Internal PainT A Decade of Creativity and Resilience

St. Petersburg, FL – On Saturday, January 4, 2025, art enthusiasts gathered at Coastal Creative in St. Petersburg for “Internal PainT,” the much-anticipated solo exhibit by artist Flaitz Whatever to experience his stunning collection of over 120 original pieces. The event offered attendees an immersive journey into the vibrant world of Ryan Flaitz, a Los Angeles-based artist celebrated for his bold use of color and unconventional cardboard medium.

The evening was a celebration of creativity and resilience, themes that resonate throughout Flaitz’s work. A self-taught artist with roots in the small city of Hornell, New York; Ryan’s artistic path has been anything but ordinary. Known professionally as Flaitz Whatever, his style is a reflection of his journey that draws from his entrepreneurial success as co-founder of PSD Underwear, his love for urban culture, and his deep connection to the big-city energy of Los Angeles.

A Decade in the Making

For Ryan, “Internal PainT” was more than an art exhibit—it was the realization of a dream. “This is all of my artwork that I’ve been doing for over a decade, saved and set aside,” Ryan shared during the event. “I’ve let pieces go here and there to collectors, but I’ve held back a lot. This was something I always wanted to do—have all my work displayed in one place.”

The collection featured vibrant, freehand designs on cardboard, a unique medium Ryan has transformed into a canvas for his creativity. Pieces were inspired by a variety of influences, including street art, 90s hip-hop, sports, and sneaker culture. The yellow sugar skull, the first piece sold during the event, stood out to attendee Mauricio Guzman, who noted, “The colors of the art really pop!”

Inspiration and Process

Ryan’s creative alias, Flaitz Whatever, embodies his philosophy of creating without boundaries. When asked about his process, Ryan explained, “My inspiration is anything and everything at the time or in that moment that I am inspired by.”

This collection, curated over a decade, reflects Ryan’s journey as an artist and an individual. He hopes attendees left feeling inspired by his story. “I come from a small town originally and had crazy dreams of using my talents as an artist. I was able to accomplish that through my brand which is very successful and my art career. I hope people can see this and see that this is one person who has done this and it is possible if you put in the time and hopefully people get inspired by my work and do something for themselves with it.”

Behind the Scenes

Jenna Martinez, Ryan’s manager, emphasized the significance of this exhibit: “Ryan has always wanted to have all of his artwork from over a decade presented in one place. This is his first solo art show, putting every single painting on the walls in one space.”

The result was a dynamic evening that showcased not only Ryan’s art but also his ability to connect with attendees. The event was filled with conversations, shared stories, and an appreciation for Ryan’s ability to transform overlooked materials into meaningful works of art.

A Transformative Evening

“Internal PainT” wasn’t just an art exhibit—it was a testament to the power of creative expression. The energy at Coastal Creative was high, as attendees explored each piece and engaged with Ryan’s story. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that this event was a defining moment for Flaitz Whatever and the St. Pete local art scene.

To stay connected and explore more of Ryan’s work, visit FlaitzWhatever.com or follow him on social media at @FlaitzWhatever. Coastal Creative continues to be the spot for innovative art and culture in St. Petersburg.

Media Contact
Company Name: Flaitz Whatever
Contact Person: Gaby Bernadet
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: https://flaitzwhatever.com/