Curator eKow Baiden speaks on creativity, diversity, and connection.
Meet eKow, a stylish and charismatic art curator at Triangle Loft, a colorful and unique event space in the heart of New York City. With his lightness, playfulness, and connector spirit, eKow reminded me of Hermes, the Greek god of commerce and travel throughout my conversation with him.
I first met eKow at Triangle Loft, where he curated an interactive and breathtaking art show with a group of Mexican artists. The exhibition celebrated Mexican stories, culture, and spirituality through captivating artwork and photography. The atmosphere of the art show felt warm and serene, reminiscent of the color orange. I recall being drawn to one interactive piece by a Mexican artist featuring candles of different shapes, sizes, and hues (white, cream, and light pink) scattered on the ground, emanating pretty, bright flames. Attendees were invited to light the candles and set an intention, making the experience personal and meaningful.
The art show was a remarkable display of creativity, and I was left wondering who the mastermind behind it was. It turned out that the curator was none other than eKow. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss the event and his experience as an art curator at Triangle Loft. I was amazed to learn that the Mexican exhibition was just one of the many ideas and stories he has been a part of.
During our conversation, eKow opened up about his path from finance to events marketing, which eventually led to him starting his own creative agency. He described the journey as a “beautiful struggle” and emphasized the importance of doing everything in your power to stay in New York City as a creative professional, especially if you come from another city. Having made the move from Atlanta in 2008, he had to act quickly to support his career transition from finance to art curation and event planning.
Despite the challenges, eKow’s infectious energy and effortless communication style have helped him build extensive relationships with artists, creators, musicians, and even United Nations ambassadors, which surprised me during our conversation. Like Hermes, he is a “serial connector” who thrives on meeting unique and diverse people and creating spaces that unite them.
During our interview, eKow’s storytelling was just as colorful as the events he curated in Triangle Loft. He shared his curiosity and joy from working on events like the Mexican art show and others, such as Erotic Eating for Couples and Black History Month events that infused poetry, instrumentals, and visual installations. He has a passion for traveling, and his experiences and knowledge about different cultures and unique people, and scenes around the city and elsewhere add to his creative edge.
When I asked eKow if his career transition was worth it, he laughed and said, “I mean, I don’t have a yacht or anything, but it has been good.” But to me, it’s clear that eKow is being modest. He is exceptionally talented at bringing unique people and experiences together for his clients and Triangle Loft. It takes skill and creativity to connect many groups, ideas, and conversations for unique experiences like the ones he curates.
“I love the diversity of the events I work on,” eKow says. “It’s what makes my job so exciting. There’s always something new and interesting to explore. I love working with people from different backgrounds and seeing what happens. You have to go for it, and do things that may make you uncomfortable sometimes, and listen to people.”
And it’s not just eKow who brings magic to Triangle Loft. The space is a hub for creativity and connection, with people like eKow curating events that impact everyone who attends. Triangle Loft is truly a unique space that attracts creative minds and fosters an atmosphere of innovation and inspiration.
So if you’re looking for an event space that’s more than just four walls and a roof, look no further than Triangle Loft. With art curators like eKow at the helm, you can trust that your event will be an experience you and your guests will never forget.
Interested to learn more about eKow’s work? Check out his Creative Agency at: www.ekosysteminc.com