Fantasy In Color is an Artists Collective based in New York city. We have organized and curated monthly Art events in Harlem since 2014. We produce Pop-Up style Exhibitions that showcase some of NYC’s best Visual and Performing Artists. We coined the phrase “Art Party” which has really become a popular term in the underground scene. Our events usually consists of 20 to 30 Visual Artists, displaying all mediums; Paintings Photography, Digital Art etc. Performing Artists are a major part of our events as well. We normally highlight 2 to 3 performers at each event. Singers, Poets, Rappers and Dancers have been known to grace the stage, with electrifying performance. Another element of our Art Party is Vendors. We typically have 4 to 10 at each event. Jewelry makers, clothing designers and bakers are some of the Vendors we have in attendance. Overall we provide a place to network and grow as an Artists. It’s so important to be around like minded people. Our mission was to create a platform for all creatives, while establishing a positive and supportive environment. We are happy to say, the mission was accomplished.
Rob Ayala, FoundeR
Sunrise, May 17, 1981 - Sunset, March 6, 2023
Art impacted Rob’s life in a powerful way. From drawing on his mother's walls as a toddler to writing his first rap at (8) years old. Creating art was as natural to him. Growing up an only child left him with a lot of time on his hands. This allowed his imagination to form and grow. Countless hours spent drawing characters he only saw in his head. Recording his raps on his little tape recorder. Building structures out of cardboard boxes and whatever else he could get his hands on. Those formative years sparked a flame inside of him. A flame that continued to burn for so many years to come.
“If you Follow your heart you will have no regrets. You may take some L’s but it’s all part of the process.”
As a teenager, music became his primary form of artistic expression. By the age of (15)he was recording in professional studios and performing live. As he got older he performed and produced for several other music projects and groups such as Pink & Blue, Lexz Pryde, Hank and Cupcakes, Electric Monday, Shawn Neon, and Ms. Strawberry from Planet Rump. His musical influences included hip-hop, funk, rock, and new wave genres. He was also known by the stage personas, “Crisis” and “Rob the Rockstar.” His larger-than-life stage personas were made for a powerful musical experience. This took his creativity to a new level. Not only was he writing the songs but,he was also creating the beats. Rob has written and produced music for MTV, VH1, Showtime, Cinemax, Paramount, Starz, Rockstar Games, to name a few.
“Sometimes you gotta go left and just do something different”
As fulfilling as music was, there was a void dying to be filled. At the age of (32) he decided to take up painting, he bought an acrylic paint set and canvases. He was hooked! It was the first time hehad ever painted on canvas. He felt free and overwhelmingly inspired. He hadn't felt this way since he was a child. His artwork was a continuation from his childhood. He stoppeddrawing as a teen and picked up painting as an adult. When he painted, he feel a strong connection to that creative only child he once was. Explosions of creativity filled with bizarre abstract characters and powerful messages both hidden and in plain view.
“Everything ain’t black and white, so we dream in color”
His first Solo art exhibit titled “Fantasy in Color” was displayed at Raw Space Gallery in Harlem. Soon after, in 2014, he founded the artists collective “Fantasy in Color” whose name was inspired by his first art exhibit. Rob, along with his Wife, Christy Ayala, organized and curated monthly Art events. They organized and curated over (100) Pop-Up style art exhibitions in the NYC area With some of NYC’s best Visual and Performing Artists. They coined the phrase “Art Party” which has really become a popular term in the underground scene. Their events consisted of Visual Artists, displaying all mediums; Paintings, Photography, Digital Art etc. Performing Artists such as Singers, Poets, Rappers and Dancers has graced the stage, with electrifying performances. Another element of their Art Party are Vendors. Jewelry makers, clothing designers and bakers are some of the Vendors they’ve had in attendance. Overall they provided a place to network and grow as an Artists. It’s so important to be around like minded people. Their mission was and will continue to create a platform for all creatives, while establishing a positive and supportive environment.
“Don’t be a collector of your own art”
In 2016, he left a state job to focus on organizing art events and to fully pursue his dreams. He knew that art and music were his true passions. Soon after he became a teaching artist at Graham Windham’s Harlem Beacon program and RHYME; youth Hip Hop music and mentoring program. As a teaching artist, he has inspired young minds, and encourage creativity .He showed the youth how to use arts as a form of self expression. He was extremely proud to have been able to teach in the community he grew up in.
“Do what you love so it never feels like work”
He had recently released (5) instrumental projects on all streaming platforms (Visions of Eternity, More Visions, Beautiful Violent Love, Purple Sky Blues, and Black Bengie).
“I tag the world, I hope my art will never be erased”
Christy Ayala is a vivacious, self-taught, Latina artist born in Harlem, New York and raised in the Bronx, New York. Her artwork is inspired by personal experience that conveys a message of love and pain, as well as an interpretation of her surrounding environment. Christy is a visual artist that creates her unique urban, surrealist, abstract pieces using acrylic paint. She is open to many creative paths such as, graphic design, drawing, painting, and any types of art form that allows her to create new and unique works of art. Instagram: @artbychristyayala www.instagram.com/artbychristyayala/ Website: artbychristyayala.weebly.com/ For inquiries, contact her at [email protected]