profound, original and life-affirming. Art was a catalyst for change, aesthetically pleasing, and remarkable, elevating a higher level of consciousness.
Art Thug is in opposition of the culture of capitalism that has bred us into voyeurs, followers, and consumers. For the last 3 decades I’ve witnessed the decline of society through social media. Today, your social media following is proof that you are important, relevant and a celebrity. For me and my community, we’re not impressed. I don’t care if you have 1 trillion followers or 1 trillion dollars, if your work isn’t on that level, we’re never going to respect you, never.
In my World there are diamonds in the rough, gods walking among us creating for themselves or the few who are privy to their genius. Because we are not wealthy, or famous doesn’t make true talent meaningless. We all know someone we consider talented, but never was given an opportunity.
Art for me is very personal. I wish and need to be moved. We have been so desensitized, and conditioned in this life that we can no longer feel. To feel I need ‘real’ artists to create music, art, films, poetry, theatre, and dance that evoke empathy. We are surrounded by mediocrity, derivatives, and gimmicks. Art is my medication to remedy for the sickness of a shallow, superficial, and selfish World. In that respect I need all art to be exceptional, superior, and of the highest quality.
We created the Art Thug Signature hoodie and t-shirts in 2018 to identify, celebrate and recognize the vanguards in our community who make a difference and pay it forward by any means necessary. Individuals who define what it means to be an Art Thug. When you put on the Art Thug hoodie or T-Shirt you represent a culture. A culture of pioneers, innovators and visionaries that lead by example. A culture of creatives that create art in search of the masterpiece, not fame, wealth, or status. We are not driven by money but truth, integrity, and purpose. Artists who sacrifice whatever it takes to bring their art to fruition, to the people. We are a community of creatives. If you see someone wearing Art Thug merch they give them a nod of respect because they stand for something, not just against.
I AM ART THUG
Art Thug Signature Black T-Shirt
Art Thug Signature White T-Shirt
Art Thug Signature Black Hoodie
