No Weapon Formed
For years the power of social media has been vastly underestimated. It can influence our political views, fashion trends, food habits, and travel choices, to mention a few. On a large scale, it can initiate conflicts between people or nations, perpetuate stereotypes, foster division or change the narrative of events. Media is actively creating a new social order but it can only exist if we voluntarily surrender to it.
The current exhibition, The Ghost (Patti Thomas) introduces us to the warriors emerging in response to the growing power of social media. She portrays surreal figures in different phases of conflict highlighting strength. Balancing irony and praise, absurdity, and logic, The Ghost’s artwork takes us on a wild ride through her mind. She has created an army of characters and their enemies that remind us to take life lightly while standing strong for those we love.
Maya Angelou once said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The Ghost’s provocative collection will evoke lasting feelings reflective of our ever-changing world.
About The Ghost (Patti Thomas)
The Ghost (Patti Thomas) masterfully narrates stories of adversity and strength in her visual work. She has refused to be defined by aesthetic dogmas and is creating art on her terms. Through her work, The Ghost has created characters (often defined as warriors) that symbolize strength and resilience in response to social issues affecting the present world. Irony skillfully softens her message and invites the viewer to enjoy and reflect on her art.
While art and unique creativity have been part of Patti’s life since childhood, her alter ego, The Ghost, was born on March 4th, 2021. The Ghost is a Gemini, meaning she reflects many of her creator qualities: earth, femininity, polarity, focus, and strength. It was the work of her alter ego that allowed her figures to be free of gender, race, age, or social status bias. In a short period she, The Ghost, has achieved a clear point of view that has been recognized and celebrated by museums, art galleries, and collectors.
Patti Thomas is a Jack of all trades: an artist, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a wife, and a mother. She is deeply involved in our Western New York Community. In collaboration with her husband, the celebrated Buffalo Bill, and Hall of Famer, Thurman Thomas, they created the Thurman Thomas Family Foundation (TTFF).
The mission of the TTFF is to make a difference through programs that support education, health, and wellness while being committed to diversity and inclusion for all of those in need in our local community. Their work has helped many within the borders of our community.
The Ghost, in collaboration with High Mark Stadium and some of the Buffalo Bills fans, recently completed the mural “Choose Love” honoring the ten victims who were killed at the Tops on Jefferson Avenue on May 14th, 2022.
The Ghost’s work continues to evolve in every facet of her life and at BAM! we are thrilled to be part of her ascension. The Ghost has been exhibited at art Galleries in Buffalo, New York City, Palm Beach, and Miami. In the first year of her career, she had solo shows at the Burchfield Penney Art Center (BPAC), and The Buffalo Club. She was also exhibited at the prestigious Art Miami and Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary.
