Art Bath Review: An Evening of Artistic Immersion A Multisensory Celebration at the Historic Blue Building

Last Friday evening, April 25, the historic Blue Building on East 46th Street transformed into a haven for artistic expression as Art Bath presented its latest immersive performance salon. The event marked another successful chapter in producers Mara Driscoll and Elizabeth Yilmaz's growing legacy, with this being their 22nd consecutive sold-out Art Bath.

The evening delivered on its promise of being part concert, part art party, offering a raw and intimate environment where artists and attendees could connect through multiple mediums. What makes Art Bath truly special is its commitment to artistic experimentation and forward-thinking creation, curated by Driscoll and Yilmaz, both professional dancers at the Metropolitan Opera who have clearly mastered the art of creative programming.

Driscoll's journey is particularly inspiring. Born and raised in Boulder, her dance training eventually led her to the Metropolitan Opera in New York. During the pandemic, she created Boulder Arts Outdoors, demonstrating her dedication to building artistic communities before returning to New York to co-found Art Bath with Yilmaz. This history of fostering creative connections shines through in every carefully considered element of the evening.

Visual Feast: The Front Gallery

The Front Gallery showcased the breathtaking artwork of Filipino artist Philippe Anthony Quinal. His large-scale paintings immediately commanded attention with their vibrant blues, reds, yellows, and purples. Quinal's artistic process, described as rhythmic and almost performance-like, was evident in the dynamic energy of each piece.

Having painted for 14 years, Quinal's artistic evolution was on display through both his older, more fluid works and newer pieces that incorporate grid structures and symmetry. His experiences living in New York, Honolulu, and Los Angeles have clearly shaped the cultural and geographical influences present in his abstract compositions, which masterfully blend intuitive mark-making with inspiration from his early graffiti days.

What resonated most was Quinal's artistic philosophy—each piece serves as a conversation between memory, culture, and creative instinct. "Over my years of making art, it has become a spiritual meditation for me," he shares, a sentiment that was palpable in the layered works that felt simultaneously grounded and expansive.

Sunken Garden: Stories That Move Us

The Sunken Garden featured storyteller Phyllis MarieBowdwin, whose performance captivated the audience with a touching yet bizarre tale set in 1970s Manhattan. Her story about confronting a mischievous mime in midtown elicited visceral reactions from listeners, culminating in an almost audible cheer when she recounted her triumphant moment of self-defense.

Bowdwin, a Bronx-born artist, activist, and award-winning storyteller, delivered her narrative with the skill of someone who has mastered the craft. Her accolades include the 2023 BRIO award for storytelling and the 2013 award for literature. Her work as a panelist on the UN's 2013 Pre-Commission on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls adds another dimension to understanding her powerful storytelling approach.

Her performance served as a poignant reminder of urban resilience—how those who make New York their home must remain resourceful and alert, regardless of the era. The tale resonated deeply with the audience, bridging decades of city experience into a shared moment of recognition.

Anteroom: A Floral Dream

The Anteroom featured the work of Maria Paula Suarez, whose star continues to rise in the art world with recent exhibitions at Art Gotham and Galeria Otros 360 in Colombia. Her installation of cascading lilies created an enchanting environment that guests delighted in exploring.

The white and purple lilies—flowers symbolizing purity, renewal, and transformation across various cultures—hung delicately from the ceiling, complemented by white strands that transformed the space into a wonderland of innocence and enlightenment. The tactile experience of moving through the threads brought out a childlike playfulness in attendees, creating moments of joy and discovery throughout the evening.

Suarez's background in psychological research into human emotions and the psyche informed this immersive experience, which explored the transformative power of love and the uncanny ways it shapes our lives. The installation succeeded in creating not just a visual feast but an emotional journey.

Clearlight Room: Musical Culmination

The evening culminated in the Clearlight Room with a mesmerizing musical performance by soprano Gabriella Reyes, accompanied by pianist Andres Sarre. Their selection of Latin American songs and Afro-Brazilian macumba pieces showcased Reyes' extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth.

Reyes, a former member of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera who has performed in productions of Ainadamar and La Bohème, delivered each note with precision and passion. Her upcoming Carnegie Hall recital debut withSarre for the series "Nuestros sonidos: Celebrating Latin Culture in the US" is undoubtedly one to watch for.

The performance reached even greater heights when ABT dancer Luciana Paris joined for two songs, her graceful movements complementing the dulcet tones of Reyes' soprano. Paris, who has been with American Ballet Theatre since 2001, brought a visual interpretation to the music that enhanced its emotional impact, creating a multisensory experience that captivated everyone present.

The Art Bath Experience

What makes Art Bath truly exceptional is not just the individual elements but how they come together to create an atmosphere of artistic communion. The curated flow between visual art, storytelling, and musical performance created a cohesive experience that stimulated all the senses.

As Art Bath continues to sell out show after show, it cements its place as an essential fixture in New York's artistic landscape—a place where community, exploration, and exchange flourish in the most beautiful ways. For those seeking artistic inspiration and connection in an increasingly fragmented world, Art Bath offers not just entertainment but a genuine artistic home.