GABRIELA MURAL CREATION
Creative Direction + Painting
Client: Eli Escobar + Rafael Ohayon
Eli Escobar, the New York DJ and producer legend, has shaped the city's music landscape through iconic parties like Tiki Disco and his Night People label. My connection with him stretches back years, as I included him in my Night Emperors series that went viral and he offered to dj at my first solo show's after-party. Alongside his lifelong friend Rafael Ohayon, owner of Cafe Mogador, they've launched Gabriela, a bar and nightclub in Williamsburg, New York.
When they asked me to paint a mural for them, I felt so happy and honored. These EYES are for genuine connection and community. In a world starved of authenticity, I wanted to create a piece that makes people feel truly SEEN. In the Mediterranean culture where I’m from, the EYE is a powerful symbol of protection, called evil eye – a core part of Gabriela’s story, too. Feeling SEEN, understood, loved and part of something bigger is what makes us feel alive— It’s the antidote to any pain, really.
Inspired by what I created for Gabriela, I decided to paint on a piece of clothing that I love for the grand unveiling of the mural. “Eye Love U” was born, an eye-catching hand-painted lamb leather dress adorned with red gazes — A promise to be SEEN and to SEE, with fresh (edgy) eyes. This is your wardrobe’s daring declaration of love.
