Snob Diaries: Devin Johnson

Snob Diaries is a personal recap of seasonal Fashion Week events around the world, told through the lens of our staff and close friends. For New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023, artist Devin Johnson takes us through his busy schedule.

This past week was the start of New York Fashion Week here in New York City.

I started my NYFW by stopping by Hannah Traore‘s Gallery over in LES. This exhibition felt special to me: six artists and I had the opportunity to be in a group exhibition curated by Antwuan Sargent, in collaboration with Helmut Lang.

I arrived at the gallery at 11 am to see the work being hung in the space for the first time. Here’s Diallo working hard and Bradley Ogbonna in the cut.

I turned to my left and was surprised to see my two works hanging on the wall, my first time seeing them installed. Pictured here is City Slicker, chilling next to Helmut Lang’s famous COWBOY T-shirt from 2004.

After the installation that morning we went over to Ludlow house for some lunch with Hannah and Bradley. The lunch special was a BLT served with cauliflower and celery soup.

After lunch I parted ways with them and took a train over to the city to get art materials. I only came for glue and gesso. I journeyed back to my Ridgewood studio and began to work.

Sometimes I like to include people in my studio by turning on my Instagram live. I invite people to play and dance with me.

Friday’s the morning of the show. I woke up early in the morning to UPS ringing my doorbell. The Helmut Lang team has been so gracious in allowing the artists to pull looks from their most recent collection. I chose a classic poplin shirt and wool pants.

Right now, I’m hanging out with my boy Justen LeRoy in his sound installation. It’s a full circle moment for us Los Angeles natives to have a show in New York together.

Here, Turiya Adkins, Quay Quinn Wolf, and I are enjoying pre-lecture cocktails at the Standard’s No Bar. I’ve admired Turiya’s work for some time but I haven’t heard how she talks about her practice until now.

The lecture was moderated by Hannah Gottlieb-Graham in conversation with Hannah Traore and Antwaun Sargent. It’s always a great to hear insights directly from the artists.

I’m so proud of all the people included in this exhibition. It’s just so beautiful to see the growth and development of peers I’ve been watching from afar.

I also have to thank the Standard Hotel for hosting the night’s dinner. Nights like this are few in between but these are moments I hold dear; they rejuvenate me.

With all the running around for the festivities of the day, I don’t think I got a single chance to eat the entire day. I think at that time, I had a few spicy margaritas that held me down through the night, though.

This halibut hit but I should’ve got the chicken. I lost those glasses that night too. RIP.

It’s the day after the show and I felt the need to stroll around the city and reflect on the week. I like to walk, sit in places, and observe things, sounds and people around me.

On this brisk morning, I went over to the water to give thanks. I’m grateful for all the events that I’ve been partaking in recently.

I don’t know this couple but I wish them a happy life.

Finally, on Sunday, I’m back in the studio. I’ve been out running around so much recently but today, on this Super Bowl Sunday, I decided to dive back in on some paintings.

I have a few deadlines coming up before another group show in the next few months, so I’m back in the saddle.

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