The human body is the ultimate canvas, according to SFX artist Mab. Known for her detailed airbrush technique that transforms her subjects into living works of art, the intimate visualist holds a deep reverence for the natural beauty of the human form. “The body is the foundation,” she profoundly states. “I’ve realized how it can morph into so many things. I love to play with that illusion.” And inside the brutalist walls of 66 Greene, Mab showcased that very approach during a live demonstration dubbed “Aerosol Couture,” presenting her body-empowering POV to the public.

Before the exhibition’s start on Saturday night, early arrivers to the Soho-based hub perused a small gallery of selected paintings and custom designs appearing on clothing and handbags that recalled Mab’s artistic origins. Raised in New Haven, Connecticut, the blossoming creative has long been fascinated by art as a wearable medium and the power it conveys. Mab first experimented with painting sculpted bodies onto clothing items, creating personalized pieces that highlight the human anatomy. Soon after, she was inspired to invert the process, rendering bespoke airbrushed fashion items to the specific curves and contours of every model she works with.

With a growing online cult following, Mab felt it necessary to share her process IRL, using 66 Greene as the platform to present her unique practice directly to her community. “I’m in an era of my life where I want to make things happen. Once I see the vision, I'm going to go and get it. So I just DM’d the Instagram and two months later, here we are.”

As onlookers continued to mingle in anticipation, five fully painted figures of varying body types moved through the crowd, strutting with power, purpose, and undeniable pride. Stepping onto individual pedestals, the models elegantly posed and postured, effortlessly embodying their role as pieces of fine art. Those in attendance were immediately enamored by the unconventional display, observing with the same measured intrigue one would typically reserve for a high-end museum — except here the artwork stares back. Created in collaboration with MAC, Mab covered each “canvas” in a mixture of paint sticks from the iconic cosmetics label, acrylic, and glitter to produce one-of-one compositions exclusive to the evening.

Amid the palpable awe, Mab — wearing a light makeup beat, a done-up pink wig, and a airbrushed cheetah print mini dress — stepped to the front, readying her signature airbrush kit for an inreal- time performance. With careful strokes and precise marks, the innovative artist manifested a leather jacket and a pair of black biker shorts directly onto the model’s body just before the event’s climax. After putting the finishing touches on her most recent creation, Mab faded back into the crowd. Just then, a silver-glittered silhouette emerged and took the stage. With graceful strength and poise, pole dancer and multi-disciplinary creative Jordan Simone put on an impressive aerial routine that served as the night’s final act.

Following the performance’s conclusion, Mab celebrated with close friends, collaborators, and members of her chosen family, radiating joy and gratefulness in a moment that was clearly monumental. “I think it’s all so beautiful,” she says humbly. “Coming out here and working with 66 Greene has created a space for me to express myself and find like-minded individuals, and that's what I need. Especially being a black woman in the art world.”

The night’s lasting image came from Mab herself, after she showed off her own skill on the pole. Eliciting cheers and laughter, the impromptu demonstration served as a symbol of what had just transpired. In a time when so many expectations and labels are projected onto you, Mab reminds us that the most powerful masterpieces are the ones that move, breathe, and dare to be seen.