INTERVIEW
ARTIST
SHINGO FRANCIS
After seeing Shingo’s work in his studio some time ago, a friend said to me, “His work is not only colorful, but it breaths some life into the space it’s in.” You may also find that to be true if you’re able to see one in person. Until then, hear a little more about the artist behind the work.
THE INTERVIEW AQA:How long have you lived in New York City? FRANCIS: Let me see... I moved here in 2003, so that makes it 12 years. That was quick and a full cycle in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. AQA: Have you always lived in Brooklyn since you moved here? FRANCIS: No, I have moved my studio around a lot except for a bedroom I have always rented from artist Shelly Silver in Chinatown. AQA: Do you like NYC and the art scene here? FRANCIS: I love the city because it offers a concentration of culture from Museums to Theatre, sound art venues, poetry readings, and symposiums of people from around the world. The art scene is vast and I have some complicated feelings. It's unique in that you meet artists, curators, writers, from all over the world in the NY art scene. The commercial market obviously is important for most artists, but it can consciously or unconsciously distract your studio practice by its strong presence in New York. I think it's important to keep a perspective while working as an artist here.
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