Franck de Las Mercedes
Franck de las Mercedes (born 1972 in Masaya, Nicaragua), is a Nicaraguan American artist who lives and works in New York City. Franck's experience as a child in war-torn Nicaragua, the visual dogfight of New York's graffiti and an raptness in the abstract expressionism commotion 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 supple abstractions bursting following color.
FdlM draws inspiration from his New York backdrop and the effect that time and the elements have upon urban surfaces. Referencing following experiences, trauma and family dealings in real life and literature, he creates psychologically-charged imagery.[citation needed]
In 2006, Franck initiated The Priority Boxes Art Project a harmony initiative that has evolved into a leisure interest 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 artiste ships abstractly painted, seemingly empty boxes next a label that reads: «Fragile, handle similar to care: Contains peace» to people not far off from the world. The boxes aim to spark dialogue and challenge people to reconsider their talent to influence modify and question the fragility, value and priority unchangeable to concepts such as peace. De las Mercedes has shipped exceeding 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 upon the iconic LED screens of Times Square.[citation needed]
Franck and his work have been featured upon 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 furthermore 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 upon Fox 5.[citation needed]
FdlM's conduct yourself has been exhibited in numerous solo shows and help shows something like the world. In 2012, his portrait of Francisco de Quevedo was acquired by Fundación Francisco de Quevedo for their enduring collection in Ciudad Real, Spain.[citation needed]
On Tuesday, February 18, 2014 a massive flare ripped through his house and the house of The FDLM Art Studio. Escaping the flames once only the clothes upon his back, the flame destroyed his entire life's pretend and possessions. 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 very destroyed, the building gutted and unconventional demolished. Franck has previously relocated to New York City.
In the spring of 2014, Franck's "Post No Bills" egg was allowance of the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt NY 2014. A citywide public exhibit that featured beyond 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 unmovable honoring Franck and the Peace Boxes Project, commending him for his meritorious folder of service, leadership, and duty in the arts and his community.[citation needed]
In 2015 Franck was named one of "15 Artists About to Dominate 2015" by Complex magazine.
In 2018 Franck participated in the Sing For Hope project, which placed hundreds of pianos vis-а-vis New York City and invited artists to gild them.
He has been a resident of Weehawken, New Jersey.