Hey everyone...
What a week it has been... Alhamdulillah. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to anyone and everyone here supporting me in any type of way, and especially those who have been able to attend my show these past two days and purchase a book at Swish Projects here in San Diego. The love I have felt has been overwhelming, and the pleasure and happiness I have gotten out of it all, unmatched. I feel the love and it feels wonderful.
There's not much for me to say at this time, my brain has been racing the past few weeks and I have only now been able to somewhat slow down, (and by now I literally mean right now, like barely today), and therefore have no reflections or ideas to share, so I will, instead, tell you all some highlights of this past week --
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Well, first off, and obviously, my solo show and book release just opened at what is easily my favorite gallery in my hometown, San Diego, CA. Swish Projects (the gallery), used to be known to many as Gym Standard, a cool shop for buying local products from clothing to arts and literature, and hosting larger brands like Vans, Converse, or special drops from brands like TDE or special collaboration releases. I bring this up because, about 5 years ago, I was a part of an art collective called "Gnashing" that hosted art and music events, designed clothing, and made skate videos with my best friend Kaidan and a few other artists/designers, and we were able to get our clothing onto the racks in Gym Standard. It was a huge accomplishment at the time, and still is, despite the shop being now defunct and transitioned into a gallery, but reflecting on this is just very cathartic, knowing that I became familiar with this space and these people under completely different circumstances, and after years, have been able to have an opportunity like this. So, it all just goes to say, I am aware and very thankful that I have been able to have a relationship like this with such a fantastic gallery and group of curators and artists. It doesn't matter how many art pieces sell, or how many books I sell, as it really makes the difference knowing this is a space that has had such a great impact not only on me, but the community I grew up in, and that's all I could ask for.
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More than one person I know took the time and energy to actually fly out just for my show, and that is a huge highlight for me in and of itself. Thank you to you all, you know who you are.
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I got to have a great conversation with Jo Kami, who came to the show, which was something very special for me. Jo and I have been internet friends for a while, despite his living in San Diego, back and forth between here and Mexico, and even being in the same circles as me years back, we just did not know each other then. This weekend was the first time I had an in person conversation with him, particularly about film, as he is a fantastic filmographer, telling captivating, surrealistic stories mainly throughout Mexico City. What I love about his work is the guerilla style he utilizes to make these films. They're raw, beautiful, real, but simultaneously magical. It's important that I mention this because it really was a highlight for me, as talking with great artists is one thing, but talking with artists you've looked up to and admired is special, particularly when that feeling is reciprocated. Please check out Jo's work and follow him. Here are some of my favorite things he has made --
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Another highlight of the week, is the fact that I was able to actually pull this off. With Allah's help, my family, my friends and the gallery, I was able to actually do this. The final piece I made for the show, titled "Spring (I Can't Keep Myself from Evil)", was actually completed the morning before the show had a soft opening for my family. Luckily they were the only ones there that night but I was genuinely concerned the night before that I wouldn't have the last piece done, (or worse, it would be done but I would hate it). However, with Allah's help I was able to complete it, turning it into one of my favorite pieces of the whole show as well.
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And speaking of my family, my parents were able to attend my solo show. It feels great seeing them proud, and them actually being a part of this with me. I'm very thankful they are here for it, and my dad is finally seeing some more value in the work that I do.
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Henri made me a hat with the name of my show embroidered on the side... I was so happy, man. Thank you Henri.
STILL HENRI.
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If you were invited to and attended the opening reception with me. Love to you. Ya'll made my night beautiful. Despite the meth-head tweaking outside banging on the door trying to get in, rambling about being a surfer and getting his teeth knocked out by some guy, reiterating that he was insane and doesn't flinch, (which he didn't), it was a fantastic night. And I hope you all can say the same. Thank you.
Thanks for holding the door, Luke.
That's enough of that. I can go on for ages, but I'll stop. My heart is warm, content, and I can finally rest a bit. Love you all.
B.
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PS. If you are interested in purchasing a book and do not live in San Diego, therefore being unable to attend the show, the book will be put up on my site within the coming weeks, insha'Allah. If not by the last week of the show, then slightly afterwards.
PSS. If you are in San Diego, and DO plan on attending the show, please let me know when so that I can be there to greet you and show you around! Here is the appointment link: https://calendly.com/swishprojects/bilal-mohamed-presents-the-unseen?month=2021-04
PSSS. If you are interested in purchasing artworks/photographs, here is the press kit from the show with the pieces, prices, and contact info. It's great to sell work in general, but even better when people I know and respect purchase the work, so feel free to browse. A lot of pieces are still available!
Here's the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZiVdG31iKDyMmFSTotRmq1K-qHHBOm_x/view
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Photo by Henri.
That's all from me for this one. Thank you for reading. And please feel free to reply to these emails if you feel inclined to. I'll be here.
B