Steve Pargman & Ralph Skidmore
Steve Pargman, renowned for innovative home furnishings and pioneering manufacturing techniques, co-founded MYX with Ralph Skidmore, bringing his wealth of experience from developing a leading fashion frame company to strategic triumphs in global re- tail. Steve s foresight transformed Terragrafics into a ceramic fashion frame trailbla zer, later guiding major retail initiatives, including the successful Flexo's frame line and won awards at major retailers around the globe. Ralph Skidmore, a trendsetting product crea- tor, art director and stylist who led a $27 million business, paired his product development expertise with Steve's operational acumen. Skidmore's strategic revitalisation at Lasercraft and subsequent creative consultancy cemented his status as an industry innovator.
After being “friendly competitors” for over 20 years, in 2004 they joined forces to create MYX (make your mark), blending their expertise in home furnishings and innovative de- sign. Synthesising Steve's manufacturing innovations with Ralph's 27 visionary approach to design and marketing. Their collaborative efforts at MYX have established a new standard in artful design and consumer product solutions.
Over 30 years ago, Steve aimed to develop a computer program that created product design as if it were designed in the style of Picasso, Frank Geary or other designers, ar- chitects or other artists; a project halted prematurely yet never forgotten. The emergence of AI art has reawakened this vision, leading Steve to create over 10,000 ima ges in just a year, showcasing the powerful blend of emotion and technological precisi on AI offers. This journey has been transformative, allowing Steve to explore new artistic realms and blend historical artistry with modern innovation.
AI art has become a crucial part of Steve s creative process, akin to groundbreaking tools like Photoshop, aimed at creating pieces that connect emotionally with viewers. Their goal is to use AI to produce art that not only captures the imagination but also tou- ches the soul, making each piece a bridge between the artist's intent and the audience's experience.
Ralph & Steve moved to Sintra, Portugal 6 years ago after selling their business and re- tiring, but retirement couldn’t last forever! It’s kind of like a full circle doing much the sa- me as when starting out over 50 years ago. This is their first exhibition and they are proud to showcase their work at Luka Art Gallery in “O Palácio Biester”.
Hope you enjoy the show!
"Living Corpses of the Gods" by Fernando Pessoa explores themes of solitude and reflection, with a solitary figure in a tranquil setting contemplating life, existence, or the natural world. The inclusion of Pessoa's poetry adds depth, encouraging viewers to connect the text's themes with the imagery. The poetic language complements the serene and reflective mood. Together, the figure, natural setting, and text suggest a meditation on existence, identity, and the human condition, creating a rich, layered experience.
Living Corpses of the Gods
32 cm x 32 cm framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"The Alchemy of Pretense" by Fernando Pessoa explores themes of pretense and authenticity, with the poet feigning emotions so convincingly that real pain becomes part of the act. This is visually represented by the central figure interacting with a chaotic web, symbolizing the complexities of emotions and artistic creation. The web of lines metaphorically depicts the intricate interconnectedness of human emotions and thoughts, navigated by the poet. The central fi gure's engagement with the web reflects the poet's process of transforming genuine feelings into art.
The Alchemy of Pretense
32 cm x 32 cm framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Soul of the Shepherd" by Fernando Pessoa captures themes of longing and reflection, with a woman reaching towards a window symbolizing a yearning for connection or freedom, echoing Pessoa's introspective poetry. The blurred view outside and the ethereal quality of the dress suggest a fusion of reality and imagination, a common motif in Pessoa's work. The integration of Pessoa's text enhances the visual narrative, inviting viewers to engage with the poetic elements and deepening the artwork's overall impact. The piece effectively blends literature and art to explore existential themes.
Soul of the Shepherd
32 cm x 32 cm framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Invincible Summer" by Fernando Pessoa visually conveys inner resilience through an upward-moving staircase and warm, vibrant colors, symbolizing strength and hope during adversity. The staircase metaphorically represents personal growth and the journey toward self-discovery, with the solitary figure's ascent embodying the individual’s challenges and ultimate realization of inner strength. The contrast between warm and cool colors, alongside abstract and structured elements, highlights the complexity and harmony of life's experiences and emotions. The artwork captures the essence of finding enduring strength within oneself amidst life's trials.
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Invincible Summer
19.5 cm x 29.5 cm framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Awaiting The Unknown" by Fernando Pessoa visually captures themes of uncertainty and reflection through a solitary figure walking into a misty, unknown future, embodying existential uncertainty. The quote highlights the unpredictability of the future. The empty, rainsoaked streets emphasize solitude and introspection, while the usually bustling cityscape appears quiet and contemplative. The oldworld architecture and enigmatic figure evoke timelessness and mystery, suggesting that Pessoa's existential questions are universal and enduring.
Awaiting the Unknown
19.5 cm x 29.5 cm framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Moments Unforgotten" portrays a bustling city street from a bygone era, with elegantly dressed figures, capturing the essence of Fernando Pessoa’s reflections on the intensity of unforgettable moments. The central interaction between a man and a woman highlights the fleeting yet impactful nature of significant encounters. The sepia tones and historical setting evoke nostalgia, emphasizing the timelessness of such memories. Pessoa’s quote integrated into the scene underscores the value of intense, ephemeral experiences over their duration.
Moments Unforgotten
28 cm x 35.5 cm um-framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Shadows of the Never-Was" captures themes of regret and introspection, as a solitary man on a beach reflects on missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential, aligning with Fernando Pessoa’s quote about the past being defined by failures. The man's backward glance and the melancholic atmosphere emphasize his contemplation of what he has not achieved. The solitary figure and deserted beach symbolize an emotional and personal journey marked by isolation. The contrast between the quiet beach and the distant city lights highlights the tension between past regrets and the present or future.
Shadows Of The Never-Was
28 cm x 35.5 cm um-framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Shadows Of The Self" visually explores themes of identity and introspection, with a ghostly figure representing the fragmented self between personal desires and external influences. The solitary, contemplative setting emphasizes solitude and self-discovery, while the contrast between the warm interior and the starry exterior highlights the tension between internal reflection and the vast universe. The artwork effectively captures the essence of Pessoa's existential themes and the fluid nature of identity.
Shadows Of The Self
28 cm x 35.5 cm um-framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"Silent Scars" captures themes of regret and introspection, with a solitary figure symbolizing the weight of avoided conflicts and unmade choices. The melancholic setting, with its muted colors and decaying urban environment, evokes a sense of solitude and existential reflection. Birds and rough textures enhance the themes of fleeting time and internal scars. The artwork effectively integrates Fernando Pessoa's quote, creating a powerful narrative of personal struggle and unspoken battles.
Silent Scars
28 cm x 35.5 cm um-framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"The Void Between" explores themes of identity and existential uncertainty, with a shadowy figure standing at an illuminated doorway, symbolizing the struggle between personal desires and external influences. The contrast between the dark, textured background and the bright doorway emphasizes introspection and the search for self-awareness. The artwork effectively captures the essence of Fernando Pessoa's reflections on the fragmented self and the void between being and non-being.
The Void Between
28 cm x 35.5 cm um-framed
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# of Prints: 1/1
"What We Are, We See" explores themes of perception and identity, suggesting that our view of the world is shaped by who we are. The solitary figure walking through an abstract landscape symbolizes the journey of selfdiscovery and reflection. The integration of Fernando Pessoa’s quote emphasizes that our experiences and perceptions are deeply intertwined with our personal essence, creating a thought-provoking and introspective piece.
What We Are, We See 28 cm x 35.5 cm um-framed
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# of Prints: 1/1