Dear Friends,
I am writing to introduce to you someone who I feel you should meet.
I have known many people of wonder, people who breed inspiration just by breathing in this world. These honorable individuals, by simply being, make this world a better place, the most trying times easier to bear, and the notion of perseverance more conceivable. I have never known anybody who graces this world we live in such ways, on such an immeasurable level, as the fine and upstanding young man, Jacob Alexander Figueroa. Never have I encountered somebody with such vigilance, such ambition, and such drive to make a dream come true, bringing ideals and visions to life with as great enthusiasm and exuberance as Mr. Figueroa. For these reasons and so much more, it is truly an honor for me to vouch for Mr. Figueroa: I firmly believe that he deserves your undying love and support. You can change his life and in doing so, he can have such an immensely positive impact on our nation and our world. I am fully confident that if you were to lend him a helping hand—and believe in him—that he would take full advantages of the opportunities bestowed upon him and use them for the greatest good of all. Friends, Jacob is the most amazing person I’ve ever known, and you could change his life. He is very deserving of your support, and here is why…
Jacob Alexander Figueroa was born in St. Paul, MN, on August 1st, 1986, a self-taught artist from a broken home. He did not grow up exclusively in the Twin Cities area, but was accustomed to living in Argentina, California, Kauii, Mexico, and Puerto Rico as a young boy. Jacob Alexander Figueroa, now 24 years of age, has immersed himself and applied his ambitions in many different avenues of life. When he was fourteen years old, while attending Armstrong High School, he was studying and playing the violin at Mac Phail School of Music. Later he transferred to Highview Alternative High School, while simultaneously studying graphic design at Hennepin Technical College. Although—coming from a broken home—he struggled in his high school career—as he had to help raise his younger sisters—he certainly worked harder than your average teenager. When he was sixteen years old, Jacob enlisted himself in the Air Force Auxiliary—a military branch dedicated to search and rescue, where he served our country for four years.
In due time, he began following pursuit of his heart’s desires, immersing himself fully in the art scene. Jacob Alexander, experimenting with colors, dimensions and creating, soon received vast recognition and acknowledgment for his talents in the arts. He began his art career, showcasing his work in Minneapolis and St. Paul. On October 14th, 2006, Jacob Alexander Figueroa organized his very first solo exhibition, which was featured in Uptown, Minneapolis’s Salon E! Victor Yepez, a Latin artist of Art Trujillo, contacted Jacob following this exhibition and asked him to show his art at La Bodega, a Latin bistro-dance club, then located in Uptown, Minneapolis, MN. Jacob Alexander was invited to show with fine artist, Gigi Turker, and was sharing her gallery only a month later. He has since then collaborated with several artists and production companies including artist Brant Kingman, fetish model Jean Bardot, party throwers Sound-In-Motion, Kode, Cizetta, Intelliphunk, Soundscene, Undersound and more.
In July of 2008, Jacob Alexander, having wet his feet in the pool of the art world, took on a rather ambitious endeavor. It started with an idea, a desire to bring together all mediums of art and all genres of music, intersecting the fine arts and the underground, the punk rock and the techno, the gypsies and the jazz; aiming to showcase the talents of as many people as he could in a single night. He started this project by meeting with a local dance troop, working out of an aerobatic, ethnic dance studio, La Candalabra, which was located in the Minneapolis NE Art’s District. He explained the blueprints of his idea and expressed his desire to create a comfortable atmosphere for artists to network, welcoming collaborations while meeting and mingling with their peers. Jacob Alexander wanted nothing more than to bring together the 25 artists he had contacted for this project and in doing so; help them all to achieve recognition from the press and local community. The art on display entailed every art form from comic illustrations, mixed media, shadow boxes, illustrations, and watercolor to fashion and performance art, such as flamenco dancers, showcased in one night for a fused art extravaganza.
This whole ordeal was solely aiming to bring together local artists of all kinds. Jacob saw a division within the art community, which was evident locally, but was quickly expanding throughout the Midwest. In curating, directing, executing, planning, and promoting this fused art extravaganza, titled “Shadows and Sound”, he hoped to raise awareness for the Minnesota arts and bring recognition, justice that he felt many local artists deserved. The event, “Shadows and Sound”, started as a potluck, promoted through word of mouth and flyers, which were printed and distributed by friends and colleagues throughout the Twin Cities. He admittedly had no idea of what he was doing, but with help from many artists and friends, the night was successful concerning the turnout, display and presentation of the art. However, to the dismay of many, they didn’t succeed in grabbing the press’s attention, and all of the money that was raised to pay the visual artists for the event was stolen.
The event, “Shadows and Sound”, had a second installation at Picosa, a Spanish-Caribbean restaurant located in historic St. Anthony Main on the Mississippi River. This was Jacob’s second attempt to refine his original idea, and present the exhibit in a more prestigious location. The second installment featured two musicians, one video jockey, three artists and Jacob Alexander himself. This event was built around the same idea, but was planned to be a series, in which there would be with different themes and artists every month. Rather than having so many artists featured in one night, there would be a smaller number of artists, in rotation, to be featured for each installment of the series. Unfortunately, the restaurant changed their half of the agreement after the first installment, and would no longer allow the artists to keep their artwork in its own private room for display. Picosa threatened to move the art to other areas of the restaurant in between exhibits, which may have been destructive to the work. For this reason, the project was discontinued for the time being.
Jacob made a third attempt to refine his idea of “Shadows and Sound”, presenting the exhibit in the original location, La Candalabra. Again, the press ignored the event and money was stolen. Nearly exhausted, he made one last and final effort to make “Shadows and Sound” a success. This time, he was entirely motivated to produce the event as a benefit, to raise money for a lung transplant for a very dear friend, Eyva, suffering from Cystic Fibrosis. He spent a full year in preparation towards production of a potentially epic presentation. The presentation would include a body painting collaborative runway show with fashion designer, Laura Fulk, while simultaneously featuring many musicians of various genres and multi-media arts at AQUA, a nightclub on 1st Ave in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Not knowing the legalities, a contract was not signed between Jacob and the club owner; rather, all negotiations were of a verbal agreement. The show was to start at 8 pm and would go until 2 am. It was anticipated to be a great success and a dire help for a friend in need, while also working with and raising awareness for the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
When Jacob arrived upon the day of the exhibition and benefit, just two hours before the doors were anticipated to open at 8 pm, the club owner informed Jacob that he would be opening the doors at 7 pm and that the show would have to end (prematurely) at 10 pm. The club owner also failed to comply—despite prior agreement—that the artists would be utilizing the upstairs for the event as well. This proved difficult for improvisations, being that they were told at the last minute that the doors would be opened an hour earlier than planned and they wouldn’t have as much space as they were initially promised. The ebb and flow of their hard work and preparation was rudely interrupted with a full year’s tedious work, with meticulous care to details in organization, forcedly compacted: What was to be a six-hour event to a meager three hours?
It’s painful to consider all of the money that was wasted spent on promoting and distributing flyers for the event. The doors were opened at 7:00 pm, and the majority of supporters did not arrive until after the doors were closed, being unaware of the last minute changes. The whole array, flow, and timeline of the night’s events were greatly disrupted. Eyva Kid Cash gave a heart touching speech about her condition—speaking on behalf of all people living with Cystic Fibrosis—and thanking supporters for coming. Tragically, the show collapsed—an utter failure—and did not succeed in raising money for the benefit for Eyva’s lung transplant or in raising awareness for the Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Despite these disappointments and disheartening diligent hard work that was seemingly in vain, Jacob Alexander pushed on in his art ambitions. After years of telling everybody that he would be going to New York and being laughed at, sure enough, he made it happen. With a miraculous upturn of events, in May of 2009, Jacob collaborated with many artists in New York City. His art was on display at the Broadway Gallery for an exhibition, “Translucent Threads”, which was curated by Basak Malone and presented by World Art Media. He has showcased his work with such prestigious names as the acclaimed celebrity fashion designer, Emre Erturk, and was even invited, months in advance, to body paint Miss Universe in Manhattan at the 2010 NY Art Expo with artist, Gulay Alpay. It was not long at all before Jacob was receiving press, national and international acclaim for his mixed media arts; he was two-timed published in the largest and most prestigious contemporary arts publication, NY Arts Magazine. Jacob has dedicated much of his time and energy into helping other artists—featuring models, musicians, visual and video artists—break onto the art scene and make their mark in the art world. Never stagnant, Jacob is always working in and out of various venues and locations, including the above-mentioned La Candalabra, Picosa in historic St. Anthony Main, and various venues for live performance art, such as downtown Minneapolis’s AQUA nightclub.
On September 26th, 2009, Jacob Alexander curated the “Atlantis Exhibition” at Gallery 13, a contemporary art gallery in downtown Minneapolis, MN. This exhibit featured the erotic artwork of Boston native, Oni Sakti, while also showcasing other local artists work. This event finally proved that Jacob’s hard work would pay off; winning the press attention he had been striving to gain, with coverage from VitaMN, City Pages, both print and online, and also the NY Arts Magazine. This event was one among many occasions, which exemplified and demonstrated quite well Jacob Alexander’s abilities to act as a curator, body painter, and director, all in a night’s work. Perhaps it was his overtly ambitious, exuberant and playful, yet diligent and hard-working style, which captured the attention of local film crew, Blue Bridge Media Group.
Following the success of the “Atlantis Exhibition” at Gallery 13, Jacob Alexander’s hopes were rekindled to implement the goal of “Shadows and Sound”, this time, into a permanent operation. With the enthusiastic support from local artists Oni Sakti, Danielle Pebbles, DIM Media, Laura Fulk, and more, Jacob Alexander was inspired to open Karnak Gallery & Studio LLC. Karnak was Jacob’s fully developed idea to exemplify the diverse artistic presence that thrives in Minnesota and by utilizing the framework of “Shadows and Sound”, establishing a community of artists. Jacob’s ambitions and goals for Karnak were exclusively intent on bringing people together to collaborate for a purpose, to send a message of importance to the audience in attempts to breed inspiration and positive outlets. It was during the crucial time frame of Jacob’s measures in preparation for bringing Karnak to life, that Blue Bridge Media Group approached him in November of 2009. Having their eye on Jacob’s contagious energy engaged for a positive impact on the surrounding community, Blue Bridge Media Group asked him whether he would mind if they documented his life for a while. More than flattered by their proposition, Jacob obliged.
Following the official opening of Karnak in March of 2010, Blue Bridge Media Group then began filming the documentary, “All Over the Walls”, featuring Jacob Alexander Figueroa. Although Blue Bridge Media Group knew that whatever story was to unfold with Jacob and the gallery was bound to be a lively one, they couldn’t anticipate capturing the escapades that arose as Jacob struggled to accomplish his goal. Jacob was bound and determined to paint a collective voice among artists, to produce a positive impact on the surrounding community through discipline and collaborative hard work. Karnak would prove to be a long hard lesson for Jacob and would severely test his limits. When he found an ideal location in the heart of downtown Minneapolis on 1st Ave and was ready to sign the lease, his “partners” abandoned ship. Finding an investor and taking a leap of faith, he went ahead and signed the lease.
Jacob ambitiously hoped to engage the cooperation of local artists, and invited anyone to participate, speak and listen; however, the listening proved an unattainable conquest and communication nearly impossible. Instead of witnessing his vision unfold, he painfully watched as the artists competed for their own profitable gain. Not only this, but Jacob and his affiliates were also the recipients of blatant hostility from the surrounding establishments, such as The Ugly Mug, which shared the same building as Karnak.
The Sumerian Art Gala—a project featuring local talents, DIM Media and Jacob Alexander—was formed in efforts to host fundraising events for the space so that Karnak could become a more adequate establishment. The anticipated proceeds would fund additional lighting and sound equipment, along with basic necessities; thereby, increasing the affectivity in efforts made to support local artists. The group sent a formal invitation to the press—including TV, Radio, and Print—both to introduce Karnak and the Sumerian Art Gala to the surrounding communities, and also as a cry for help and support. The project had music and planned refreshments, and an additional email newsletter was sent out to the Rogue Buddha, the Gallery 360, the Gallery 13, the Brunette Gallery, Circa Gallery, etc., an entire month prior to the opening event.
“Where was the press in all of this?” you may ask. That question remains to be a mystery. Jacob Alexander Figueroa certainly went out on a limb, contacting various mediums of the press from the Star Tribune/VitaMN, Pioneer Press, City Pages, Kare 11, Minnesota Monthly, Arts & Entertainment Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, Lavender Media Inc, KFAI Radio, Minnesota Public Radio, S Eye Witness News/KSTP-TV, WCCO-TV, Minnesota Premier Publications, Minnesota Post, Secrets of the City, and more. Not only was there no mention whatsoever of Karnak or the Sumerian Art Gala’s existence—neither online nor in print—but no one showed up, with the exception of the artists and a few friends—ten people at most. All of the proceeds of the art that they were trying to sell were going to be used to better the space. Everything that was required to furnish Karnak’s vision, including a cash register and other means necessary to operate a merchandise store for art in the gallery, would have been possible to achieve pending the press’s cooperation and the event’s success.
“All Over the Walls” captured some of the chaos that Karnak quickly evolved into. While Jacob wanted the artists to cooperate and make art that would send a specific message of importance, and bringing all demographics together in the process, nearly all others involved refused to listen to his ideas. Instead, they disrespected him and tried to make Karnak their playground. Jacob Alexander’s vision was not given the chance to breathe in that environment; rather, Karnak spiraled out of control into an underground party scene. Jacob made countless sacrifices, including his home and art career, even moving into the space—in a dangerous part of downtown—in his last attempts to salvage his hopes and ambitions for Karnak Gallery & Studio LLC. He put his all, his sweat, blood and tears, (not to mention his entire savings) into trying to execute his goal, and inevitably, it would fail because when push came to shove, he was the only one so committed to stand strong. One man simply cannot accomplish such a goal on his own.
Jacob had one last trick up his sleeve that he hoped might be Karnak’s redemption. On August 21st, 2010, he sailed the “High Seas Heaven”. This was an extravagant event where Jacob—in a span of five hours—painted eleven models, myself included. Little did I, or anybody else know, how stressed out he was. Originally, the event was to be hosted at Karnak Gallery, but was later moved to a private studio. There was much confusion upon the night of the event between featured artists and models. Originally, Jacob would have painted 25 models as erotic statuettes, entwining concepts of pirate and ocean lore during the course of the night; however, over half of the models couldn’t find the new location. Although the owner of the space was asked to promote the event two weeks in advance, he promoted the event days before, only adding to the confusion. Despite the pressure he was under, Jacob remained extremely composed and cordial. “High Seas Heaven” was his brilliant last attempt to earn Karnak and its purpose the acknowledgement and recognition it deserved. He anticipated “High Seas Heaven” to be the redeemer of Karnak—ultimately, it was the last shebang.
The collapse of Karnak Gallery & Studio LLC, left Jacob Alexander Figueroa utterly drained and exhausted, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. He sacrificed his own goals with his art career to try to further the careers and goals of other artists, and he was left wrung out and hung up to dry. He represented local artists of all kinds who had no prior recognition, and no one so much as thanked him. He passed up the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to body paint Miss Universe at 2010’s NY Art Expo with friends and artists, Gulay Alpay, and Emre Erturk for the sake of Karnak’s intended purposes and anticipated successes. Karnak held a great deal of potential, and could have succeeded in having the vast positive impact on the community that Jacob had longed to achieve if people actually worked with Jacob and listed to him. Instead, they competed for control or were fleeing the scene when their efforts were needed. Allies, friends and bystanders, who are even slightly familiar with the potential that Karnak Gallery & Studio LLC held ambitiously await the release of the documentary. Blue Bridge Media’s “All Over the Walls” will be premiering at this year’s Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Blue Bridge Media Group, Jacob Alexander and others remain optimistic that once the story can be told—of what Karnak could have evolved into—people may feel compelled to change their perspective on what effects they have on their community and the world as a whole.
One would assume that your average individual, after having gone through so much hardship, would simply give up. After putting so much sweat, blood and tears into trying to help others, only to have them spit in your face and stomp all over your ambitions and dreams—and realistic and achievable goals and ideas for a better world for which to live in—one’s optimistic demeanor might diminish. Contrary to what expectations one might hold and despite being completely drained of dignity, Jacob is still further exhausting the limited energy and supplies he has in trying to help others. On February 23rd, 2011, Jacob devoted his time and energy to a benefit at the Loft/Barfly in downtown Minneapolis. He exquisitely painted two beautiful models for a live performance act that aided in raising money for Michael McElrath, who is currently fighting cancer. On May 5th, he will be showing art with artist Megan Rye at the Circa Gallery in downtown Minneapolis for a benefit for the homeless. He is limited in the supplies he has and his funds are scarce, but he is adamant in producing a beautiful piece of art for this event. On May 9th, he will be showing a piece of his art at Stage 773 in Chicago with artists Heidi Helle, Carla Wyzgala, and Edward Thomas. This time, for a silent auction fundraiser for 3 Crazy Ladies, LLC, a non-profit theatre company based in New York.Despite the fact that he was left in ruins—spiritually and financially—following the failure of Karnak, he is still selflessly giving himself to the community. He put everything he had into starting and running the gallery in downtown Minneapolis because he held high hopes that his purposes and ambitions of doing so would succeed. It was a shame how miserably small group communication failed. The team of artists he recruited for the cause competed instead of cooperating with one another. Jacob Alexander Figueroa hasn’t changed—despite all of this—and continues to help others, even when he can’t help himself. He has already proven himself time and again, having made a name for himself in the art world, not to mention he is nationally and internationally acclaimed. Jacob has already inspired so many individuals around him, even with the limitations he has been faced with. He has sacrificed many opportunities to advance himself in his art career for the benefit of others.
In January of this year, Gulay Alpay invited him again to work with her in New York for an exhibition this March. Again, he had to decline, because he simply couldn’t afford to travel and make art with her. Emre Erturk and Gulay Alpay have been urging Jacob Alexander to join them for collaborations, completely aware of his talents and overwhelming potential to inspire so many people. They have invited Jacob to travel to Istanbul this June to join them and paint for ten days. Upon completion of this project, the art will be displayed in the Cer Museum. They have even covered the monetary costs, well in advance, of hotel and food, room and board. They have covered everything for his stay in Turkey, in hopes that he can immerse himself again, embracing his dream in making art. If given this chance, he will undoubtedly succeed in breeding inspiration and making the world a more beautiful place, in which people work together to help those in need. All he has to do is come up with the money for the flight to Istanbul and back. He is only one man. But he is one man with an otherworldly spirit, a massive heart of gold that overflows with the desire to spread messages of positivity and love, all the while breeding inspiration. For his is a brilliant mind full of wonder, capable of planting seeds of hope into the minds of the youth of our generation. If given the chance, these seeds will blossom into a better future. Jacob Alexander’s style is unique, poetic in nature, fused with universal principles and entailing open-ended transmissions of love, hope and beauty. His many inspirations include ancient cultures and love, which he feels is in every living thing; this love bleeds into nearly all of his work. He embraces his past—the dark and the light—while envisioning and portraying his own space-like and futuristic presentation and landscaping. Jacob has so much left to give in the world of art, beauty and love.
I’m begging on his behalf, for the chance for him to grow and unleash the limitless undying love and creativity that is bellowing inside of him. The world needs him. This is why Jacob Alexander Figueroa should receive all of your undying love and support, to be allowed the freedom to express his unmatched artistic flair and talents, and leave his footprint on our world while he still can. Imagine what an impact he would have if he had the money to travel to New York and Istanbul to make art, and to travel the world for that matter. Imagine what an impact he would have if he were able to get by—where he could be financially secure—have money for resources and supplies and actually be able to focus all of his energy into helping and inspiring people. Imagine what an impact he could have if he had the financial means to create a website, which would be an online portfolio of his work and achievements, thereby showcasing the work of those he’s helped and those who inspire him. Jacob Alexander Figueroa is guaranteed to ignite a change in the way people view and interpret the impact they can have on the world. He certainly deserves the chance to try. Open your heart and your eyes to the limitless possibilities at hand. I encourage each and every one of you to watch the documentary, “All Over the Walls”, at the Film Festival this April. In doing so, you would also be showing support to local film crew, Blue Bridge Media Group. It is about time that those who work hard receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.
Thank you,
Mary Norell Jackson
