When I invited artists to create for “Got Heart,” I asked them to lean into this project as an opportunity to revisit and reconnect with childhood wonder and feeling joy at simple things. I gave them ‘light & fluffy’ as a prompt because this show is a deliberate choice. A choice to give myself, the artists and the people who view “Got Heart” a chance to escape, relax and catch a breath. This show is intentional escapism.
“This is my most personal curation to date. The title was carefully designed to articulate the emotional journey at the heart of the show’s theme. INERTIA in capital letters because grief and trauma overwhelm all of our other instincts, rendering us powerless to move. When the healing process—the purification of the trauma—finally begins, it is not quick; c a t h a r s i s usually manifests slowly and in subtle ways. Artists’ greatest gift to the world is their ability to convey complex emotions through their mediums; I am grateful to these artists for bringing this intensely painful journey to life.”
Art meets fashion in New York City's Lower East Side with “Edward Acosta at Rieval” a collaborative event visually highlighting the symbiotic relationship between art and fashion, and their collective importance in everyday life and culture. Please join us for a casual opening reception from 6-9 p.m. on June 24th at 40 Clinton Street. It will be a wonderful evening celebrating art and community. We will be selling canvases, limited edition t-shirts, and limited edition signed prints (10) on site. Thank you to our sponsor Wine Sellers, Ltd. and our partner Rieval. QoH will be donating a portion of net proceeds from sales 6/24-7/15 to Usher’s New Look. We wholeheartedly support UNL’s mission of “turning potential into purpose” through comprehensive programming for under-resourced youth as they journey from middle school to college, and beyond. #disruptivator If you are not in New York, or unable to attend the show, please Shop through Instagram or visit qohglobalart.com—we will also be donating a portion of sales from ACOSTA at Café de la Reina.
Café de la Reina on Artsy and Virtually
During the Summer of 2021, Queen of Hearts Global and BLOC Art Peru showcased American and Latin American artists together on Artsy to further their shared mission of expanding the reach of our artists across the globe.
Artsy
Virtual Gallery
Curatorial Statement
The works of Julio Mejia, Edward Acosta and Gregory Uzelac in Café de Reina, the majority of which were created in 2020, span the emotional spectrum and tell a year-long journey that resonates with most. From Julio Mejia’s El Cumpleaños (The Birthday), created in January 2020, harkening back to a time when the year felt fresh and full of opportunities, to Edward Acosta capturing the hint of optimism felt in November with Spark from the Ashes, and the chaotically beautiful pieces of Gregory Uzelac harnessing the angst of being in lockdown in between. Bringing these pieces together, Queen of Hearts intended to convey the emotions we may not have the words, or emotional energy, to adequately express having endured a once-in-a-century global event. Hopefully these pieces bring you joy, or at least some comfort in knowing that whatever you feel, you are not alone.
#thepowerofart #reinaspeakeasy #queenofheartsglobal
Café de la Reina by Queen of Hearts Global
Queen of Hearts was pleased to feature the art of Edward Acosta for the inaugural exhibition at Café de la Reina, an art-centric speakeasy which debuted virtually on Valentine's Day, 2021.
Curatorial Statement
Café de la Reina was born out of the chaos caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. Like so many people, we were struggling with how to cope, much less thrive, in a strange reality where being "ok" was a triumph. For QoH, the new normal presented obstacles to the mission of the company: Showcasing artists and building community. How could these goals be furthered when the art community staple, group shows with large opening receptions and extended gallery hours, was not an option? We decided to create an intimate space for private gatherings, with art as the anchor and #reinaspeakeasy was born.
We invited Edward Acosta to show his work at the Café's debut and were thrilled he agreed to create an original piece for the opening. We were delighted when he delivered not one, but two pieces, DE LA REINA and SPARK FROM THE ASHES. With these pieces Acosta has beautifully captured not only the inspiration for the Café, but the spirit of humanity in 2021, collectively rising from the dumpster fire that was 2020. We hope this virtual experience infuses color and joy into your life, and you enjoy the art as much as we do.
“The Phoenix: Tales of Passion and Awakening”
Queen of Hearts’ second global collaboration debuted in NYC February 14, 2020, and then traveled to Lima, the home of Phoenix partner BLOC Art Peru.
Other Projects
“Sunday Salon”
In August 2020, we curated a small, intimate art salon featuring artists from North and South America. Visit our Shop to view the video and the catalogue of art featured in the Sunday Salon collaboration with Erika Lyn Horwitz (IG @aricaarts), or scroll through the gallery below.
“Playing to Win”
Queen of Hearts’ vision to create a deck of cards realized by 15 artists from the US and Brazil, as part of our collaboration with Brazilian artist Lari Umeri. The large-scale deck was shown in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Los Angeles and Miami and satellite shows with images of the cards were displayed in Honolulu, São Paolo, Amsterdam and Kassel, Germany. Read more about the Sweetheart POP Lounge and our collaboration on our Projects page.
(photo by @sebask)
OTHER CURATORIAL PROJECTS:
New York Peace Institute: Peaceraiser 6 “Power to the Peaceful” charity auction
May 16, 2019
Hudson Terrace, New York, NY