Fairfax is Dead, Long Live MARKET:24!
WE BROUGHT THAT FRESH ENERGY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Last Sunday was the culmination of 2 months of steadfast work. Hundreds of hours spent researching, planning, marketing and content-creating —just to pull off a 4-hour pop-up within an 8-hour gallery rental. When I first booked Exhibit A Gallery back in October, I had no idea what to expect. I just knew that I had to get a diverse group of artists in a room together—and they all had to be from LA. That was the only real plan I had.
I had been toying with the phrase "Fairfax is Dead" for around 2 years, evolving from a portfolio title to a fashion styling side hustle, even to a DJ collective. From the start, I knew it wasn’t a “brand”—but calling it a “movement” or “collective” felt too abstract. As I started reaching out to artist friends about the prospect of showing their work, the concept quickly began to take shape, and the flood gates opened. In October, I was scrambling to find enough artists to fill the gallery walls. But by showtime, my DM’s were flooded with people asking if there was any space left to show their work. What was initially going to be an intimate gathering of close friends quickly turned into a full-blown event after a few viral TikToks and overnight expansion of my creative network. Two days before the event, I reached out to Exhibit A Gallery to add the back lot to the rental, expanding space for our vendors and expected attendees.
Over the years, the creative energy and community spirit of Fairfax Ave have faded. This event was about reigniting that energy, bringing life back to the city, and doing it all with a 100% local focus. LA has become a shell of what it used to be—a blend of oversaturated, uninspired and disconnected. As both an artist and a native, staying motivated and hopeful has been a challenge. But that’s exactly why a show like this is so important. TikTok and Instagram gave me the opportunity to connect with thousands of people nationwide about the current state of affairs in LA, sparking real momentum for this project. It even helped me discover and collaborate with other artists, a few of whom became featured in the show. I understand firsthand that many artists don’t have the time, resources, or networks to create opportunities like this on their own. That’s the real purpose behind Fairfax is Dead—to provide unique and deserving artists with a platform.
The Fairfax is Dead Market:24 show was a huge success. We had around 200 attendees, 20 artists, and a diverse array of works from paintings and photography to mixed media art and fashion vendors. We brought together local community for art-gazing, networking, and meaningful conversation. So, a massive thank you to everyone who believed in this project, showed up, and helped make it happen.
Check out some of the pics from the event below, and stay tuned for more to come.
-SID
P.S. - A Special Thanks
Drew (Ski) Alabi [@skilosthismind] and Rocky Riccardi [@rockyriccardi], our photographers
Armen Chircorian [@achircorian] and the PXL Made team [@pxlmade] for their creative support in designing our first flyer and marketing materials.
Jada Beasley [@jadabees] for securing our drink sponsor, Free AF [@sobercurious_af].
Camille Waterfallen [@camilleelisew] for our second flyer, marketing and miscellaneous assistance
