Amir Mark Lyles S.O.N. A.R.T. Gallery

S.O.N. A.R.T. Spring/Summer 2011

2011-09-22T12:58:00.021-04:00

ART SALON @ SHARKTOWN STUDIOS presents: Amir M. Lyles' PIMPAZ PARADISE

InLiquid's (currently Philadelphia's largest and most influential arts collective) "Art for the Cash Poor" is an annual show held at Crane Arts Building in Philadelphia. None of the art for sale in this show is to cost over $199, hence its name. This was our first time doing this show. Not sure if we will do it again, as it seemed to be much more hype than hip. For the record, it was/is held on the same day as Odunde, so that would explain the obvious absence of a certain demographic.

...then we got press!

http://theartblog.org/2011/06/amir-lyles-finds-his-own-route-on-artblog-radio/

Thanks Libby, Roberta, and Peter!!!

S.O.N. A.R.T. Spring/Summer 2011

2011-09-22T12:39:00.010-04:00

HOMESCHOOLED! success set it off in April...

2011-07-30T16:22:00.002-04:00

Join S.O.N. A.R.T. @ The Philadelphia Folksong Society's 2nd Street Festival...look for us under the YELLOW CANOPY!!!

follow the link for more info.
The Third Annual 2nd Street Festival: Music ‎2ndstreetfestival.org

I Wrestle Alone in the Dark (from the series My Ego Weighs A Ton)

2011-06-23T18:56:00.006-04:00

Oil on tempered hardboard.

39" x 39"

2011

HOMESCHOOLED! FINE ART SHOW & SALE

2011-04-19T09:31:00.005-04:00

So you've seen Amir's work online...maybe encountered S.O.N. A.R.T. at an art fair or cultural festival...

...but nothing can compare to the full S.O.N. A.R.T. EXPERIENCE!

Real art, by a real artist, for real people...please come show your support.

M.A.D.M.A.N.

many artists don't make a nickel

support artists in your community today!

Showing!

2011-04-07T22:42:00.002-04:00

"Covers and Remixes Vol.1 ReadyToLive" on April 9th 2011 @ Gallery 43 5112 Pentridge, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Coming SOON! Covers and Remixes vol. 1: Ready to LIVE

2011-04-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

4.30.11 Save the Date

2011-04-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

...details to follow...

S.O.N. A.R.T. Ad

2011-01-03T12:34:00.001-05:00

Black America Rising/BAM AUSTIN 2010

2010-06-08T18:13:00.005-04:00

Big up Austin, TX!!! ProArts Collective! Black Arts Movement! Lisa Byrd, Carmen Noriega, Brian "Bydee" Joseph, Ixchel Rosal, 'Nade, Reginald Hoskins (for the sight!), Denise, Nsese, Jenny, Krissy, Earl Harvey, Ama, Tawana, Sista, Richard "The Artist U-no" Toler, Nana Sherri, EMOZA, and ALL of MY SUPPORTERS everywhere.

Grace. Oil on tempered hardboard. 16" x 15". 2010

2010-03-02T19:12:00.002-05:00

AC. Oil on tempered hardboard. 36" x 48". 2010

2010-02-17T17:33:00.003-05:00

Her Mind Behind Her Veil. Oil on tempered hardoard. 24" x 30". 2010.

2010-02-17T17:27:00.003-05:00

Grace Wants Everyone to Think Like Her or Receiving the Wisdom of Freedom. Oil on tempered hardboard. 24" x 30". 2010.

2010-02-17T17:23:00.006-05:00

The Burden Bearer & Winter Soul Sis. Oil on canvas. 22" x 28". 2010

2010-02-17T14:21:00.006-05:00

S.O.N. A.R.T. Media Presents: Amir M. Lyles' Pimpaz Paradize...the video

2010-01-19T16:57:00.008-05:00

Pimpaz Paradize (1-4 of 8). Acrylic on wood. Approx. 2' x 2' each. 2009.

2010-01-19T14:50:00.016-05:00

She Loves to Party

She Looks So Hearty

She Loves to Smoke

She'll Be Laughing

My visual interpretation of Bob Marley's song, Pimper's Paradise...the story of a girl who loves the fast life, only to be caught up in the dangers that street life brings...a girl who does have dreams of being something other than what she has become...as Marley lyricly points to certain aspects of Her lifestyle, I depict each situation featuring a different girl...kind of like a one woman play in reverse--8 different actresses, each in turn, playing one role...at the end of the song, Bob's voice echoes as he implores, "Don't be just a stock on the shelf" (i.e. subject to being bought and sold with no regard for Self); I attempt to do the same here with my paintings.

Pimpaz Paradize (5-8 of 8). Acrylic on wood. Approx 2' x 2' each. 2009-10.

2010-01-19T14:34:00.008-05:00

She Loves to Model

She's In the Scramble

She's Getting High

Now She Is Blues'n

THE YOUNG MASTER

2010-01-08T22:28:00.007-05:00

An original Amir Lyles Production...S.O.N. A.R.T. MEDIA presents...The Young Master...starring Oba in the title roll and Ras Amir as Abba...this is just a sneak peak of what began as a simple, fun unschooling project for my children, yet continues to evolve. There is much more to come (as soon as we can get the software to move forward)...ENJOY! Let me know what you think...

S.O.N. A.R.T. GALLERY @ PHILLY ART EXPO!!!

2009-11-08T21:05:00.004-05:00

S.O.N. A.R.T.'s own Amir Lyles gets major press on Roberta Fallon and Libby Rosof's Artblog.

2009-10-19T14:14:00.030-04:00

A few weeks ago Libby Rosof and a collector friend of hers came to the S.O.N. A.R.T. Gallery to visit with Amir, and get a closer look at many of the works featured here on Amir Mark Lyles S.O.N. A.R.T. Gallery blog. Follow the link and see why Libby says "[Amir]'s not limited by any rules," and that "work comes from his heart. He is looking at everything, taking it in and using painting and collage and every kind of imagery he's ever seen to process it all--the past, the present, the political, the personal, the spiritual world, the real-world.

"Ndebele Girl" takes 3rd place!

2009-09-10T09:52:00.006-04:00

"Ndebele Girl" Wins 3rd Place Ribbon at the 46th Annual Plainfield Outdoor Festival of Art in Plainfield NJ (9-5-09)

in the category of Oil/acrylic

"Ndebele Girl" Prints!

2009-09-10T09:43:00.003-04:00

Also available in full sized Africa cut out mounted on wood.

Contact Naeemah Afi: mynaeemah@gmail.com

Misery's Company. Oil on wood. 23 1/2" x 20 1/2". 2009.

2009-08-11T15:10:00.003-04:00

Hard Wired. Mixed media on wood. 32 sq. in. 2009.

2009-08-11T14:58:00.006-04:00

Hard Wired is a Tracy Chapman song on her 2002 album, Let it Rain. I really like the song, and one day it was on and the lyrics just stood out . . . I got a vision of how it looked . . . the song in my mind. So, this is the newest addition to my series, Covers and Remixes vol. 1. If you get a chance, take a listen, but in the meantime I've included Tracy's lyrics. Keep in mind that this song is at least 8 years old . . . before we (the masses) knew about cable "on demand "and converter boxes, and before reality T.V. became almost all there is.

Your wants desires

Needs and wishes

Will be duly noted

Processed filed and catalogued

Labeled and encoded

Turned into sitcom dialog

And advertising slogans

We've got a box to put in your brain

Hard wired for downloading

All the secrets and the mysteries

You've been selfishly withholding

The dreams and hopes

That once were yours

Will now be collected and dispersed

So the first to come with cash to spend

Will be the first one served . . .

Make you think you liked to be watched

Displayed on the auction block

Invaded in your own home

Stripped naked on the television

Humiliated in front of millions . . .

Interstellar Space

2009-07-27T10:46:00.002-04:00

Prince Ahmir and the Amethyst Dragon. Acrylic on canvas. 24 in x 36in. 2009.

2009-07-24T14:21:00.006-04:00

This painting was commissioned by children's book author, Simel Bey, for his debut collection of stories. The book is scheduled to be released on August 23rd, 2009.

POTA/Daydreamer. Acrylic on canvas w/sand. 2009.

2009-07-09T12:04:00.001-04:00

Royal Union. Acrylic on canvas on wood. 2009.

2009-06-11T22:31:00.004-04:00

Empress Menen and Emperor Haile Selassie I during their coronation ceremony on November 2, 1930. This was the first time the king and queen were crowned together. This painting was commissioned by a close sistren as her wedding gift to her King.

Angels Around Her Majesty's Throne. Acrylic w/ sand on wood. 2009

2009-06-11T20:54:00.004-04:00

MC's Act Like They Don't Know. Acrylic w/rhinestones on wood. 2009. From the series Covers and Remixes Vol. 1

2009-05-09T18:10:00.014-04:00

Mea Culpa, Magna Carta, Music Companies, Mentally Challenged, Masters of Ceremony, Monopoly Conquest, Moot Cause, Mumble Chat, Media Caucus, Mediocre Chips, Mouth Cancer, More Cops, Mystery Cipher, Mythical Characters, Moron Carnival, Marriage Contract, Mic Controllers, MacroCosm, Malevolent Conspiracy, Malicious Criminals, Masquerading Confederates, Matrix Coma, Monkey Court, Mass Collusion, Marvel Comics, Materialistic Culture, Murder Cartel, Minstrel Child, Male Chauvinist, Mine Conflict, Mischievous Clergy, Mind Control, Money Contention, Musical Charlatan, Morbid Circumstance . . .

Malachi and Monk. 2009.

2009-05-08T20:50:00.009-04:00

This is my first attempt since taking an animation class a couple years ago. You have no idea how long it took to make this 1 min. 16 sec. film. I used a free trial download to make this short, and as it was about to expire, I video recorded (bootlegged) it b/c otherwise I wouldn't have been able to play/watch it. I can't wait to do more. Unfortunately, the Flash CS4 software is just not in the budget at the moment. Let me know if you have a remedy . . .

Please Don't Shoot Up the Place (detail)

2009-04-30T19:38:00.005-04:00

Please Don't Shoot Up the Place. Acrylic & mixed media on wood. 36 3/8 in. x 42 1/2 in. 2009. From the series Covers and Remixes Vol. 1.

2009-04-28T22:34:00.009-04:00

"Got a gun up in ya waist . . ." Too many really good dances/parties/shows have been ruined by some knuckle-heads fighting and shooting. This mixed media piece is a testimony to those situations. There are countless reggae--specifically dancehall--and hip hop songs that speak to the ridiculous and unfortunate situations created by selfish people who
think that coming hard means violence. Most of those songs, like this artwork, span generations and cross borders--both national and cultural, but most importantly they are pleading with the audience not to spoil perfectly good fun.

The Concrete Rose. Oil & mixed media on wood. 30 in. x 48 in. 2009.

2009-04-21T22:06:00.008-04:00

Second in my "Urban Angels" series, this painting is like a billboard meant to inspire and provoke thought (if not change) particularly by/towards our female youth. The Concrete Rose is my interpretation of the concept that stunning beauty, strength, and ability can grow from even the most chaotic & seemingly lifeless circumstances . . . it is that person who comes from inner cities . . . like the other urban angels who get a bad rap, she may appear hardened by the concrete jungles . . . when you look closely, and get to know her--know who this person is--she's a rose . . . when you approach her with respect, and you come with love & protection of/for Self (hers and yours), then you don't have to get the thorns . . . you can get the sweetness.

Speak Love frum da Projects. Acrylic on canvas. 16 in. x 20 in. 2009

2009-04-13T23:16:00.007-04:00

S.elf P.ortrait E.pithet A.mir K.edar LOVE

Rebel Music. 2007.

2009-04-02T02:59:00.004-04:00

This is an original S.O.N. A.R.T. design from WORD SOUND by Guidance Clothing Co.

CLICK LINK(s) for S.O.N. A.R.T. SHOP to FIND T-SHIRTS and MORE w/this design!!!

Jimi. Acrylic on wood w/clear polymer resin. Appx. 24" x 30". 2008.

2009-04-02T02:45:00.005-04:00

This was a gift for my Empress' coolest cousin. He's a guitar playing singer/songwriter and a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix.

Grace. Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". 2008.

2009-03-30T16:12:00.001-04:00

Ethiopian Angel. Mixed media collage on wood. 12in. x 10 in.

2009-03-21T09:41:00.005-04:00

I made this piece as a gift for one of my family's midwives many years ago. She was in Seminary at the time, and in general has great love and respect for original culture. As an artist, parent, and one who is conscious of the origins of all people and religion, I feel it is my duty to remind the world that it all began in Ethiopia. I do this kind of art with both my ancestors and my progeny in mind.

Untitled (Smiley). Arcylic & mixed media on wood. 2ft. 3/4in. x 2ft 4.5in. 2009.

2009-03-12T14:58:00.006-04:00

Golden Lady. Acrylic. 32 1/8 in. x 27 in. 2009.

2009-03-06T17:12:00.005-05:00

Seent it . . . liked it . . . painted it.

Untitled. 2004? Found wood.

2009-03-03T13:09:00.004-05:00

I found this log while walking in the woods in my area. This is one of my first attempts at carving/sculpting on this level.

Interstellar Space. Oil & mixed media on canvas. 48in. x 30in. 2008

2009-02-17T17:37:00.004-05:00

I often ask people if they're familiar with John Coltrane's music. Answers vary, yet rarely, in my encounters, has anyone been familiar with this album (not the one his image comes from). If you take the time to know the album, then study its aspects, this painting will be much more meaningful to you. Regardless, please let me know what you see . . . just curious . . .

Africa Brass 3. Mixed media on wood. 2008. SOLD.

2009-02-09T13:44:00.007-05:00

This was a favorite in our house. My, then 9 year old, son wanted to buy it. Africa Brass Vol. 3 is my vision of Trane's song, had he ever written it. The third in a series that illustrate what I see/feel/think of when I listen to him blow on that Africa Brass album. Let's not forget the drums, bass, and piano . . . the JCQ was (and is still) incomparable! And they are all represented in each of my Africa Brass collages. If you don't have the album Africa Brass--get it, then sit down and listen to Vols. 1 and 2 while you look at this piece.

I delivered Africa Brass Vol. 3 as a gift from a beautiful, middle-aged sister, named Ife, to her "man" (whose name I cannot recall). Sis. Ife insisted that I bring it to him in person (accompanied by her, my Empress, and our daughters), so he could meet me--the artist, and so I could meet him and decide if he (and his home) were worthy of my work. Indeed we were; not only did he know John Coltrane's album, Africa Brass, but as Sister Ife had told me repeatedly, the brother's house was decorated as if specifically to receive this piece.

Good News I Bring. detail.

2009-01-30T12:27:00.003-05:00

Good News I Bring. Mixed media. 29 3/4" x 40". 2008.

2009-01-30T12:15:00.008-05:00

This is the first in a series entitled, "Urban Angel." The youth in the painting represents contemporary young, Black, males as the most recent in a long line of angels stretching from antiquity. He offers another perspective on young, Black, males that greatly differs from the violent, money hungry, misogynist, jesters propagandized by the "unseen hand."

Cubans with the Jesus Piece. Oil on canvas. 30 x 40 in. From the series Covers and Remixes Vol. 1.

2009-01-30T12:08:00.012-05:00

Get it?

America on Line. Acrylic w/paper on wood. In progress.

2009-01-22T13:08:00.005-05:00

At Last. Acrylic w/rhinestones on canvas. 2007. 24" x 30".

2009-01-22T12:52:00.002-05:00

Up You Mighty Race. Acrylic w/mixed media on wood . 2008. SOLD.

2009-01-22T12:29:00.002-05:00

De-evolution. Acrylic on wood. 2008.

2009-01-17T04:44:00.008-05:00

This painting is from my Oh My People series. It takes a simple concept that we're all familiar with, and flips it to simply, yet clearly, illustrate another concept that may or may not be familiar to the viewer. Notice that the man's descent takes place in seven steps, which is ironic because seven is a number that is usually associated with God or luck. Considering that we've all struggled and become frustrated by Life at some point, what is it that allows some of us to keep standing, while others go all the way down?

Black President. Acrylic on wood. Approx. 33 5/8" x 40 1/2". 2008.

2009-01-11T15:50:00.002-05:00

Saint Abba Samuel. Acrylic on wood. Approx. 41" x 45". 2007

2009-01-11T15:38:00.001-05:00

Africa Unite. Acrylic on wood. Approx. 40 3/4" x 40". 2006.

2009-01-11T15:25:00.002-05:00

Untitled. Acrylic on wood. Appx. 33 1/2" x 35 1/2". 2008.

2009-01-11T15:16:00.001-05:00

Elemental Blues. Acrylic on canvas. 18" x 36". 2007.

2009-01-11T15:03:00.005-05:00

This painting is of one of my favorite poets, Raymond R. Patterson. My favorite book of his is called 26 Ways of looking at a Black Man, but he also wrote a book of blues poems by the same title as this piece. My inspiration for this painting was that as Black men in (urban) America, we are out of our natural element(s) in so many ways, and on so many levels, we generally have "the blues." Mr. Patterson stands in place of each of us who knows how it feels to be a misfit--like his suit and the seasonal weather that appears confused in the painting. Still, no matter how crazy or imperfect the situation, we are expected (and conditioned) to just deal with it . . . Elemental Blues is a tribute to Uncle Ray (he also happens to be my Empress' uncle but i was into his work even before i ever met her), as well as a testament to our plight.

My Genius Can't Be Confined to a Cell. Acrylic on wood panels. 41 1/8'' x 71 1/4". 2008.

2009-01-11T14:53:00.003-05:00

The title of this painting is a quote from the title track off

Sadat X's Black October album.

Wings of a Dove. Acrylic on canvas. 2008. SOLD.

2009-01-11T14:37:00.005-05:00

Three in One. 2008.

2009-01-06T12:11:00.007-05:00

This was a GIFT to the E.A.B.I.C. tabernacle in Philadelphia.

The Royal Family. Engraved & painted plaster on wood. 2008.

2009-01-06T11:43:00.011-05:00

Creation. Acrylic on wood. 27 1/2" x 28". 2008.

2009-01-06T11:35:00.001-05:00

The Loving Touch. Acrylic on wood. 26 1/4" x 27". 2008.

2009-01-06T11:31:00.001-05:00

The Hero's Girlfriend. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas & wood. 32 5/8" x 34 1/2". 2008

2009-01-06T11:28:00.002-05:00

The Wood Grain Women. Oil on wood. 30" x 54 5/8". 2008

2009-01-06T11:08:00.003-05:00

This piece of wood was leaning against a wall in my house, when my muse noticed the shapes of hips & legs in the grain. I just added the torsos.

Let's Get Together. Acrylic on wood. 32 3/4" x 35". 2006.

2009-01-06T10:50:00.005-05:00

Artist's note: the flags and nations represented in this painting relfect what was current in the reference material circa mid 1980's.

Remember the Happiness Love Brings. 2007

2009-01-06T10:45:00.002-05:00

This was an anniversary gift for two very special people. The image is from a wedding picture.

Black America (Rising). Acrylic w/burlap on wood. 24 1/8" x 41". 2007

2009-01-06T10:35:00.006-05:00

Lemon Water Blues. Oil on canvas. 24" x 36". 2004

2009-01-06T10:32:00.001-05:00

Her Universal Gift Love Is For Everyone. Acrylic on wood. 21 5/8" x 28 1/4". 2006

2009-01-05T19:58:00.008-05:00

Fabric of the Dove. 2008.

2009-01-05T19:51:00.005-05:00

This piece was commissioned for a fundraiser and was SOLD at auction.

Assata's Shadow. Acrylic on wood. 29 5/8" x 43 1/8". 2007

2009-01-05T19:49:00.008-05:00

One day I caught a glimpse of my daughter, Assata's, shadow on the wall as she was about to go up the stairs in our house. I quickly asked her to stand still while I sketched it . . . this is what developed . . .