Dama Gallery is pleased to premier our first exhibition of 2024 with a solo immersion into the zenith of Chris Gocong's multidimensional artistry. A luminary straddling the worlds of contemporary art and elite athleticism, Gocong's artistic opus navigates the complex interplay between his illustrious career as a professional athlete and the nuanced depths of his burgeoning identity as an artist. In a symphony of mediums ranging from dramatic wearable art, evocative and familiar figurative pieces to his most recent abstract paintings that brilliantly showcase his talent for controlled chaos on canvas; Gocong elegantly unravels the dichotomies that have sculpted his remarkable journey. This collection serves as a visual testament to his optimistic magnanimity as an artist, interwoven with the intricate tension stemming from his formidable achievements in the NFL. The stark contrast in genres and mediums reflects Gocong's multifaceted identity – a life lived on the field intricately entwined with the profound fulfillment found within the sanctuary of the studio. Gocong's artistic prowess, manifest in his iconic portraits and intricate abstract compositions, epitomizes a masterful fusion of techniques. Each stroke of his brush and every sculptural element attests to a life of dedication and discipline, reminiscent of his athletic pursuits. The artworks, both oppositional and parallel, serve as poignant reminders of the delicate vibrancy inherent in the human experience – a nuanced exploration of life, prosperity, and the relentless passage of time. An obvious luminary, Gocong defies conventional boundaries, seamlessly navigating between artistic worlds and effortlessly bridging the chasm between aesthetic complexity and cultural nuance. His distinctive and captivating layered paint chip style captivates the discerning viewer, serving as a visual articulation of his ability to traverse an ever-expanding field of artistic exploration. In tandem with other conceptual threads, Gocong masterfully resurrects narratives of transcendence and enlightenment, often delving into the realm of outsider-savants. His opus unfolds as a mesmerizing journey, extending an invitation to connoisseurs and enthusiasts to reflect upon the intricacies of existence and explore the potential for transformation and renewal. ARTIST: Christopher Gocong (1983), emerges as a captivating individual, seamlessly blending his illustrious past as an NFL linebacker with a burgeoning career as a visual artist. Renowned for his impactful contributions to the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, Gocong has embarked on a remarkable journey, gracefully transitioning from the adrenaline-fueled gridiron to the nuanced canvas of contemporary art. Hailing from the idyllic coastal town of Carpinteria, California, Gocong's formative years were influenced by the natural beauty and community spirit that define the region. A letterman in football at Carpinteria High School, where he played as a quarterback and linebacker, Gocong's athletic prowess laid the foundation for a standout college football career. Venturing to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Gocong pursued studies in biomedical engineering while making a lasting impact on the football field. His contributions to Cal Poly's football team showcased both his academic acumen and athletic excellence, setting the stage for his subsequent selection in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Post-football, Gocong's pivot into the realm of visual art has been nothing short of spectacular. Motivated by a profound fascination with human emotion, Gocong's artistic odyssey unfolds across a diverse spectrum, encompassing poignant portraits, figurative expressions, and vibrant abstract creations. His preferred medium, acrylics on canvas, serves as the conduit through which he injects bursts of energy into his paintings, resulting in dynamic compositions that resonate with a palpable vitality. While his inherent talent shines through in his adept portraiture, Gocong's artistic repertoire stretches beyond, exploring realms from dreamy abstractions to lively pop art, showcasing a versatility that defies categorization. As an accomplished painter, his work has garnered significant recognition, earning him a place at the forefront of the contemporary art scene. In a defining moment of his burgeoning artistic career, the fall of 2022 witnessed Gocong's creations taking center stage at the prestigious "Let There Be Light" exhibit hosted by Kate Oh Gallery on Madison Avenue in New York, a showcase of his evolving prowess and growing acclaim within the New York art community. The acknowledgment of Gocong's unique perspective extends beyond gallery walls, finding its way into the pages of Inked Magazine. This publication not only underscores his artistic dexterity but also positions him as a noteworthy figure in the contemporary art landscape, further solidifying his place among those who redefine visual expression. Currently, Gocong resides in the picturesque enclave of Santa Barbara with his wife and two daughters. His narrative is one of evolution and exploration, a captivating exploration of the human experience both on and off the canvas. As he continues to evolve artistically, Gocong's journey becomes a testament to the seamless fusion of athleticism and artistic expression, where each stroke of his brush and every accolade earned tell a compelling story of transcendence, renewal, and the enduring power of the human spirit.