The decision to participate in Jeremy Jermaine Jerome’s headlining show at Kleinhan’s Music Hall was an easy one to make.

JJJ approached me in my gallery at Music is Art about collaborating for his show. We barely spoke, but I told him I would like to hear more and to email me. There was sincerity about him that I found charming. He exuded passion and positivity. I found him refreshing.

We met at my flat and walked to Anchor Bar. We ate dinner over creative conversation that lead to all avenues personal, emotional and intellectual. We exchanged stories of experiences we had, and instead of harping on the negatives we shared what we found positive about the situations. What we learned from our actions. It’s rare to have genuine conversations like that with fellow artists, where the interest is mutual. Those are the creative people you keep in your inner circle.

He chose Jacque Rabbit and Coo Coo Cock to display at his show, one at the entrance of Kleinhan’s and one on stage as part of the installation. Kleinhan’s Music Hall is such a beautiful venue, with great historic relevance (Martin Luther King Jr. spoke there.) I am sure you can imagine my delight to be a part of that, especially with such a risque body of work.

As promised JJJ’s show did not disappoint. There was an intimacy about it that took performance art to a deeper space. After the show, JJJ and I discussed the performance at length. The exciting thing about him is there is so much room for growth and a spirit to accompany him on the journey. That is one of the hardest things about being an artist, in my opinion. Maintaining your spirit along the climb is essential.

I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.