Photo Credit: BFA
Ā Last night, globally recognized South African artistĀ Nelson Makamo and DeLeĆ³n Tequila hosted a private VIP dinner in Los Angeles to celebrate Makamoās first solo US exhibition, entitled āBLUE.ā
Photo Credit: BFA
āBLUEā has been four years in the making and brings 44 of Makamoās works stateside, making this impressive new body of work the largest collection he has ever showcased. The Johannesburg-based artist is best known for his charcoal and oil paintings that redresses decades of images that have portrayed African children in destitute. Makamoās career spans sixteen years. Based in Johannesburg, he has managed to solidify an iconic signature and a subject matter that has steadily placed him on a global stage, making him one of the worlds young and most sought-after visual artists of our times. Makamo has exhibited in South Africa, USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Finland. His work is featured in prestigious public and private collections. Nelson Makamoās artwork speaks to changing the global mindset of what it means to be an African child.
Photo Credit: BFA
His portraits have strong emotions that every young African possess, from conviction, to prowess and determination, you cannot help but resonate with every piece. Makamoās famous portraiture can capture these strong emotions which draw you inward. His mix media style, and a unique mark-making technique that breaks the scholarly rules is a very distinct signature. In this comprehensive solo show, his artwork explores the emotive range of the color – blue summons an age of recognition, transition, and development; it is overflowing with opportunities because it is undoubtedly of a feminine resolve.
Photo Credit: Jorge Meza
To celebrate the opening weekend of Nelsonās first solo US exhibition, DeLeĆ³n Tequila showed up in an unpredictable fashion, with a private dinner of VIP guests who received a first look at the collection. The spirited evening included a dinner by Pan-African soul food chef Solomon Johnson, music by Poison Ivy, portraits with photographer Raven B and incredibly inventive art-inspired cocktails.
Photo Credit: Jorge Meza
Guests included actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, musician BJ the Chicago Kid, contemporary artist Ferrari Sheppard, artist Knowledge Bennet, international pop-star Maya ShoāMadjozi,Ā filmmaker Robert LangĀ and more who toasted to Nelson with head-turning signature cocktails including the Paloma Azul, a re-imagination for the classic tequila cocktail created with both the color and flavor palette of Nelson Makamo, including a custom, edible cobalt blue paint the same hue as many of Nelsonās artworks.
Photo Credit: BFA
Each guest was gifted with a 1/50 collectorās item from Nelson & DeLeĆ³n Tequila that housed a customized āBLUE EARRINGā print from Nelson, a bottle of DeLeĆ³n AƱejo and a set of Baccarat glassware.
Photo Credit: Jorge Meza
‘BLUE’ will be in residency through November 20 at 1242 Palmetto Street in Los Angeles, California.
Photo Credit: Jorge Meza
HOW TO MAKE DELEON’S ART-INSPIRED COCKTAILS
Photo Credit: BFA
DeLeĆ³n Tequila Paloma Azul
Photo Credit: Jorge Meza
1Ā½ oz- DeLeĆ³n Blanco
1piece= Muddled Ginger Coin
1oz- Ginger Honey Syrup
Ā½ oz- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
2 drops- Yuzu
3 oz- Jarritos Toronja Grapefruit Soda
Edible Blue Paint
Glassware: Highball
Garnish: Dehydrated Lime Wheel
DeLeĆ³n Tequila Reposado Gotta Have He(art)
Photo Credit: BFA
1 Ā½ oz- DeLeon Reposado
1 piece- Charred Peach
Ā½ oz- CrĆØme de Peche
Ā¾ oz- Meyer Lemon Juice
Ā¾ oz- Roobios Tea Syrup
1 oz- Egg Whites
Spritz- Mexican Mezcal
Glassware: Coupe
Garnish: DeLeon branded cocktail art
DeLeĆ³n Tequila AƱejo Pop Art
Photo Credit: BFA
2 oz- DeLeon AÅejo
Large Format Ice Cube
Smoke Bubble
Glass: Vintage Double Rocks
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