Our first encounter with Brooklyn-based artist Raul de Nieves was when we discovered his bead-covered stiletto sculpture at MoMA PS1. The sculpture was the culmination of everything we love: art, impeccable craftsmanship, fashion and nightlife. And that’s exactly what inspires the Mexican artist. His studio, located in the basement of the legendary Spectrum club in Ridgewood, Queens, is filled with beaded-sculptures, techno music, energy drinks, and a vast amount of colorful acetate sheets used for his 52 x 17 foot large installation at the Whitney Biennale.
We were lucky enough to enter the studio and follow de Nieves creative process behind the humungous piece. Have a look for yourself before you go see the impressive panorama at the Whitney Biennale, which opens today.