OUR THING #1
A Creative Community
If Space 1026 (of which he is a founder) is to Philadelphia's art scene what hip-hop is to music, then consider Andrew Jeffrey Wright its Ice T: an O.G. Whether it be drawing, painting, animation or photography, Wright's art is sharp social commentary dressed in a humor suit. Working with Clare Rojas, he won top prize for animation at the New York Underground Film Festival and the New York Comedy Film Festival, and has exhibited at Los Angeles's New Image Art Gallery and Giant Robot in New York. His most recent show was "Art for Corporations," a solo exhibit at San Francisco's The Luggage Store.
andrewjeffreywright.com
space1026.com
First off, state your name.
Andrew Jeffrey Wright
How long have you lived in Philadelphia?
I've lived here for 16 years. I was born in Florida.
As an artist, what made you choose Philly?
Ten years ago, it was a lot more fun and interesting than NYC, Providence, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. I don't know why I am here now.
Is there anything that you consider inherently "Philly" about your art?
I wouldn't be able to live off of it in NYC, LA, SF or Miami.
What was your first show in Philly?
"The Council of Five Egg Man Wake." It was a group show in a West Philly house I think in the fall of 1994. I think the house was on the 4800 block of Springfield Ave.
Who supported you along the way? Who supports young artists in Philadelphia now?
Alex Baker, Shelly Spector, New Image Art Gallery, The Luggage Store, Lizbeth Oliveria, Jonathan Binstock, The New York Underground Film Festival, The New York Comedy Film Festival, Giant Robot, the ICA, PAFA, Lump and Space 1026. I think they all support young artists now, except for The New York Underground Film Festival, that institution just ended and I don't know about the other film festival.
Is there a connection between your work and music?
I am usually listening to music when I make it. I use music in the movies I make. Nine years ago, I helped Peggy Honeywell write some songs.
Space 1026 helped spawn a movement of Philly artists working in collectives. What's your take on that?
I love it! It can be incredibly frustrating, but that is only because it can also be incredibly rewarding. I hope Space 1026 lasts another 90 years, at least. The secret to a collective's success is mixing the right people together so you don't get poison.
Do you have any advice for collectives that want to be like Space 1026 but are just getting started?
Stretch every morning. You are going to need to be flexible; use your love muscle and not your hate muscle.
Best under-the-radar music venue in Philadelphia?
Space 1026's gallery, we have great music shows that only like 15 people will attend.
Best eats?
Essene Cafe
Best illegal chess game?
I don't break the law.
Philly: Better with Allen Iverson or without?
To answer this question properly, it would take 100 pages or more.
Please kill off a Philly trend for us.
Violence, hate, murder and increased housing prices