The Art Brothers: Creating Fire in the Amazon Understory

The Amazon Spheres in Seattle are not only a marvel of architecture and a hub for plant life, but recently was also home to a unique artistic collaboration. Meet the Art Brothers, Moses Sun and barry johnson, two artists who have found inspiration and a platform for their work in the understory of this urban rainforest.

In a recent interview, Sun and Johnson shared their experiences as artists in residence at the Spheres. They described the circular studio space as a "spaceship" that fosters creativity and connection with the surrounding environment. The artists appreciate the opportunity to interact with visitors from all over the world, who often stumble upon their studio while exploring the Spheres.    

Sun and Johnson's artistic styles complement each other, with Sun's abstract musicality and Johnson's bold, lyrical approach. They see their collaboration as a way to honor the legacy of artists who came before them, while also pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.  

"This time here with Barry has been very cool," Sun said. "Barry and I are, we're the art brothers."

"That's bro. I mean, that's my dude," Johnson added.

The Art Brothers are not just creating art, they're creating a community. The understory became a hub for engineers, musicians, and art enthusiasts alike. Through their work and their interactions with visitors, they are demonstrated the power of art to inspire, connect, and ignite change.

"Being here for me is very illuminating," Johnson said. "One to be able to have space that I can share with other folks, to also be able to share space with Moses and talk about his practice, to talk about our collective practice, what we're doing as individuals and as a collective group, but also to show people the power of us.”

Sun and Johnson's collaboration is a testament to the power of art to bring people together and create something truly special. Their work is a reflection of their unique perspectives and experiences, and it is an inspiration to all who see it.

Be sure to stop by "Improvisations in Harmony: Art in Dialogue with Jazz" on September 11th happening at 604 2nd Ave, Seattle as Moses Sun will create a dynamic piece in real-time, inspired by the rhythms and improvisations of a live jazz performance by Seattle jazz legends Gary Hammon and Booker T. Williams Jr.