Art in a Time of Social Distancing: Artist Seek One Shares His Thoughts

By Colter Ruland

Seek One is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work combines a classic reverence for Hollywood fame alongside contemporary, pop abstraction. Looking at his stylish and dynamic paintings is really like seeing what forms his personality. With roots in graffiti and an entrepreneurial streak, Seek One is a force to be reckoned with, taking on commissions from celebrities and institutions and exhibiting work throughout the country. Now that COVID-19 has put travel—a big part of his life—into a precarious position, I wanted to know what he thought about the state of things, how we should continue to persevere, and why he wants to make new work, especially now, when we find ourselves isolated and in need of visual pleasure.

The COVID-19 outbreak is on everyone’s minds. What role do you think you have as an artist when everyone seems to be panicking about events beyond our control?

I believe the best thing to do is be calm and try to go about your life being conscious of your environment. As an artist, I believe I have the same role as any other person in the world, we all need to be aware. This virus does not discriminate based on occupation, location, or any other factors.

Nostalgia is an important aspect of your work, though it feels more energetic and timely than what we typically associate with the concept. What do you think your work says about the past while looking toward the future? 

I think you can see a lot of my personality and progression as an artist through my past work. Looking towards the future, I hope to continue to blend my life and travels into my art.

Has the outbreak presented any specific challenges for you and your work? If so, what are they and what can be done to create art in a time such as this? 

The outbreak has not really changed my daily life at this point. I typically travel a lot, so if the virus continues to grow I could see it affecting my logistics. I’m working out of Naples, Florida. At the moment, I’m considering flying back to my studio in Philly once this calms down. The best thing I can do is keep my head down and focus on developing new art.

On a positive note, the virus will force me to stay in the studio longer.

Is being alone a typical part of your process, or do you need interaction with others that you might typically find when you’re traveling?

While I do get inspiration from traveling, much of my works are produced alone in the studio. The internet and books also offer a ton of inspiration to me, I find these to be great outlets during this time. At this point I’m trying to just stay home or in the studio until this passes.

During times of national emergency, some might wonder about the relevancy of art in their lives. What do you think that role should be?

Art is always relevant regardless of what is going on. I think art brings happiness and can be a distraction from the real world which can be seen as a positive in a time of emergency. If anything, maybe people will buy more art for their homes if they are spending more time inside.

For more, visit his website here and be sure to follow him on Instagram @seekoneart

Seek One is also having a promo on all prints that you can view here. Enter promo code “MARCH20” for 20% off all orders.