If you watched the first two episodes of “Buying Back the Block,” the HGTV show where comedian Mike Epps and his wife, Kyra, set out to revitalize Mike’s childhood neighborhood in Indianapolis, then you probably noticed the couple made a big deal about the art on the walls of the two homes they renovated.
Of the 11 artists whose works are featured, 10 are based in Indianapolis. GANGGANG curator Alyse Tucker Bounds worked with Kyra Epps, an award-winning TV producer, to select 37 works. Along with showcasing local talent, Tucker Bounds said she wanted “to find work that you can spend time with close-up and enjoy the detail, while also being able to see it from afar – and on-screen – and still recognize the artistry.”
If you’ve been spending too much time in your house lately, looking at the walls (and who can blame you, with these temperatures?) and could use a change of scenery, here’s a guide to the artists whose works might inspire you.
Episode 1: Army House
Brochevski is a Louisville, Ky.-based artist who uses recycled U.S. currency to create collages that tell stories in which every character is played by George Washington. “His work tells stories about family, connectedness, and self-actualization,” Bounds said. “And what’s greener than dollar bills when you’re ‘Buying Back the Block’?”
On Instagram: @brochevski
Abstract, who is color blind, creates bright, large geometric murals and canvas paintings for clients such as Shake Shack, Newfields, the Indy Arts Council, and Bovaconti Coffee. His work is inspired by architecture, graphic design and style writing.
On Instagram: @nick.abstract
Robinson, a mixed-media artist based in Indianapolis, mostly uses concrete and tar in her artwork, which has been featured on NPR News, PBS, WFYI, NUVO and PATTERN. She is also a documentary film producer and author.
An artist and farmer, Wilson finds inspiration in the geometry of plants. Her murals and paintings feature bold colors and geometric designs. Her work has been exhibited at Newfields, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum and the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
On Instagram: @shamirawilson
Tabb, based in Indianapolis, draws inspiration from African heritage and memory to create art about identity and place. She works with printmaking, textiles, sculpture, sound and immersive video experiences. Her work has been exhibited at the Harrison Center and the Tube Factory.
On Instagram: @yeab_art.
Episode 2: Grandma’s House
Craig, an Indianapolis-based artist and public speaker, views painting as her escape–whether she’s working on a colorful, large-scale, abstract mural or a live painting. Craig’s work has been featured in the BUTTER Fine Art Fair, the Indiana State Fair, the Harrison Center and the Children’s Museum.
On Instagram: @deonna_heartbeat.
West specializes in contemporary abstract painting and portrait art. A cancer survivor, West said he has let the obstacles he has faced in life fuel his passion for art. West’s art has been acquired by influential figures including Reggie Wayne, Warren Buffet and Ed Gordon.
On Instagram: @artbykwest.
De La Rosa, an illustrator and art educator from the Philippines, is known for drawing some of the most recognizable monuments and landmarks in his home city of Indianapolis. He also leads the Urban Sketchers of Indianapolis and loves visiting Tinker Coffee, running along the Cultural Trail, and cheering on the Pacers and Colts.
On Instagram: @jingoillo.
Blayne McCrary, better known as “Wavy” Blayne, is a mixed-media artist and music producer. Influenced by Japanese culture and street art, his work combines into a style that he has dubbed “Wavy.” His clients include the Children’s Museum, GANGGANG, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Clay Terrace mall.
On Instagram: @wavyblayne.
“You don’t get to tell me my worth,” proclaims one of $hady’s paintings. Shadé Bell, better known as $hady or $hady the Art Lady, is a painter from Indianapolis far eastside. She often uses bright colors and bold geometric designs to shed light on a sometimes-dark world.
On Instagram: @shadytheartlady.
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, 18 Indianapolis-based artists were commissioned to create the temporary Black Lives Mural on Indiana Avenue. They later formed a collective and work and exhibit together, including the recent “We. The Culture” show at Newfields.
The collective’s members include Ashley Nora, Gary Gee, Deonna Craig, Amiah Mims, Dr. Jarrod Dortch, Shamira Wilson, Israel Solomon, Harriet Watson, Kyng Rhodes, Rae Parker, Wavy Blayne, Ess McKee, John G. Moore, Kevin West, Pope Gaskine, FINGERCREATIONS, Rebecca Robinson and FITZ.
On Instagram: @18artcollective.