A Hug From The Art World, a gallery in New York, is hosting Open Eyes the debut exhibition of 16-year-old curator Luke Looks, on view through August 31. The artist duo Mehmet & Kazim, known for their colorful, psychedelic, and surreal work, are featured in the show. They appear alongside Andre Butzer, Matt Dillon, Sante D’Orazio, Urs Fischer, Hell Gette, Richard Jacobs, KAWS, John Newsom, Erik Parker, Raymond Pettibon, and Gordon Terry.
Looks began developing the concept for the exhibition when he was 13. The phrase Open Eyes first came to him then, and he says, “I realized that it captured the kind of world I wanted to create.”
Mehmet & Kazim’s piece in the show, "he/him #7" stands out as a bold and witty work that reflects their signature visual language. Drawing from hip-hop culture, digital aesthetics, and pop iconography, the piece uses irony to explore themes of identity, masculinity, and visual propaganda.
As in their “Kissing Cousins” projects, "he/him #7" plays with gender expression and representation—poking fun while also giving visibility. The work is a strong example of Mehmet & Kazim’s humorous yet critical approach that challenges contemporary art conventions.
Open Eyes is inspired by the strange space between dream and reality—a state where perception is clear, free of bias. While most of the works are abstract, the show includes moments of realism and emotional tension. Looks explains the shift in tone: “Some pieces lean into realism or have a more aggressive energy because nothing is perfect. That’s how art is. That’s how life is.”
The exhibition is presented by A Hug From The Art World as part of founder Adam Cohen’s commitment to supporting young artists and curators. Looks’ Open Eyes is a fresh and personal outcome of that vision.
