A series of mixed media drawings by artist Chris Nelson merges influences from architecture, graffiti, surrealism, and graphic design. Each piece evolves through a layered process, emphasizing exploration and experimentation beyond initial concepts. Using discarded chipboard panels, the artist highlights sustainability while creating a blank canvas for unpredictability. The combination of structured architectural elements and spontaneous graffiti fosters a dynamic visual language. Each drawing acts as a dialogue between various elements, challenging traditional drawing boundaries. The transformation of discarded materials into artistic inspiration underscores a commitment to innovation, demonstrating art's ability to emerge from overlooked spaces and inviting viewers to engage with layered meanings.
In 2011, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) sought innovative ideas for a new museum experience on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The competition invited architects and designers to envision bold concepts that would redefine how visitors interact with both the space and the art.
My proposal included plans for a second-floor café that would provide an extensive view of the Williamsburg Bridge, featuring an elliptical opening in the façade to enhance the connection between the museum and its vibrant surroundings. This design incorporated flexible gallery spaces within the interior, allowing for diverse exhibitions and events.
The main entrance was strategically placed beneath a cantilevered auditorium, guiding visitors into a central courtyard. This space served as an accessible hub, linking the café, galleries, and auditorium.
The overarching vision focused on creating a dynamic and engaging facility that would serve as a smaller-scale yet impactful intervention within the urban landscape. The graphic façade was designed not only to attract attention but also to establish a strong identity for the museum, enhancing its presence in a bustling neighborhood. This holistic integration of form and function exemplified a forward-thinking approach to this exhilarating cultural space.
As an art form, video serves as a dynamic extension of photography for Chris. His journey into video began in an architectural studio course, where he first experimented with the medium. This experience laid the groundwork for what would become a significant aspect of his artistic expression.
In 2008, Chris launched RA-NYC, a t-shirt line that reflected his unique aesthetic. To effectively promote the brand, he utilized video as a powerful marketing tool, showcasing designs through engaging visual narratives. This initial foray into the medium not only enhanced the visibility of RA-NYC but also deepened his understanding of video as a storytelling medium.
As his skills developed, Chris began shooting, directing, and editing music videos for hip hop artists, allowing him to explore different facets of video production. This transition presented opportunities to collaborate with diverse talents, merging his passion for fashion with the vibrant energy of music. However, over the past few years, this focus on music videos has drifted, prompting Chris to reassess his relationship with the medium.
Now, as he reflects on his journey, Chris is considering how to reintegrate video into his creative practice, possibly revisiting the elements that initially drew him to it. From architectural inspiration to brand promotion and musical expression, his evolution in video remains a testament to the intertwined nature of his artistic endeavors.
Located in the southwest corner of Massachusetts, this ground up residence embodies a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. Designed for a family transitioning from the hustle of New York City, the home prioritizes spaciousness and serenity.
The floor plan, rooted in Feng Shui principles, promotes a balanced flow of energy throughout the living spaces. Minimalist design elements enhance this tranquility, allowing the natural surroundings to take center stage. Large windows frame views of the heavily wooded valley, integrating the outdoors with the indoors and fostering a sense of connection to nature.
Construction techniques leverage low-tech methods, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency without sacrificing modern comforts. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also ensures that the home remains comfortable year-round. The result is a contemporary dwelling that serves as a peaceful retreat, inviting family bonding and relaxation away from urban life.
Branding and strategy merge in art, architecture, and client interactions, showcasing their interconnectedness through logos. Each logo represents the values and narratives of artists and brands, capturing the unique vision of individuals. For architects, branding encompasses sustainable practices and community engagement, enhancing perceptions of quality and trust. The logos illustrate personalized branding that resonates with target audiences, creating a cohesive narrative that fosters connections and drives engagement in the marketplace.
The 1Haus project represents a thoughtful blend of modern design and historic preservation. By adding a contemporary structure next to a century-old Colonial house, the project enhances the property's functionality while paying homage to its rich history. The new living spaces are designed to foster interaction with the outdoors, offering inviting front and expansive backyards that encourage leisure and communal activities.
This addition is not merely an extension but a reframing of the existing architectural narrative. The contrast between the modern design and the historical elements of the Colonial house sparks a dialogue that honors the past while embracing the future. Utilizing innovative yet honest construction techniques, the project celebrates the heritage of the original structure while providing a fresh perspective through strong architectural gestures that redefine the living experience.
Ultimately, the 1Haus project serves as a reminder of the possibilities that arise when history and modernity coexist harmoniously, creating spaces that are both functional and reflective of their surroundings.
1. Existing porch 2. Existing living room 3. Stair to cellar 4. Stair to 2nd floor 5. Existing reading nook 6. Rebuilt bathroom 7. Kitchen 8. Dining area 9. Living room 11. Closet 12. Deck 13. Mud room 14. Laundry 15. Master bedroom
1. Existing porch 2. Existing living room 3. Existing bathroom 4. Existing kitchen 5. Existing master bedroom 6. Closet 7. Entry
Existing house 2. Addition 3. Driveway 4. Backyard 5. Future pool 6. Front yard
Photography uniquely explores urban spaces by capturing moments with a camera, highlighting often-overlooked city life details. Chris's minor in photography honed his eye for light, shadow, and structure in cities. The rise of smartphone cameras has democratized this art, encouraging creative engagement with surroundings. With cameras readily available, spontaneous exploration and instant sharing of street scenes, architecture, and daily life are now possible. As Chris moves through urban areas, he engages in a dialogue between his environment and artistic vision. Photography remains a vital medium for expression and reflection in modern urban settings.
Located in the Berkshire Mountains, this house embodies a thoughtful evolution from its original concept as a modern cabin to a fully realized modern home. Utilizing natural materials, the design fosters a profound connection with its surroundings, harmonizing with the landscape. Its strategic placement on a hill allows it to coexist gracefully with the trees, while the roof line and datum lines create a visual unity that directs attention to the breathtaking mountain views.
Design efforts emphasize the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, accomplished through a generous breezeway that encourages fluid movement. The strong roof line contributes to the house’s architectural presence, while modern, yet simple details leave a lasting impression of elegance and functionality. This balanced approach not only respects the natural environment but also enhances the living experience within the home.
Breezeway 2. Uninsulated storage 3. Kitchen 4. Living room 5. Powder room 6. Utility closet 7. Stair to 2nd floor 8. Storage below stair 9. Master bedroom 10. Bathroom 11. Outdoor shower
11. Outdoor shower 12. Loft/flex space 13. Laundry 14. Low height chase 15. Bedroom 2 16. Bedroom 3 17. Bedroom 4 18. Shared terrace
In 2008, I found myself surrounded by an abundance of unused sketchbooks, each filled from front to back with my drawings. This prompted a creative shift; I decided to transform those sketches into a t-shirt line, giving birth to RA-NYC. This venture became more than just a clothing brand; it was a dynamic creative outlet that connected me with a diverse community of artists, particularly within the hip-hop scene.
My immersion in the brand was total. I took on the multifaceted roles of creating artwork, designing the logo, building the website, and coordinating photo shoots. Each stage taught me valuable lessons about the importance of branding and promotion. While I stepped away from printing t-shirts in 2013, the experience was invaluable. I cultivated a network within Brooklyn’s creative community that continues to influence my work and projects today.
Watercolor can indeed present unique challenges for artists, yet it is precisely these challenges that can lead to innovative expressions of creativity. Chris skillfully navigates the unpredictability of watercolors, transforming the fluidity of the medium into dynamic compositions. By employing expressive washes of color, he creates a vibrant backdrop that allows for exploration of spatial relationships. The interplay between color and graphic line techniques not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a sense of depth and form. This approach invites viewers to engage with the artwork, encouraging them to appreciate the intricate balance between control and spontaneity inherent in watercolor painting.
HB:BX was Chris's competition proposal aiming to create a vibrant cultural center nestled among the industrial rail lines at the base of one of the High Bridge piers. This innovative space will provide direct access for patrons coming from the bridge, enhancing its connectivity to the community and surrounding areas.
Drawing inspiration from hip hop history, the programming and aesthetic of the center will celebrate the rich culture and artistic expression born from this influential genre. The facility will accommodate various activities, featuring lecture halls for educational and community events, an auditorium designed for musical performances, lectures, and presentations, as well as dedicated visual artist studios to foster creativity.
Additionally, the center will house a gallery for showcasing artworks, a spacious terrace for outdoor gatherings, and a café that serves as a gathering place for visitors. The architectural design of the building aims to be visually striking, incorporating graffiti concepts that resonate with the urban environment. A dramatic cantilevered gallery space will emerge from the highway, offering a unique vantage point and an engaging experience for all who visit.
Through HB:BX, the proposal seeks to create a dynamic hub that honors hip hop culture while contributing to the community's cultural landscape.