About

Brian Lacey (b. 1988) alias studio_baklava, is an artist and muralist working and living out of Miami, Florida. Drawing inspiration from material choices and the symbolism of memories, his work examines the relationships we have with our environments, and the coinciding implications of these experiences. Some works can be viewed as preludes to others. Within the facets of his practice, reuse and material appropriation and relations to the natural world are intended as a transformation to strengthen dimensionality through layered documentation. Combined with his personal history, this creates a metamorphism from one state to another that defines the resilience and adaptability of human identity within the context of individual, societal, and environmental change. Both his studio work and public practice allows for exploration in the development of new techniques and tools, providing the space and attention to focus on the role of nuance and detail. For him, this leads to new innovation and further exploration in his large-scale work. This reiterative process helps to inform, influence and strengthen his public artwork. Stylistic influences he is currently exploring in his mural work are a direct result of methods, techniques, and materials explored within his studio pertaining to the universal nature of geometry relating to both the natural, and artificially created world.

The current key focus of his practice aspires to illuminate the assumed values of the material world while utilizing symbolism through vivid explorations of paint and tangible mediums to illuminate contrasts and examine the relationship between material and the metaphysical & spiritual realms. Through his work he assigns context to intrinsic values while aiding a generation to understand the relationship between materiality and spirituality at a time when people are in a state of simultaneous fear and denial. Materials and utilizes them represent the ideal allegorical medium for transmutation while utilizing the power of art to mobilize and affect the viewer through materiality and dimension. As we find ourselves as a society at a moment of change, Lacey’s work can be seen as a near perfect expression of what can be of the spirit and humanity’s hope for something better. Art in the public sphere has long been the primary inspiration and motivation for his practice. At a young age Lacey noticed the value of and in the placement of public art; It’s inherent power to reshape the mundane, it's ability to uplift an unsuspecting viewers day, the capacity it has to inspire and facilitate critical thought, while importantly, providing art free of charge to anyone whom it may cross paths with. Because of these reasons at this point in his career and for 15+ years and counting he has chosen public art as the primary medium. Through his fortunate experience painting and installing public art in a variety of climates such as but not limited to Detroit, Chicago, New York City, Toronto, Miami, Arizona and California I have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience as to what works and what doesn’t. Through Lacey’s diverse experience working in a variety of communities he holds an innate passion and ability to tap into the themes that are important to the environment in which his work will inhabit and encompass.