Kickstarter

Hello to all of those who remember the time Tranqui flew to Europe in a paper hot-dog suit!

Since my epic voyage to Europe last May, I've been committed to developing several projects back in the birthplace of Tranqui Yanqui- Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

That is, with a short hiatus in New York City, where I conducted workshops with kids at the Children's Museum of the Arts- Check out the article that came out late last year in the New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/21/arts/design/childrens-museum-of-the-arts-reopens-in-new-space.html?pagewanted=all 

So far in B.A. this year, I've had the opportunity to do a 2-month Artist Residency and put on a show, make a clandestine entry into the largest contemporary art fair (ArteBA), and launch a new line of t-shirts (printed on American Apparel) http://www.tranquistore.bigcartel.com/

But now I've come to a crossroads and see that it's time for Tranqui to wrap up the Buenos Aires chapter. Some interesting possibilities lie ahead in the Southern United States, and I am planning on moving back home in the coming months. 

Before I leave, I have created a crowd-funding project on Latin-America's version of Kickstarter (idea.me), in order to create one more symbolic Tranqui Art Installation that pays homage to the T.Y. world while also bringing up some important themes related to the U.S. and how it is perceived abroad. 

On the anniversary of September 11th, I'll be building The Tranqui Towers, to be exhibited here in a gallery in Buenos Aires. I'm asking friends and fans to watch the video and make a small donation if they can. This donation will help me to construct the towers, create an art opening, and bid farewell to Buenos Aires with a unique event that isn't short on Tranqui-style. 

Please take a minute to check out the project here: 

http://idea.me/proyecto/268/lastranquitorres?siteLang=en_US

Thanks to everyone for their support!

All the best,

Nick 

And so, after some serious "Tranquifying" & "Tranqui Flying" in Europe this summer, the time has finally come to extend an extra thank you to everyone who so graciously helped me to accomplish this goal. It really would not have been possible without your help. 

Beginning over 3 months ago, I took part in my first European art show in Zurich, have an arts boutique in Berlin that is exhibiting and selling my shoes, spent 6 weeks in Paris creating stage design, costumes, and conducting workshops on a boat, shared some quality Tranqui love in London, and just when I thought it was coming to a close, I found myself working for 2 weeks in New York City, creating an installation that will be exhibited at the Children's Museum of the Arts new space, set to open in early October of this year.

Needless to say, this was an inspiring  journey that allowed me to share my art and my message to a whole new array of people. The generosity of everyone I met along the way, (all my Argentine friends, and so many more) was, simply put, awesome.

Now I'm back in Miami with my mom, my brain full of new ideas, and with a great desire to keep the momentum moving, challenging and building on this crazy Tranqui dream that just won't let up.

all my best,

Nick, or Tranqui

Stop Number #3: Paris.

Bonjour mes amis! 

I've arrived in Paris. A project that I began talking about back in February in Buenos Aires is finally being realized.

Just 10 days ago, the final details were confirmed for my participation in the grand opening of 'Le Petit Bain'- a boat on the river Seine, which will host a restaurant, bar, and venue for musical acts, among other things. 

Here's the link: www.petitbain.org

The organization that is putting this project together has invited artists and musicians from all over, many from Latin America, to either play or perform all summer long, beginning July 5th. 

Tranqui Yanqui was selected among these artists to create stage decoration, costumes and develop workshops for the first 2 weeks of July. The Tropical themed opening events are a fitting match for T.Y's Miami- Buenos Aires style.

So, on Monday I was handed the keys to my studio for the month (A Le Corbusier building, also a Refugee Center, in association with the Salvation Army), where I have already begun collecting cardboard, gathering materials, and constructing giant palm trees, plants and other oddities out of my preferred material: the ever-so friendly and readily available, Cardboard. 

At the beginning of July, I'll also be conducting workshops with students from the "13th neighborhood" public schools here in Paris. The idea is to explore 'alter-egos' , make costumes, and think of the ways in which we escape the ordinary in order to learn something new about ourselves, others, and the places we think we know. 

For now- hard at work in the studio!

Attached are some fotos of the boat and a fresh studio waiting to be 'Tranquified'.

More updates soon!

Au revoir!

Hello!! Hola!!

Time for a quick update about Tranqui's progress in Europe and the reception of my artwork thus far.

So I've already wrapped up an interesting fashion/art fusion show that took place with 16 other artists in Zurich. (there are some fotos on my blog: tranquiyanqui.blogspot.com, and I'm awaiting more.

What was most interesting about this show was how I presented T.Y. paper clothing as framed pieces on the wall. Meanwhile, I was dressed in my traditional Tranqui attire and painting shoes and other things directly in the gallery space.

But perhaps more importantly, I met some really fascinating artists and designers who took a strong liking to the Tranqui world, and the colorful latino flavor that certainly stands apart from some of the more traditional artwork that was on display. These people have already put me in touch with others in Paris and even London, 2 destinations where I will be traveling shortly.

Which brings me to where I'm at now- in Berlin! Berlin is saturated with art, literally. Every street corner and subway station- every person you meet is connected in some way to creative practices. Yesterday I attended an opening for the Spanish community, and before long, I was being presented as 'Tranqui Yanqui' to everyone I met.

Now the big news, which I have been diligently working on for the past several months- and those are my plans while in Paris. E-mails, skype chats, sketches, investigation, ideas of all sorts are finally coming together as I prepare to create stage decoration, costume design, and organize workshops with people on a boat in the Seine River. The Festival I will be participating in is called 'Le Petit Bain' (www.lepetitbain.fr), and will include musicians from Buenos Aires and many other places- a multi-cultural celebration of music and arts in the city of Paris... too cool!

Back in Buenos Aires, I've had 2 articles that have also come out about Tranqui while I've been away. - here's the link for one (in spanish, but cool photos for those who don't understand): http://issuu.com/reflex_mag/docs/sacred/77

... and a photo attached of T.Y. as he appears in Time Out Magazine: Buenos Aires!

Just one more week in Berlin- with a hopeful appearance at Maure Park Market this weekend to present (and maybe sell) some Tranq-algata shoes!

Stay tuned!

chau, besos!

nick.