"I want to go lower! Deeper than the station. There’s a whole world down there."
The February 2022 GAHSP Digital Cover documents Keion Staton, Painter and Poet, on the 7th of February at the 14th Street Union Square New York City Subway station. Staton creates an installation of his latest works 'underground' and 'overground', and sets up his stand where he usually sells his paintings.
Disclaimer: this cover is a digital experience bound to real-time events and relationships, therefore cannot be replicated.
KEION STATON
Painter/Poet
Brooklyn, New York
GAHSP had the chance to accompany Keion Staton on his daily route around New York City. The young Creative from Brooklyn creates a colorful synergism of words and images, thereby composing simple yet layered experiences which are deeply rooted in the idea of community. Our Photographer, Christean Kareem, joined Staton at the 14th Street Union Square New York City Subway station, where he usually installs and sells his art.
THE STORY
Current Works: A piece called “The Wall”, should be out within a week of this publishing release.
People/Brands/Companies/Organizations you have worked with: I’m currently working with Bright Moments Gallery, the biggest NFT gallery in the world. I’m onboarding and working on their digital assets.
The work you are the most proud of: Everything I’ve released to the public I’m proud of. I only show the public pieces I approve of.
THE Qu & A
What are 3 relevant problems that you wish to solve through your work?
1 problem is all I have, which isn’t really a problem at all. Through my work I want people to understand everything is about community.
What are 3 values that you wish to mediate through your work?
I leave that up to the viewer. I'm just creating for now.
Why do you create?
Whatever I want really, I have no absolute medium.
How do you create?
On an empty stomach. Connection to source, is easier that way.
What do you live for?
That's up to god, I’m just a vessel, it’s not even me creating.
How do you live?
On a plant based diet. Painting in my room, I eat, paint, workout, f###, all in the same room.
THE COVER
GENESIS, Stations.
The first set of images were taken at the 14th Street Union Square New York City Subway station. Please tell us about what ‘stations’ your creativity and artistic expression have reached so far.
All of them!
The second set of images were taken at Union Square, capturing you at your stand while you were selling your artworks. What is a new height that you wish to reach in your career?
Nothing higher! I want to go lower! Deeper than the station. There’s a whole world down there.
The last set of images were taken on the subway. Please tell us about the direction that you wish to head towards as a Creative, or in general.
Being more intimate with God.
Volume VI, Issue STATIONS.
Cover star: @keionstaton
Photography: @christean.kareem
Creative Direction: @juliahorvath.concept
Production: @gahspsystems
Written and edited by Julia Horvath
Image Courtesy of GAHSP Media