All posts tagged: Dont Fret

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to the brilliant Don’t Fret.

Cooper, the Chicago street artist known as “Don’t Fret,” was born and raised in the Wicker Park neighborhood—a community that shaped his perspective and featured prominently in his work. A few days ago he passed away at the age of 36 after a long illness, as confirmed by his family. Deeply connected to Chicago’s working-class spirit and changing urban landscape, Cooper created street art that reflected a genuine affection for the people, culture, history, and places around him.

The news of Cooper’s passing is deeply saddening. His work as “Don’t Fret” brought both humor and sharp insight to the streets of Chicago and beyond. He had a distinct ability to capture the quirks and contradictions of daily life in ways that resonated widely, and his absence will be felt across the street art community. He was prolific in a number of cities, including in Brooklyn, where we first grew to appreciate his humor and his insight into the human condition.

We once wrote, “Don’t Fret… knows how to depict us in all our eclectic and imperfect wonder without passing judgment but causing a cryptic cackle of recognition when you run into him.” His observations were pointed without being cruel, and his portraits often walked the line between satire and affection. May his legacy inform and inspire both artists and those who encountered his work in public spaces.

Following is a collection of Don’t Fret pieces as shot by photographer Jaime Rojo.

Dont Fret BK Studio Visit/BedStuy Art Residency: Sausages, Lotto Cards, and “Springfield, Springfield!” Click HERE

As most people know, Kathy and Erwin are the co-founders of the Bed-Stuy Art Residency. Their love for the arts and the artists has guided their principles of sharing what they have with others. The residency provides a living space and a studio, free of rent, and a modest stipend to a very eclectic selection of international and American artists to create in a safe and quiet environment. At the end of the residency, which lasts for a month, Kathy and Erwing organize a party and an informal art exhibition for the visiting artist, and with their encouragement, the artist exhibits the works of art they created during their residency. Twelve artists participating in the residency have been selected to exhibit in a group show at LaMamaGalleria opening today.

“Rooted in compassion for artists’ struggles and a deep love of art, our family-run (Kathy Kupka, Erwin Bakx, Marshall Kupka-Moore) initiative ensures a supportive, inspiring environment. We foster diversity, cultural exchange, and community engagement with a vision to empower artists globally through mentorship and resource provision” – Bed-Stuy Art Residency

“C TO KINGSTON – THROOP”
A GROUP EXHIBITION BY BROOKLYN ART RESIDENCY
TO BE FEATURED AT LA MAMA GALLERIA

47 Great Jones Street. NYC
JULY 6 – AUGUST 4, 2023

La MaMa Galleria is honored to present “C to Kingston-Throop,” an
exhibition featuring the works of twelve accomplished alumni of Bed-Stuy Art Residency. These
amazing artists have brought life into their craft through their dedicated work ethic and distinctive artistic voices. Each artist has a deeply rooted and personal connection to their work, which radiates an enriching, authentic, emotive power. Their narratives are informed by their journey through various life situations, speaking on their personal growth and ability to navigate and contribute to the contemporary art landscape. The participating artists are esteemed Bed Stuy Art Residency alumni in Brooklyn, NY.
Their work has been displayed in galleries, museums, and art fairs and has received worldwide awards and recognition. This exhibition opens Thursday, July 6, from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm and will be Bed-Stuy Art Residency’s first group exhibition with their artists.

FEATURED ARTISTS
Ahmad George | Aliyah Bonnette | Amy Fisher Price | Don’t Fret | Hugo Girl | Juan Arango Palacios |
Julie Shenkelberg | Masha | Sheryo | The Yok | William Irving Singer | Yarrow Slaps

ARTIST TALK
“The Artistic Journey: Bed Stuy Art Res Alumni Reflect”
Date & Time: July 15th, 1 pm – 3 pm
In conversation with Bed-Stuy Art Residency alumni artists, provide a brief overview of the exhibition, and discuss the panel artists’ journey in art and how they have evolved as artists since
their time at Bed-Stuy Art Residency. This event has been curated to encourage artists to freely share their thoughts and stories and engage with the audience to create a memorable and enriching experience.