Welcome to Wet Paint in the Wild, an extension of Annie Armstrong’s gossip column wherein she gives art-world insiders a disposable camera so they can give us a peek into their corner of the madcap industry.
I first learned that rapper Vic Mensa is in fact a budding curator this Spring, when I went to Chicago for EXPO. At the time, Mensa was gearing up for his curatorial debut at dealer Kavi Gupta’s gallery, with a group show titled “SKIN + MASKS”, which features work by Josie Love Roebuck and Darryl Westly, now on view through 3 September. I haven’t been able to make it back to the Windy City to see it myself, but sent a disposable over to the “Wraith” rapper to see what a week in his life there looks like.
Bad boy of the Southside.
Starting the week at Garifuna Flava Chicago on 63rd Street—best oxtails in the city.
Stopped by “SKIN + MASKS,” my curatorial debut, at Kavi Gupta Gallery. Included in the group exhibition is wearable art circa 2015/2016. Created in collaboration with Franc Fernandez.
Thundercat with a pre roll from 93 Boyz, Chicago’s first Black-owned cannabis brand—founded by me.
Uduimoh Ellis Umolu at the Kendrick Lamar concert.
Stupid faces and stupid chains. Thundercat.
Friday—in the studio creating a masterpiece with Peter CottonTale and DexLvL.
In the studio. Thundercat is the best bass player on the planet. Fight me.
An old friend next to a painting by Terron Cooper Sorrells in “SKIN + MASKS” at Kavi Gupta.
Friday night—master of ceremonies after a panel discussion for “SKIN + MASKS” at Kavi Gupta.
CENTERFOLDS. Me and Chanelle Lacy, a director at Kavi Gupta, after the discussion at the gallery. We’re in the summer edition of Cultured Magazine and planned “SKIN + MASKS” together.
Original Trappers—my good friend the musician Towkio with 93 Boyz product.
Rare Talent—the artist and designer Mia Lee after our panel discussion for “SKIN + MASKS.”
8 Mile Style.
Incognegro at Nick Cave’s exhibition “Forothermore” at the MCA Chicago.
My son Jamal Malik X.
Cool style in the elevator at Soho House.
BARS!!!!!! In the studio.