Artist Tom Christopher’s Statement

Paintings usually begin with a solitary figure navigating the streets of a big city. The universal theme of men and women in a modern urban environment. Travelers working their way through a labyrinth of glass and steel monoliths, the stage setting for this modern day carnival under a full moon.

And so what is it about today’s cities that still, in spite of all odds, make them so appealing to young people? So vibrant and alive? Skylines shine like gold, 60 foot women in LED signs wink “come hither” , doorways full of promise beckon. Here’s where the dream for immigrants can still come true. Whether escaping the horrors of Sierra Leone or the stifling reality of Dads dry goods store in Ohio, you’ve gotten away. The City has hoovered you in.

The sounds of ebullient laughter and tinkling ice cubes drift down from Fifth Ave penthouses to spur you on. Hope and optimism abound before the cold reality of hospital masks, shared apartments and the rattling #7 train finally set in. But buoyed by your fellow aspirants, you’re never alone.

From a background of journalistic drawing for news agencies as a sketch artist I’ve learned to capture moments quickly getting as much information down as possible. Taking this approach to the streets, I observe and record with sketchbook and camera. An economy of line tell the story. As a snoop, I catch bits of conversation. Arguments with foul mouthed dwarfs and comments like: “…didn’t get fired, they gave me one more chance.”, become titles grounding the work in time and place.

Optimism abounds but a pandemic Covid-19 crises gives us many daily hurdles. Contrast and tension play themselves out as texting and wobbly-legged pedestrians, e-scooters and bikes dash to safety before huge downshifting carting trucks.

New York City is back. With all its beauty and all of its citizens she stands as a triumphant symbol for every city in the modern world.