Art Talk with Avalon Bellos and Artist Halim Flowers

As seen in Manhattan Express on June 2nd, 2023. Article by Avalon Ashley Bellos.

With an Artist Spotlight in New York’s own Manhattan Express, Halim Flowers tells his story of struggle and success. “Love is the Vaccine” is a simple yet powerful message that Halim displays in his art and aims to spread throughout the world.

At the age of 16, Flowers was wrongfully incarcerated and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Some 22 years — and 11 published books — later, Halim has channeled his unwavering hope for the future and turned a journey of sorrow into one of triumph. Inspired by the legendary street artists like Basquiat, Flowers has only just begun his ascension into the art world. He has been featured on TedTalks, the MoMa PS1, public engagements, New York Fashion Week, and even had a recent residency with House of Bossi. He is landing his works in a number of famous private collectors homes, galleries and art fairs. See below for some of his works in our collection at DTR Modern and browse our Shop to order your very own hardcover copy of “Love is the Vaccine.”

Flowers’ presence in modernity builds further on the legacy of street artists, but elevating that to entirely new heights. Without a doubt, Halim Flowers is an artist to watch, chase, understand, and collect. His art is a cultural commentary on many issues we face in society and in our rooted systems of oppression. Despite it all, Halim believes “Love cures all.”