The genesis of Eagle’s current body of work can be traced back to the onset of the pandemic, a period that marked the closure of Kinfolk, the Brooklyn establishment where Eagle had spent a triumphant 12-year tenure. Kinfolk, evolving from a Tokyo bike shop into a multifaceted institution in Brooklyn, encompassed a cafe, club, and retail store. With Kinfolk’s doors shuttered, Eagle found himself at a crossroads, prompting a relocation to Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where he established a studio and immersed himself in the world of painting.
“Maceo Eagle’s paintings have a loose and inky freedom, like washy stained glass kaleidoscope’s bleeding cosmic mellowness and mystery” — Todd James
Eagle’s paintings radiate a loose and inky freedom, described by Todd James as akin to “washy stained glass kaleidoscopes bleeding cosmic mellowness and mystery.” The vibrant compositions come to life through a striking color palette reminiscent of hi-vis safety vests or vintage rave flyers, creating a visual language that speaks to the essence of pre-internet youth culture.
Rooted in Eagle’s graffiti origins, the colorful, swirling lines in his paintings conjure the spirit of wildstyle graffiti murals, offering a nod to his artistic roots. Beyond graffiti, the exhibition pays homage to a myriad of cultural influences, drawing inspiration from the science-fiction magazine Omni. Eagle’s neon compositions could easily be interpreted as depictions of extraterrestrial landscapes, adding an otherworldly dimension to his work.
The diverse cultural experiences that have shaped Eagle’s life—from the DIY punk scene of Olympia and Seattle to his time in Tokyo immersed in vintage streetwear and high fashion—find expression in his art. Having founded the multifaceted brand Kinfolk and opened a legendary Williamsburg nightclub and retail space, Eagle’s life has consistently revolved around art and culture. Now, in his debut solo exhibition, he confidently steps into the spotlight as an artist, liberated from the constraints of telling other people’s stories.
