Home Articles A Crazy Dream Come True: Ryan Flaitz’s One-of-a-Kind Solo Art Show “INTERNAL...

A Crazy Dream Come True: Ryan Flaitz’s One-of-a-Kind Solo Art Show “INTERNAL PAINT: An Art Exhibit by Flaitz Whatever”

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Whatever he wants — that’s what Ryan Flaitz paints. Hence, the name of the leading freehand artist’s recent show in St. Petersburg, Florida: “INTERNAL PAINT: An Art Exhibit by Flaitz Whatever.”

Aliens, lions, mug shots of cartoon characters, and much more — these are the fun subjects of Ryan’s unique and colorful paintings.

The “Flaitz Whatever” solo art show

For four hours on the evening of January 4, 2025, the stripped-down industrial spaces of Coastal Creative’s office building transformed into a one-man museum. Over 100 pieces of Ryan’s work decorated the white walls, from his first-ever painting on cardboard, the large-format “Notorious,” to his latest creation, a grey wolf painting titled “Lone Wolf.” This painting took him nearly three weeks to finish and represents the dark time he was going through at that moment, including unexpected life changes. 

As Jenna Martinez, Ryan’s manager, points out, the “Flaitz Whatever” show is remarkable for the sheer volume of work on display. “Most solo art shows that you go to have maybe five to ten pieces,” she says. “Here, there are over 120 original pieces of art.”

Faith Based Events

“This is all the artwork I’ve done over a decade,” Ryan says. “For the most part, I’ve saved my pieces and set them aside. To Ryan, owning a Flaitz Whatever original makes you a collector and part of the journey.

Attendee Mauricio Guzman described the art as “pretty badass.” “The colors really pop,” he enthused.

It’s truly like nothing you’ve ever seen before,” says Martinez.

The inspiration for “Flaitz Whatever”

Ryan describes the exhibit as a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to have my own solo show with all of my art displayed all at one time,” he says.

Many of Ryan’s pieces fall into series. In addition to the lions, aliens, or cartoon characters, his paintings feature music, sneaker culture, and skeletons. Some express heartbreak, while others radiate anxiety or an edgy coolness.

The works are painted on an unorthodox material: cardboard. “I love taking something that’s usually thrown out and transforming it into fine art,” Ryan says. He not only uses the unique canvas of cardboard but also uses often looked-over items such as pieces of cardboard and balled-up paper to create some depth and detail, unlike more traditional paintbrushes.

Flaitz Whatever’s one-man show was a celebration of creativity.

“Truthfully, I don’t care about the sales side of it,” Ryan says. “I’m here just to showcase my work. I enjoy doing what I do as an artist. I don’t consider myself part of the art industry. I have a lot of pieces that are priced higher or are not for sale because they mean a lot to me. One was the first cardboard painting I ever did, and another was the start of a series I enjoyed and spent years working on called ‘Jail Collection,’ which consisted of multiple characters from my favorite movies, music, and fashion incorporated in an unexpected way.”

“Flaitz Whatever,” explained.

In addition to being an artist, Ryan is the founder of PSD Underwear, a largely popular streetwear brand featuring designs inspired by graffiti and popular culture. His company’s success has allowed him to create what he wants without worrying about its marketability.

“I come from a small town originally,” he explains. “I had crazy dreams of using my talent as an artist throughout my life.”

Turns out those dreams weren’t so crazy. The success of his business has given him independence from the established art industry, enabling him to create with an unfettered, exploratory spirit.

“My inspiration is anything and everything at the time, whatever I’m inspired by in that moment,” Ryan says. “I do different styles and use different media — paint brush, some spray paint, or a mixture. I just run with what I want and feel in that moment.”

Flaitz’s future

What does the future hold for Ryan? 

While he would like to do more shows in St. Petersburg and the surrounding area, he’s also open to the idea of taking “Flaitz Whatever” on the road.

“I might do it again somewhere else, possibly Miami,” he says. “Who knows? I could take it back to LA.” 

After all, Ryan initially planned to hold the show in LA, but then COVID-19 hit. “That kind of changed things,” he says with characteristic understatement.

“Flaitz Whatever” is an inspiration.

“INTERNAL PAINT: An Art Exhibit by Flaitz Whatever” not only offers an inside look at what Flaitz Whatever is all about but also serves as an inspiration for others.

“I hope people can see this and understand that it’s possible if you put in the time,” Ryan says. “Hopefully, people get inspired by my work and do something for themselves with it.”

While Ryan’s one-man show might have been his dream come true, the same can be said for those who encounter his eye-catching, relatable, and timely works. Experience joyous, raw, genuine creativity. Experience Flaitz Whatever.


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