Rama Mayo Exhibits 50 Years of Art and Culture

Cultural entrepreneur Rama Mayo is presenting his first solo exhibition, titled 'Level 50,' at Galerie Zoë in Hudson, New York. This exhibition, coinciding with his 50th birthday, features a diverse collection of Mayo's own paintings and found-object works, alongside pieces by artists who have significantly influenced his personal and professional trajectory. The show, which runs through November 1, 2026, aims to trace a career deeply rooted in collaboration, enduring friendships, and a profound fascination with visual culture across various domains.

Mayo's career began at a remarkably young age when he founded the independent record label Big Wheel Recreation at just 16 years old. This venture released music from notable bands such as Jimmy Eat World, At The Drive-In, and The Hives, establishing his early impact on the music scene. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to co-found the United fashion trade show series with Steve Aoki. He also managed galleries and agencies in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, and collaborated with Dr. Romanelli. Subsequently, Mayo expanded his interests into the cannabis industry, co-founding Hall of Flowers, a significant event in that sector.

The exhibition 'Level 50' highlights Mayo's artistic output, which includes paintings that re-examine familiar imagery drawn from art history, skate culture, and pop culture through his unique perspective. For instance, the piece 'HUF Forever' is a tribute to his late friend Keith Hufnagel, reimagining a 1997 'Thrasher' magazine cover. Another work, 'Double Three Liters,' draws inspiration from Andy Warhol's iconic 'Double Elvis' series. Furthermore, 'Cameron Enjoys a Sunday on La Grande Jatte' creatively integrates the character Cameron from the film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' into Georges Seurat's renowned painting 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.'

Beyond his paintings, 'Level 50' also showcases Mayo's nostalgic found-object works. These assemblages incorporate vintage items such as Homies figurines, Gumby toys, and bouncy balls, serving as a tangible exploration of his relationship with nostalgia and the act of collecting. A significant piece at the exhibition's center is 'Soft Serve,' a monumental mural measuring 16 feet wide, created in 2006 by artist Alvaro. The exhibition also features works by other artists, including Jen Stark, DABSMYLA, and C.R. Stecyk III, underscoring Mayo's extensive network and the breadth of his cultural engagement.