ARTICLE

YGARTUA X ARTLOFT

MUSIC ICONS AND LEGENDS

YGARTUA X INSPIRED VOICES |  HARRY GWARTZ 

A moment that inspires creativity. Ygartua’s works have been a staple and a cause of inspiration in my creative adventure from promoting live events, and getting inspiration for musical endeavors to creating a unique space for musicians to be inspired. Ygartua’s art is the gift that keeps on giving, creating moments of inspiration and solace. 

My collection of 6 unique works has travelled with me throughout the years to be incorporated as a creative staple into my home and studio settings. They bring life and personality to any space. They are now a part of my creative process.

YGARTUA X ARTLOFT | ICONS AND LEGENDS ICONS AND LEGENDS was an inaugural event for ARTLOFT with Ygartua being the inspirator of the concept was met with great success. The idea of ARTLOFT was conceived through the constant curiosity and compliments of Ygartua’s works from friends and colleagues. Harry Gwartz converted his commercial loft in Toronto’s East Side into an intimate artist loft style setting and launched the AFTLOFT concept with the ICONS AND LEGENDS show. 

The show paid tribute to musical legends most of which had recently passed through iconic portraiture and inspired abstracts. The works expressed the artist’s characteristics through Ygartua’s lens and abstracts inspired by their albums. The show was accompanied by a series of improvisational musical performances by an eclectic ensemble of Toronto’s future musical legends. The musical ensemble led by Dr. Draw, a world renowned Toronto based violinist, known for his energetic and elating performances, along with experimental percussionists and freestyle rapper. The collaboration created a locus of artistic inspiration in which the patrons were experiencing art that was inspired by music and music that was inspired by art. This show set the tone for the culture of collaboration for the AFTLOFT, hosting a plethora of artist collaborations with musicians, fashion designers, photographers, choreographers and culinary artists becoming an intimate venue for creative expression and collaboration. 

YGARTUA X DR.DRAW BIRTHDAY PARTY|UNIQUE GIFT Dr. Draw, a Toronto based internationally renowned violinist, (whose work includes performing for some of the biggest fashion and design brands in the world), created a bond with Ygartua when he performed at the ARTLOFT inaugural ICONS AND LEGENDS show. AFTLOFT was fortunate enough to host Dr. Draw’s birthday celebration drawing in artists, musicians, actors and creatives. Ygartua wanted to do something for Dr. Draw and decided to pay tribute to him by doing a portrait of him in one of his iconic poses. Black and White and dramatic, yet both Dr. Draw’s expression and Ygartua’s interpretation brought colour through to the work. Ygartua completed this work during one of his stay’s in Paris and sent it by courier to the ARTLOFT for the celebration. The work got to the ARTLOFT just in time to be placed at the event. It acted as a centerpiece of the birthday celebration and was adorned by all who attended. Dr. Draw was very grateful for this act of generosity and played a 16 minute improvisational set for his guests with the Ygartua work in the background completing the experience for all. 

HARRY GWARTZ, COLLECTOR, TORONTO, ONTARIO

HARRY GWARTZ COLLECTION

FOR MORE INFORMATION [email protected]