T Antonakis Kane is the type of artist not defined through medium or genre. He gives us what

he perceives: raw, unfiltered, and immediate. His practice is not a strive towards perfection but

rather a beautiful stroll and tumble towards accepting the process of getting somewhere,

anywhere.

It’s difficult to put into words this young artist’s practice, partly because of his critical, creative

avoidance of being labeled into what could perhaps read as a more conventional exhibition

description. The truth is this is not a conventional show. T is no conventional artist. He is a true

thinker, a friend of mine; a role model, and a proud inspiration. He is a generous person who

wants to share with us how he sees. I believe that says everything about what a great artist is or

at least should be.

T’s fondness of John Baldassari, his own parents and everyday visual vocabulary have helped

him construct his own aesthetic language. Most of all, his experiences (most broadly speaking)

have assisted the way he transfers his thoughts into art. A recent graduate from The School of

The Art Institute, T told me that one way he started to appreciate his thoughts was through how

much he criticized the way he was taught to think at SAIC; It was a retroactive approach, as he

says, one which I believe stems from his supportive parents, whom are highly respected in their

creative fields.

I’ve come to the conclusion there is no easy separation between T the individual and close

friend, to T the artist. We met over the pool table. These pool games, which have been played

on countless tables over the years, have in some ways been an apt metaphor for our friendship.

Often we find ourselves not celebrating clearing the table of balls with expediency; but rather it

is the mutual awe and appreciation of shots taken which have led to opportunities of future

combinations.