Suni Mullen at PlayNice Gallery in Long Beach

I got a call from Ryan and he expressed the want to have a soft opening of Play Nice in Long Beach. Due to Covid-19, many businesses had to close and lost business- but also, the feeling of lack of community I feel, perhaps stressed many people out; not being able to see your peers regularly at events and more, Ryan invited me to exhibit original works within the gallery and I said, "yes!"

The invitation to showcase was sent on the 26th of October (2020) and on the 29th, we pulled it off. "Lift the Hood," a private gallery opening allowed for guests to gather and connect. In three days, I curated some pieces together that I had worked on and completed over the course of 2020. For an untitled piece, I stayed up working until the late hours in the morning to get it to 85% of completion. I really had a desire to share this narrative piece and did just that; I become energized when a person has an idea and thrusts it into action.

When I am showing work, I become enamored at those who take the time to ask questions and remain engaged. If my goal is to keep the audience engaged, then I feel like that is a skill that I am strengthening but also have some ways to go. With everything that I learn, I work to impose more of that knowledge so that the work becomes a spectacle of remarkability. In an effort to experiment, I chose to play with nuances and narratives that have the capacity to relate or be in conversation rather: my goal is to create bodies of works that live as a series and not arbitrary or coincidental visual relationships. Up until now, I have created stand alone works that just so happen to be in conversation with one another but as I gear up, I have set intentions on creating as aforementioned- bodies and series of original works.

Suni Mullen speaks with guests

Person stands in front of four works by Suni Mullen at Play Nice

Time and time again, my peers support me and take the time to include me which really catches me by surprise sometimes because I am so in my own sphere. I appreciate Ryan for taking the time to express his desire to want to not only invite me but to invite my artworks as well. It is a vulnerable experience but also necessary because I thrive off provoked and unprovoked critiques of my work. Although I have a stand-alone mission, to understand through third parties if my concepts are translating or not further pushes me to strengthen that language.

Annessa at Play Nice in front of original works by Suni Mullen

Ryan Hoyle and Business partner at Play Nice in front of original works by Suni Mullen

Jordan Dixon at Play Nice in front of original works by Suni Mullen

As a progressive community, I feel that it is imperative to think of those around you and include them on the journey. Like-minded individuals have the capacity to see your vision and yield to help bring it to life. I am thankful for the community I have curated and those that continue to strive to become better internally but also creatively- actively. The pursuit to greatness does not end with one accomplishment but begins with each new venture. This is my thank you-

Suni Mullen

Suni Mullen and Ryan Hoyle