Ripple/Wave, the work of illustrator and graphic designer Andy Krzystek is currently on display in our on-campus art gallery!
Ripple/Wave is a body of work born from Krzystek’s fascination with DIY spaces—their resilience, their adaptability, and the people who make them sing. These spaces are more than just venues; they’re vital cultural hubs, sanctuaries for creative expression, and points of connection.
“This project, which has unfolded over the past year and a half, has navigated its own peaks and valleys,” said Krzystek. “When I received the grant in July 2023, I had no idea how much would change. In March, the City of Buffalo, alongside future OTB executive Byron Brown, made the decision to evict Hostel Buffalo—one of the most accessible and inclusive cultural spaces in our community—on grounds that many in the community saw as deeply questionable. In an instant, countless artists, musicians, and community members found themselves without a place to gather, share, and create. This loss underscored the fragile nature of spaces we often take for granted and the need to protect and champion them.”
“With this series, I hope to draw attention to the critical role DIY spaces play in fostering community and creativity, and to emphasize that these are not luxuries—they are essential,” concluded Krzystek. “We must actively support and preserve what we value in our communities, or we risk losing it.”
An exhibition reception will be held on Thursday, November 7. The exhibition will be on display until November 22. The project was made possible through funding from the statewide community regrant program provided by arts and services, inc. of Western New York.
