#peace boxes

Our second post for 2016 tells the story of the Nicaraguan born, New York based artist Franck de las Mercedes (FDLM), who has been making headline for over a decade, with his amazingly creative style of work which he calls, “semi-abstract textification.” A style which definitely catches eyes; making headlines last years when he was named one of the “15 Artists about to Dominate 2015″ by Complex.

Speaking of which, FDLM has caught the eye of many media groups such as CNN, Univision, and Hispanic Magazine to name a few. Aside from being recognized for his artwork, Franck has received honors for his dedicated community and outreach with young students in his area. The most exceptional honor was being named, “Outstanding Latino” by the Union City Music Project.  

Now, if those facts alone do not have you convinced FDLM is about to make waves through work; work that echoes the voice of Basquait in both presentation and in spirit; then it is my hope this article will open you up to the realization. Follow this man, as he continues to make a path. Ladies and gentlemen, this is FDLM - Franck de las Mercedes. FRANCK DE LAS MERCEDES Interview by Matthew James

IAJM: Before we begin, I just want you to introduce yourself to our readers. Who is Franck de las Mercedes? Where are you from? What makes you tick, as artist? When did you start painting?

FDLM: I am an artist, father, husband, brother, day-dreamer, crew member on spaceship earth and observer of many things that cross my path. I like to say I was born in Nicaragua and made in the USA. I am very easily inspired and prompted into creativity by anything and anyone self-expressing. I started seriously painting in my mid-twenties.

IAJM: Even though some of your work has those elements of graffiti, you don't consider yourself a graffiti writer. How would you describe your art? What differentiates you from some of your peers?

FDLM: I'm very influenced by close-up details of street art, ads and graffiti and how they are affected by the elements and time. I never really used spray paint to create nor have I created a tag name or been part of crew. I must say I'm surprised that some regard me as a street artist at times. It is not something I set out to do. It doesn't bother me but I do clarify, because I respect graffiti artists. My art is best described as urban expressionism with elements of abstract expressionism, collage and calligraphy. Using both hands when I paint gives an effect as if different people approached the surface. There's mirror writing involved as well so the text is not really understood. I started calling the style Textification as a joke and it has kinda stuck.

IAJM: To this date, what would you say has been your greatest accomplishment as an artist? You have a long resume, being spotlighted on CNN, being named as one of the "15 Artists About to Dominate 2015″ by Complex, and so on and so on.

FDLM: I would say taking on a small peace and art project that to my surprise evolved into a global movement lasting 10 whole years and being able to keep the purity of the message. The Peace Boxes most definitely open a lot of doors and continues to grow.

IAJM: What's next for you in 2016?

FDLM: In 2015 I started collaborating with photographer Salvador Espinoza on a project called Stale Life. The concept addresses “food deserts” and urban areas without access to proper healthy foods and people’s relationship with food, marketing and urbanization.

We did a small show in my studio and we got very good feedback, we want to expand it and find the proper venue to exhibit in to a broader audience. I am also closing the Peace Boxes project and want to plan something special for them. I'm an independent artist with no gallery representation yet, so understanding and growing in the business aspect of things is always in the plan.

IAJM: This next question runs along the same vein as the previous one, but rather than yourself I want to focus on your home - NYC. NYC seems to be a true epicenter for creativity and artistry. So many styles of art flow from there and it is home for countless artists. What, in your mind, makes New York City such a significant place? How does NYC compare to other “art capitals” such as Paris, London or Buenos Aries?

FDLM: It wouldn't be fair for me to compare to New York to the cities mentioned, since I have not visited any of them. But I can say that New York is a city that is constantly changing and evolving. Some of these changes might not be so great to some, but the experience of witnessing that can be influential and can definitely affect perspective. New York continues to be a huge source for inspiration and self-discovery. It is also a city that allows creatives to form their own tribes and continue to produce and expose outside of mainstream. I find some of the most creative people in New York, even when they're not in the arts. NYC is a tough city and also the most magical place.

IAJM: In February of 2014, a fire ripped through your studio on took with it over ten years’ worth of artwork. That is obviously a huge loss and not something one can just bounce back from ... yet you did. I want to know how were you able to find the inner-strength to continue. So many people would have quit. How were you able to maintain?

FDLM: To be quite honest with you, it all took me a while to process and for the magnitude of the loss to sink in. My wife and I were all we had left in a sense and we were very fortunate to have the support of family, friends and even total strangers. I've always very introspective and making art has always been my refuge in a way, so the most important thing was finding a space to create again. Making art again and putting all the turmoil into the work definitely gave me that inner strength, also my wife became pregnant with my son shortly after was a huge positive surprise, that definitely took center stage despite the struggle. It has been a slow process and at times we're reminded. But we've worked hard and supported each other.

IAJM:  Have you gone back home (Nicaragua)? Are there any artists you are collaborating with there??

FDLM: I  have not. Though I must admit I go back there in many of my paintings. I've met various artists from Nicaragua and had the opportunity to work with Yamin Segal on a video project for the Peace Boxes. I've also established a long distance friendship with Omar d'Leon, a brilliant painter and poet who I consider a close friend and mentor. We've never met in person but we correspond and talk on the phone often. He has given me very valuable advice through the years.

IAJM: Shouts out. Is there any people you would like to recognize or give thanks to you?

FDLM: I want to thank you for this opportunity to share my story. I appreciate it. Be sure to follow Franck de las Mercedes on  Facebook Twitter Instagram Homebase