Isaiah Gardner artworks on view at Ford Foundation Live Gallery NYC

New York Live Arts (Live Arts) Ford Foundation Live Gallery presents 200+ paintings in a collage from visual artist and designer Isaiah Gardner / ZAIHSBIRTHDAY. The collage “Run with yourself not from yourself.” will be made of abstract pieces crafted with 3D fabric paint, acrylic, spray paint, and posca paint pens and digital mediums. The free exhibition will be on view daily September 17, 2024 through March, 2025, with an opening reception on September 17 at 5:30pm EST, free with RSVP. 

ZAIHSBIRTHDAY wearable artwork by Gardner will be available for purchase at the Live Arts bar.

“Run with yourself not from yourself.” captures both the beautiful and disgusting essence of our human instincts and desires. Gardner’s deepest catalog to date features some pieces created when he was 16 years old. Frustrated as a kid by the illusion of texture, visitors are encouraged to lightly feel some of the works as intended.

Born in Brooklyn in 1999 to a Trini mother and Jewish father, Gardner spent the waking moments of his childhood painting and training in martial arts. Despite spells of instability in his childhood, he would always take to the brush and pen to escape.

When his life stabilized in his early teen years art was dropped as a therapeutic tool. During his teenage growth, trauma returned, and Isaiah took back to art and began seeing a therapist. During his junior year of college, Isaiah founded Zaihsbirthday as a way to earn extra walking around money. Zaihsbirthday is centered around wearable paintings, abstract paintings and art.

The dream of the brand is that anyone can do what they love for a living. The day that ideal is 100% committed to is the day you start living.

The Ford Foundation Live Gallery, located in the lobby of New York Live Arts, features site-specific works, installations, and exhibitions throughout the year.