After New York endured such a gray year, one of my favorite contemporary artists returned color to the city streets. Jason Naylor showcased his debut solo exhibition earlier this spring in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. His rainbow palette shone brightly after his theme of love chased away metaphorical rainclouds. Naylor certainly executed his goal of using art to inspire resilience.

 

Prior to the show’s commencement, the artist-designer hybrid hosted a book signing. I took advantage of this opportunity to express my admiration for Naylor’s work to the creator himself. After introducing myself as a fellow artist and designer, I elaborated on how his interdisciplinary approach resonates with me personally. Naylor blends the best of both worlds by integrating typography with bold colors and iconography. Whether he paints a graphic mural or designs an illustrated campaign for a client, Naylor proves his claim in which art and design share the same fundamentals.

 

In addition to meeting the exhibitor, I also became acquainted with the show’s curator and some fellow viewers. My hand-painted jacket captured their attention before they asked to photograph my outfit. As a fashion enthusiast, I appreciated the gesture as a compliment. My sense of style allows me to silently initiate conversation with strangers despite my social inhibitions. We then engaged in dialogue regarding astrology and photography. The encounters reminded me how my individuality empowers me to speak through fashion.

 

Mingling with fellow creatives after a dull year rejuvenated my spirit. Naylor’s exhibition reminded me how art promotes unity by drawing similarly passionate people to connect with one another. His work successfully encouraged positivity with its saturated colors and uplifting messages. As we continue to persevere past unprecedented times, Jason Naylor’s art is exactly what we need.