Sunnyside artist’s gallery debut marks creative milestone

Sanger Hall in LIC will showcase paintings by Sunnyside resident Matthew Kantor. Photos courtesy of Kantor

By David Brand

When Sunnyside resident Matthew Kantor displays his artwork at a gallery exhibition Saturday, it will mark the culmination of years of hard work — and a milestone in an ongoing process of overcoming self doubt, a process familiar to many artists.

Kantor’s paintings will be on display at Sanger Hall in Long Island City starting Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is the first gallery show for Kantor, a prolific musician, a former hip-hop reporter and a current case manager for older adults in Western Queens.

“A friend of mine said, ‘It’s selfish to make art and not share it with others.” Kantor said. “When I had the courage to show it to people, I got a good response, so showing it outside my house is a big step.”

Kantor has been a member of several acclaimed bands, including Soft Location, but his painting, he said, is “highly personal,” even more so than his music. Painting is something he started later in life, prodding certain vulnerabilities, he said.

“There’s always this idea of representational art, but I don’t make representational art,” he said. “I can’t draw you a portrait so it’s sort of like, is that the standard for what’s real art.”

Kantor’s art is inspired by graffiti, travel, spirituality and street art. It is also informed by addiction and recovery.

Kantor said his paintings are inspired by graffiti, travel, spirituality and street art. It is also informed by addiction and recovery.

“Music is spiritual too, but the art I make for me is meant to make spiritual changes,” he said. “It’s meant to be helpful for me and for everyone.”