The “Smile Collection” exhibition opened with a private VIP reception.
As I crossed Warren Street to make my way over to the art event of the season, I could hear Michael Jackson’s voice loud and clear.
Naturally, there was a line outside. I was on the guest list and was acknowledged as a member of the press, having previously covered events for the agency. People of all ages waited outside to get inside. Soon after ending a thriller video chat call with my friend Patricia, it was time for me to go in. It has been a substantial amount of time since embarking on this avocation. It was as I remembered them: Full of life, people living in the moment, smiling, eating, and mingling. The artist’s work was fun and whimsical, and it made me smile.
Under the roof of One Art Space gallery, Michael Fredo’s collection of figurines appeared to have autonomy. Each character seemed to have a story, making me want to watch and learn about them through a motion picture.
Behind the white curtain, two figurines (that probably didn’t make it into the night’s curation) sat on a table: One’s name was John, like our late son’s name. My other favourites of the night were Larry Long (priced at $1,000) with the turquoise trousers and matching heeled shoes and tie, and Kelly the Upright Painist (not for sale) donning the pink dress with a matching hairbow. Lastly, the Photo 20 (priced at $500) spoke to me, too. It features a red-headed dude who happens to be a barefoot artist with an easel and palette.
A claymation looped against the white wall behind the step-and-repeat. During Andy Hilfiger’s speech, he revealed to the audience that he makes music and encouraged us to listen. According to his Wikipedia profile, in October 1999, Fredo’s single ‘This Time Around’ reached #21 during its six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 singles sales chart. At the time, he was opening for Britney Spears on her 1999 ‘…Baby One More Time Tour’. It turns out the artist is Hilfiger’s nephew, and he’s been developing these characters since he was a young lad. Before he mentioned that Fredo’s collection would be manufactured, all I could think of was whether we would ever have a live-action movie or television show. I’d binge-watch it well after its debut (it’s how I catch up on shows in my spare time).
As I sat there, in the backroom, DJ Blaze played Heavy D & The Boyz’s 1991 classic ‘Now That We’ve Found Love’. Before he left the back area, I told him he was doing a fantastic job, and he thanked me. He wore a blue shirt with white stars, a pair of white torn denim trousers, a hat and matching Jordans.
Some other songs he played were incredible, including Afrøtelize’s ‘Jamaican’ (Afro House) [bam bam]’ and an original piece using Young MA’s vocals over an electronic beat.
The exhibition is open now through April 9, 2026 from noon to 6PM located at One Art Space, 23 Warren Street, Tribeca, NY 10007.
