Food and art often go together at Paula’s at Rigoletto on Park Avenue in Weehawken. This month, while owner Paula Frazier continues to tantalize patrons’ palates with Italian cuisine, Brooklyn artist Gabe Godin will be responsible for bringing his own palettes to tantalize the eye.
Godin gained notoriety a few years ago when he began painting celebrity mug shots with a thoughtful touch. Depictions of James Brown and Macaulay Culkin went for $600 a piece. But after getting married, Godwin moved to another level in his work.
“The restaurant is really nice, I think the work really vibes well in the space.” – Gabe Godin
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Godin said Frazier fed him a bite to eat while he hung his pieces, and though unsure of exactly what it was, he knows it was tasty.
He even got to try another Weehawken treat courtesy of the GoodieBox Bake Shop next door.
On May 16 a wine and cheese reception, open to the public, will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A jazz band is also scheduled to come out to play for the affair. “It should be something fun to do in Weehawken,” said Godin.
Illustrious
The name of the show is Illustrious Currency, a play on words that doesn’t refer to either of the usual definitions. “Illustrious” in Godin’s sense refers to the illustrative nature of his work, and “currency” represents the work as current – not money.
The cohesive group of 10 paintings depicts relationships, both literally and conceptually. Godin said he tries to engage the viewer in the relationships as well.
“I tried to set a mood,” said Godin. “An environment within the space, whether it’s a grouping of figures or just one figure, to engage the person who’s looking at it through the color or the way that the figures actually painted.”
Godin said the viewer will be affected, whether it’s by a somber tone or playful tone.
Crossing the river
Originally from Washington D.C. and a current New York City resident, Godin learned about Paula at Rigoletto’s when he was painting with a community of artists in Tribeca.
Godin said he was introduced to Frazier through a fellow artist who had displayed work at her restaurant before.
“I wanted to show all [of the paintings] together,” said Godin. “This opportunity came up and I was excited about it.”
Godin is expecting a good showing of people to cross the river to Weehawken for the night of the opening reception, from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
A high school art teacher in Manhattan, Godin is also hoping that some of his students will come out to see the show as well.
“A lot of my work could be influenced by something students say or do,” said Godin. “Both parties can always learn from each other.”
The show at Paula’s will be the first time any of the Illustrious Currency works are shown to the public.
“The restaurant is really nice,” said Godin. “I think the work really vibes well in the space.”
Celebrities
And what of the celebrities he used to paint?
“The celebrity thing got old,” said Godin. “It’s where I was in my life. Now I’m a married man. Growing up a little bit allowed me to focus on relationships in life, whether it’s with my wife or siblings or students.”
As for what could be up next after Illustrious Currency, Godin said he has no idea.
“Things come to me as I go along,” said Godin. “It might take me awhile to get to that next series. Whatever comes next, something usually grabs my attention.”
For more information visit www.gabegodin.com.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.