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Franck de Las Mercedes

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Franck de las Mercedes (born 1972 in Masaya, Nicaragua)[1] is a Nicaraguan American[2] visual artist, poet and photographer who lives and works in New York City. Franck's experience as a child in war-torn Nicaragua, the visual clash of New York's graffiti and an interest in the abstract expressionism movement played a major role in de las Mercedes becoming a visual artist. With a self-obtained education, straight from the aisles of the Mid-Manhattan Public Library, Franck de las Mercedes has emerged as one of the country's most prolific artists in recent years.[citation needed] Incorporating elements of photography, drawings, journal pages and text art, Franck creates frenetic paintings with energetic abstractions bursting with color. FdlM draws inspiration from his New York backdrop and the effect that time and the elements have on urban surfaces. Referencing past experiences, trauma and family relationships in real life and literature, he creates psychologically-charged imagery.[citation needed]

In 2006, Franck initiated The Priority Boxes Art Project a peace initiative that has evolved into a movement now embraced by popular culture, mainstream media outlets, schools and art educators across America.[citation needed] From his small studio near the Hudson River, the artist ships abstractly painted, seemingly empty boxes with a label that reads: «Fragile, handle with care: Contains peace» to people around the world.[3][4][5] The boxes aim to spark dialogue and challenge people to reconsider their ability to influence change and question the fragility, value and priority given to concepts such as peace. De las Mercedes has shipped more than 12,300 boxes to countries and cities across the globe from urban and rural America to Asia and South Africa. "The Peace Boxes" have traveled the globe, been taught in classrooms and featured on the iconic LED screens of Times Square.[citation needed]

Despite his American upbringing, Nicaraguan born FdlM is regarded as one of Nicaragua's most important contemporary artists. Franck and his work have been featured on numerous national and international television and radio shows including, LatiNation, CNN En Español, Noticiero Telemundo and Univision's "Aqui y Ahora."[citation needed] He's also been featured in prestigious publications including, Selecciones (Reader's Digest), Art Business News, Hispanic Magazine, SoulPancake, Museum VIEWS, American Style and The Artist's magazine, Blick Art Materials' Spring 2013 Featured Artist, Town & Country, The Daily Beast and Good Day New York on Fox 5.[citation needed]

FdlM's work has been exhibited in numerous solo shows and group shows around the world. In 2012, his portrait of Francisco de Quevedo was acquired by Fundación Francisco de Quevedo for their permanent collection in Ciudad Real, Spain.[citation needed]

On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 a massive fire ripped through his home and the home of The FDLM Art Studio. Escaping the flames with only the clothes on his back, the fire destroyed his entire life's work and possessions.[6] For 12 years, 217 Hackensack Plank Rd. was home to Franck and his wife Nicola, art studio and the birthplace of The Priority Boxes Art Project. His loft was completely destroyed, the building gutted and later demolished. Franck has since relocated to New York City.[7][8]

In the spring of 2014, Franck's "Post No Bills" egg was part of the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt NY 2014. A citywide public exhibit that featured over 250 large egg sculptures – placed throughout New York City, each designed by globally renowned artists and designers. In October 2014, The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly passed a joint legislative resolution honoring Franck and the Peace Boxes Project, commending him for his meritorious record of service, leadership, and commitment in the arts and his community.[citation needed]

In 2015 Franck was named one of "15 Artists About to Dominate 2015" by Complex magazine.[9]

In 2018 Franck participated in the Sing For Hope project, which placed hundreds of pianos around New York City and invited artists to decorate them.[10]

In March 2023, Franck published his first book of poetry in Spanish titled «Primogénito». A retrospective of poems tackling his childhood in war-torn Nicaragua, a troubled youth and overcoming adversity through art.

He has been a resident of Weehawken, New Jersey.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "21 Questions with Franck de Las Mercedes". The Nervous Breakdown. 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  2. ^ Rosa, Federico (7 January 2013). "Franck de las Mercedes: Born in Nicaragua/Made in the USA". Culture Trip. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  3. ^ "Artist Franck de las Mercedes Spreads Peace, Love, Hope". www.healing-power-of-art.org. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  4. ^ "Priority Peace: Handle with Care". www.beliefnet.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  5. ^ "The Priority Boxes: Spreading Peace One Box at a Time". Kickstarter. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  6. ^ Jones, Justin (2014-04-08). "Franck de las Mercedes Lost Everything in a Fire…Except His Faberge Egg". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  7. ^ "Franck De Las Mercedes". TurningArt. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  8. ^ "Artist Career Training - Franck de las Mercedes: The Artist as Alchemist". www.artistcareertraining.com. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  9. ^ "15 Artists About to Dominate 2015". Complex. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  10. ^ "Music of the streets: New York City's public pianos". www.cbsnews.com. June 3, 2018. Retrieved 2020-04-09.
  11. ^ Levine, Daniel Rome. "Triunfador Franck de Las Mercedes", ABC News, August 16, 2007. Accessed February 6, 2013. "Standing in the middle of his one-bedroom loft apartment in an industrial part of Weehawken, N.J., the 34-year-old abstract painter covers a small brown cardboard box in white acrylic paint and then carefully drips red and hot pink paint on it."
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