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How do you curate the exhibitions at The Messengers Art Gallery? What criteria do you use to select the featured artists and artworks?I start by meeting the artist and developing an interest in their work. I look for something special and unique in their artwork that sets it apart from others. Many artists tend to imitate each other, but I%u2019m drawn to those with a distinctive style, texture, or signature that is easily recognizable. I also focus on the harmony between pieces, ensuring that each artwork communicates and interacts well with others in the exhibition. This approach allows me to create cohesive and engaging shows where the artworks complement each other and enhance the overall experience for visitors. You recently celebrated the 1-year anniversary of The Messengers Art Gallery. Can you share some highlights from the event and what it meant to you and the gallery%u2019s community?To me, it was a significant milestone. It was an incredible experience to share our space with fellow creatives and artists, and to connect with inspiring individuals. The event was a celebration of our collective creativity, where each person contributed their unique tone, color, and texture to the world%u2014a beautiful moment that highlighted the triumph of creativity and the supportive community we have built. I see it as not only a victory for the gallery, but for all the artists and creatives who have been part of our community.How do you select the artists and pieces to showcase in your gallery, and what themes or messages do you aim to convey through your exhibitions?This is a deeply intuitive process for me. I choose artworks and artists that evoke strong emotions and resonate with my intuition. The themes of each exhibition develop organically as I curate the show, guided by the artworks themselves. The messages I aim to convey are centered around beauty, harmony, unity, peace, and the divine. There is something profoundly divine about art, and the artists I showcase have a special connection to this divinity. They capture the essence of their devotion to God through their creative processes, whether through prayers, inner transformation, or a deep spiritual connection. This divine connection is reflected in their work, making the exhibitions a celebration of beauty and spiritual unity.In 2022, you launched your apparel collection, Loren Marie. What inspired you to combine painting and fashion?I was inspired by my belief that our everyday lives can be as colorful and unique as my artwork. I wanted to create clothing that serves as a festive, creative expression of my identity as an artist and fashion designer. Each piece is designed to be everyday wear that%u2019s still beautiful, vibrant, and unique. The name of the collection, Lauren Marie, was inspired by my daughter, who has been a significant source of inspiration for me. Reflecting on the art I create, I felt that it deserved to be experienced beyond the canvas. I wanted to bring my art into a different dimension, making it more accessible and wearable in everyday life as streetwear. This way, people can carry a piece of art with them, adding color and creativity to their daily routines. Can you tell us more about your collaboration with iconic designers like Michael Kors?I collaborated with Michael Kors for a special Mother%u2019s Day event where I created live art in one of their shops. As part of the event, there was a raffle, and the winner received a custom-painted bag by me. My art was featured prominently in the shop with approximately 10 pieces on display, including a collection of mask series interspersed with Michael Kors bags. It was a tremendous success, achieving the highest sales point in the shop%u2019s history. It was an amazing experience, and I am very happy to have been a part of it. The collaboration was a beautiful event, combining fashion and art in a unique and memorable way. 18 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 55