Engaging Art as a Tool for Dialogue and Connection with Pylot Studios
Photo credit: Tianqi Liao
Following Pylot Studio’s latest curatorial endeavor, we had the chance to go behind the scenes with the organization’s founders to learn more about its mission, most recent exhibition, and plans for the future.
For our readers who aren’t yet familiar with Pylot Studios, can you give us a brief overview of your mission as well as when and how you got started?
Pylot Studios is an interdisciplinary creative platform dedicated to artistic design, curation, and community engagement. Founded with the belief that art has the power to challenge boundaries and ignite dialogue, we aim to foster innovative collaborations between artists and audiences. Since our inception, we’ve focused on showcasing dynamic, boundary-pushing work, while also providing opportunities for emerging and established artists to amplify their voices.
Pylot was founded in 2019 by Yitzhak Franco and Leia Tyebjee shortly after graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. Over coffee, their journey began with a shared passion for art and storytelling, coupled with a desire to create a space where bold ideas could thrive. Over the years, Pylot has expanded our vision into curating exhibitions, developing branding projects, and pursuing creative ventures that merge art with broader cultural conversations.
Photo credit: Tianqi Liao
How has the organization grown over time? What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced and lessons learned from them?
Pylot Studios started as a small initiative focused on local artist showcases, and over time, we’ve grown into a multifaceted studio involved in curation, brand development, and community-focused projects. Our exhibitions and collaborations now span larger platforms, including partnerships with galleries and venues like theBLANC in New York.
Growth hasn’t come without its challenges. Balancing creative integrity with operational sustainability has been a learning curve, especially in navigating grant applications and resource constraints. Another significant challenge has been finding ways to maintain inclusivity and accessibility while growing our audience base.
The biggest lesson has been recognizing the power of adaptability. Whether it’s rethinking timelines, innovating through technology, or fostering deeper relationships with collaborators, flexibility has been the key to our resilience and growth.
Photo credit: theBLANC
Your most recent exhibition was Form vs. Fiber held from Dec 7-14th at theBLANC in New York. What was the inspiration behind bringing these six dynamic artists together?
The inspiration behind Form vs. Fiber stemmed from the tension between structure and fluidity, both in artistic practices and broader societal frameworks. We wanted to explore how artists navigate these forces—adapting, resisting, and ultimately reshaping the narratives that define us.
The six artists we selected embody this theme in diverse ways. From rigid sculptural forms that challenge material expectations to textile works that celebrate adaptability, their practices highlight the balance between control and acceptance. This dynamic mirrors larger cultural dialogues about identity, power, and transformation, making their collective voices particularly resonant today.
Talk us through the planning for this exhibition. What did the curating entail, and what was it like to see your vision come to life?
Planning Form vs. Fiber was a deeply collaborative process. It began with identifying the theme and then researching artists whose work aligned with our vision. The curation involved a dialogue with each artist to understand their perspectives, ensuring the works connected with one another while retaining their individuality.
Beyond selecting the pieces, we focused on creating an immersive experience through thoughtful spatial design. The layout of theBLANC played a crucial role in shaping the narrative flow of the exhibition, allowing viewers to engage with the tension between form and fiber as they moved through the space.
Seeing the exhibition come to life was immensely rewarding. Watching visitors interact with the works—some moved by the textures, others deeply reflective on the themes—was a reminder of why we do what we do. It underscored the importance of art as a tool for dialogue and connection.
Photo credit: theBLANC
What were some highlights from the show?
Some highlights from the show included its cohesive and polished presentation. The layout was highly expressive, with all the works engaging in dialogue, creating a seamless flow that guided viewers through the space. A standout moment was working on Blake Ballard’s piece, Who Sets the Ground Rules. We had the opportunity to assemble it for him and adapt it specifically to the space, which enhanced its impact. For the show, we collaborated with artists at various stages in their artistic journeys, each bringing unique perspectives and influences from their respective communities.
One viewer mentioned “Grady Henderson’s work made me think about how different people can interpret the same thing in so many different ways”. Another viewer mentioned, “I liked seeing the contrasting ways that artists used both familiar and foreign materials in their works.” Viewer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the thoughtful curation and seamless integration of the works.
Looking forward to 2025 and beyond, what is coming up next for Pylot Studios?
In 2025, we’re excited to expand our reach both creatively and geographically. Upcoming projects include:
Collaborative initiatives with brands and institutions to merge art and design in innovative ways.
Community-focused programs, such as artist talks and workshops, to further our mission of fostering creativity and accessibility.
Additionally, we’re continuing to develop our website as a hub for storytelling, featuring behind-the-scenes content, and a further snapshot into our previous exhibits. At Pylot Studios, the future is all about deepening connections, embracing experimentation, and pushing boundaries in art and design.