β β Crispin Black (left) on the set of "Brainrot"
with Trip Llamakins
NAME: Crispin Black
AGE: 22
HEIGHT: 6β6β
SPECIES: Human
SEXUALITY: Tabloids have called him a βhomosexualβ, Crispin denied this β stating sexuality is more βcomplicatedβ than any label could describe.
Who is Crispin Black? Perhaps the better question would be, who isnβt he? Crispin is a multifaceted artist β sculptor, photographer, filmmaker, and impresario. Renowned for his groundbreaking work in postmodern and industrial sculpting, heβs also the co-founder of the Foundry, an avant-garde art collective that he established with fashion designer Neo Flange. Together, they created a sanctuary for other artists who share their defiant, βlike-mindedβ vision.
Crispinβs art is both revered and reviled. His signature style involves the upcycling of discarded materials, which he turns into bold, abstract sculptures that confront societal, existential, and political themes. To many, his works are striking and thought-provoking. To others, they come across as overbearingly edgy or even pretentious.
βSome people like to say Iβm a bitch, but Iβd say compared to Crispin Black, Iβm a saint!β β Judith Ward.
Critics believe Crispinβs art reflects his bitter, disillusioned outlook on life. Disenchanted with modern culture, mass media, and the shallow celebrity worship that he feels has diluted true art; Crispin is a man drowning in cynicism. While some speculate that his abrasive personality is merely a public persona, those who have met him can say itβs not. Conversations with Crispin often take bleak turns β diving into his loathing for contemporary life or his disdain for the latest superhero flick. Unless heβs intoxicated or youβre just as jaded as he is, conversations are rarely pleasant.
Early Life
Crispin was born in Pleasantview, Simnation, to Patricia Black (nΓ©e Newbie) and Christopher Black. Crispin recalled that his parents werenβt necessarily abusive, but they were emotionally distant; with his mother abandoning him later in his childhood, and his father showing little interest in his hobbies. At school, Crispin was a prime target for bullies, mocked for his towering height, gloomy demeanor, and geeky looks. The torment pushed him further into isolation, and he focused all his free time on drawing rather than hanging out with peers. Crispin described art as creating a new world to escape to.
A life-altering incident occurred during his teenage years when he tried to cook himself a meal after his parents refused to out of "sheer laziness". Unfamiliar with working the stove, Crispin accidentally set himself on fire β his father narrowly putting out said fire after the alarm alerted him. The near-fatal accident changed Crispin. Despite nearly succumbing to one, Crispin developed a deep, unnatural interest for fires, starting them whenever and wherever he could β often getting in trouble with neighbors concerned about these flames. It also instilled him in a bleak, nihilistic worldview. Life, he realized, was fragile, and could be taken away in mere minutes. Instead of living with worry, he might as well do what he pleased while he's still alive. The next time his bullies came for him, he stood his ground β and retaliated.
βThe moment Crispin stabbed that bully in the hand with a ball point pen, I knew I was in love with him.β β Neo Flange.
Crispinβs newfound boldness attracted the attention of other ostracized classmates, including Neo Flange, who quickly befriended Crispin due to their shared love of art and similarities. They shortly entered a romance lasting a couple of years until Crispin called it off, wanting to explore his sexuality and not be tied down to monogamy, which he began viewing as a restrictive concept created by the oppressive hegemony. The breakup was on amicable terms (well, on Crispinβs side, with Neoβs side still harboring feelings) and they both agreed to remain friends.
Rise to Fame
At just 16, Crispin moved with (then boyfriend) Neo to Diamond Heights, Urbzville after Neoβs fashion designs had caught the eye of renowned fashionista, Diva Roma, who offered to mentor him. At first, Roma had no interest in taking Crispin to Diamond Heights, but Neo refused to go unless he could bring his boyfriend along. Because of his impressive height, Roma saw potential in him as a fashion model.
Except Crispin had no interest in modeling.
No, Crispin wanted to become a professional photographer. Despite Romaβs initial skepticism, she gave him a chance at photographing her associate, Cash Monet.
βAs much as I HATE to admit it now, that boy was a natural. He could turn anything into a masterpiece, and he became famous for it.β β Diva Roma.
Satisfied with the results, Roma agreed to make Crispin a photographer, on the condition he modeled her fashion every now and then. Crispin, with some reluctance, agreed. Roma gave both Neo and Crispin their place at Diamond Heights.
Despite his early success, Crispin grew disillusioned with Diamond Heights. He felt suffocated by the celebrity-centric culture, believing it compromised his artistic integrity. His frustrations were echoed by Neo, who also felt creatively stifled. At 18, the pair left the glamorous tall buildings, despite Romaβs threats to blacklist them from Diamond Heights, Del Sol Valley, and any other celebrity filled wasteland.
Founding of the Foundry
Crispin and Neo settled in an abandoned warehouse district on the outskirts of Diamond Heights. The warehouses, old and dilapidated, were sold at a bargain price β perfect for the pairβs artistic ambitions. They named their new studio The Foundry, inspired by Crispinβs growing interest in metalsmithing. Here, away from the pressures of commercialism, the artists could finally create without restriction.
Soon, The Foundry attracted other like-minded artists who sought an escape from the mainstream. Among them were Bella Ciao, a βfireβ experience designer; Arthur Pop, an unorthodox performance artist, and Roxanna Hardplace, a ruthless art critic. Together, they formed a tight-knit community of creatives β though rumors shortly swirled about their relationships, with tabloids claiming they were involved in a polyamorous arrangement. Crispin, however, insists theyβre simply close friends who enjoy making art, and playing around.
Theyβve also been accused of being hipsters, due to their fashion, hatred for the mainstream, and their love for lesser-known works. Crispin also denies this, stating that theyβre just passionate for real art, which cannot be found in corporate media.
Crispinβs Cauldron & other artistic projects
Crispin can be considered a jack of all trades when it comes to art. Whether itβs photography, sculpting, painting, or filmmaking, his thirst creativity is insatiable. Even if heβs inept at something, heβll try it anyway, or heβll endorse another artistβs endeavors in it. Crispin states that art is the only reason for living. While most know him for his photographs, and upcycled metalsmithing, Crispin has also directed a few indie films.
βWatching Brainrot, it told me that Black shouldnβt be a filmmaker. But it also told me that Black doesnβt care about what he shouldnβt be.β Β β Mortimer Goth.
His most infamous film, Brainrot, is a bizarre black and white piece that features llamas dressed in clothes, running amok inside houses. The film serves as Crispinβs biting commentary on long-term exposure to corporate media, which he believes rots the brain, turning people into mindless animals.
At the age of 21, Crispin opened Crispinβs Cauldron, an art gallery and store located within The Foundry. Dedicated to promoting metalsmithing and sculpting β two art forms he feared were becoming obsolete β Crispinβs Cauldron became a hub for aspiring artists, and appreciators of art. The galleryβs success quickly spread beyond Urbzville, drawing in visitors from across the nation.
Controversies
Like any figure of Crispinβs notoriety, he has been embroiled in his share of controversies.
Death of Paul Holder
Shortly after the opening of Crispinβs Cauldron, aspiring artist Paul Holder tragically perished from heatstroke while working with molten metal. Although, oddly, no lawsuit was ever filled, Crispin faced heavy scrutiny. In response, he installed sinks and mandated regular breaks to prevent similar tragedies. Though, critics argue his actions were more about avoiding legal trouble than genuine concern for the lives of his employees.
Salaries
Crispinβs refusal to pay high wages to new artists has sparked considerable backlash. He claims art should be driven by passion, not profit, and that excessive pay leads to the creation of βsoulless slop.β Despite his beliefs, many feel his compensation is unjust, especially given the high price his own work fetches.
Public behavior
Crispin is notorious for causing drama in public. He has been known to lash out at interviewers, insult paparazzi, and intentionally stir up controversy in districts like Diamond Heights or the tough bikers at Gasoline Row. Even though Crispin has stated he doesnβt care what his public image is, some do not believe that justifies the way he acts towards others.
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