Posted on February 20 2025
STRONGMAN - Only the Strong
Brian Whiteley: Different is strong.
Check Out Collaboration Garments HERE!
STRONGMAN – Only the Strong
Brian Whiteley: Different is Strong.
Strength isn’t just about wielding power—it’s about conviction, perseverance, and the courage to stand apart. Brian Whiteley embodies this strength in every sense, refusing to conform, refusing to compromise, and proving that true artistry is an act of resilience.
Growing up in the rural Midwest, where the standard path was business school, blue polos, and khakis, Brian chose a different road. It wasn’t easy. It took sheer willpower to drown out the voices telling him to “just get a normal job.” But he knew his path wasn’t about playing it safe—it was about pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and creating something truly original. That relentless drive led him to become a force in the contemporary art world, launching daring projects that shook up the establishment—from guerrilla installations that landed him in the crosshairs of the Secret Service to performance art that blurred the lines between reality and satire.
Brian Whiteley is not your typical visual artist. Hailing from the heartland of rural Midwestern America—where conformity was the norm—Brian set out to challenge the expected. Rejecting the cookie-cutter life of blue polos and khakis, he forged his own path, driven by an insatiable creative hunger and a desire to be the author of his own story. Today, he stands as a provocative force in contemporary art and fashion, known for his bold, sometimes controversial, approach.
Brian’s work is a blend of high-concept performance art and raw visual expression. His projects have spanned from impersonation performances that once landed him in hot water with major celebrities to daring guerrilla art pieces that questioned societal norms. For example, his performance art series impersonating pop icon Justin Bieber not only caught the attention of major collectors but also led to a highly publicized lawsuit, a moment that cemented his reputation for pushing boundaries. Equally provoking was his “Trump Tombstone” – a 500-pound gravestone installed in Central Park as a piece of political satire that left the city and the Secret Service scrambling for answers.
That was the backdrop of our reconnecting. After Brian and I started our families, we left the raw streets of the LES where we had cut our teeth in the fashion and art worlds. We bumped into each other at preschool drop-off the same week Brian was facing a meeting with the Secret Service about the Legacy Stone. He was pretty stressed, as you could imagine, and over the next few weeks, I looked forward to bumping into my only Fort Greene art friend to see what had become of the stone—and him!
Beyond the controversies, Brian is a true innovator and, most of all, a connector. While others wilted away during COVID, Brian was building—taking advantage of the time to create something fun and valuable for everyone in his orbit. He has continuously reinvented his art through unexpected experiences he dreams up and brings to life. As the founder and director of the Satellite Art Show, an artist-run art fair and gallery, he takes on the status quo—no gold-encrusted skulls, #NotBaselMiami. In New York City and beyond, he has nurtured a community of creators who dare to be different. His work in curating and directing shows has earned accolades and a fan base eager to be part of his next venture. Whether as an artist, contributor, participant, onlooker, or friend—you know you’ll be better for whatever your experience.
Now, Brian is bringing his immersive vision to SXSW with the SATELLITE RANCH
A choose-your-own-adventure art festival that will transport visitors to another world. A short trip down a dusty trail, past the giant wooden snake sculptures, you'll find a 10-acre East Austin ranch transformed into an extraordinary art experience. This unique event features four distinct properties showcasing an incredible spectrum of creative talent across multiple disciplines, from puppeteering and clowning to over 40 musical acts.
Event Details:
📍 Location: East Austin Ranch, SXSW
📅 Dates & Times:
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Friday, March 7: 5 PM - 12 AM
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Saturday, March 8: 1 PM - 12 AM
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Sunday, March 9: 2 PM - 11 PM
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Monday, March 10 - Tuesday, March 11: CLOSED
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Wednesday, March 12 - Thursday, March 13: 5 PM - 11 PM
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Friday, March 14: 5 PM - 12 AM
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Saturday, March 15: 2 PM - 12 AM
🎟 Get your tickets now: [Satellite Ranch Tickets]
The Collaboration: By Robert James x Brian Whiteley
When Brian needed a cool yet fun look for his SXSW Art Ranch Photo Shoot, I jumped at the chance—I had an idea that would deliver the perfect suit for his shoot!
I had long wanted to repay Brian for letting me pop into his LES Art Gallery, just a stone’s throw from the shop where my brand By Robert James grew from dream to reality.
I knew I needed to push the envelope. Given the animal element of the shoot, I thought it would be fun to give the “llama” leopard stripes! I designed a tough printed twill double-breasted Nehru collar jacket paired with slim, knife-pocket pants (starting at $1,488.00) and a Matty Leopard Shirt (available in short or long sleeves at $198.00). Top it off with a mask, and the look is wild, unique, and totally Brian.
The Strongman Pod - Brian Whitley " Ask for Forgiveness not Permission"
By Robert James – Now Open for Custom Projects
I have continued to specialize in custom projects—from weddings and red-carpet events to movies, music videos, and special performances. If you need a standout look for any occasion, let’s collaborate to create something truly one-of-a-kind.
📞 Call or text: 917-566-2327
📧 Email: robert@byrobertjames.com
🌐 Website: www.byrobertjames.com
Brian Whiteley’s Story: Strength in Reinvention
Brian Whiteley’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention. His artistic journey—marked by both controversy and undeniable impact—demonstrates that true strength lies in embracing the unexpected. Every atom in his body is working in lockstep toward his destiny as an artist, and his unwavering commitment to his craft is an inspiration to creators everywhere.
Join the Movement:
🔗 Get Your Tickets to Satellite Ranch
