With the help of LG OLED, the artist transforms his iconic “Stop to Smell the Flowers” into a multi-sensory LA daydream.
Steven Harrington has officially made his Frieze New York debut, and he did it the only way he knows how—boldly, colorfully, and with a distinctly Californian vibe. Partnering with LG OLED, the psychedelic-pop artist has brought his joyful, flower-powered world to life inside The Shed’s top-floor lounge, offering a rare pocket of tranquility amid the buzz of Art Week.
Known globally for his kaleidoscopic works and beloved character Mello, Harrington’s immersive installation reimagines his Stop to Smell the Flowers series through a new lens: motion. Animated across LG’s futuristic transparent OLED screens, Mello floats, waves, and daydreams in blooming digital fields—an ode to optimism that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
“It’s about honoring the process—starting with pencil on paper—and then pushing that into the future,” Harrington told VOKE. “Working with LG gave me a new way to animate that process”
The space feels more like an LA living room than a white-cube gallery. Alongside the moving visuals, Harrington showcases a 10-foot flower-draped dog sculpture, paintings from his solo museum show in Seoul, and tie-ins to his latest bronze sculpture explorations. All roads, however, lead back to Mello, his endlessly morphing character who serves as the soul of his practice.
A Moment of Meditative Play
Originally planned for Frieze LA but postponed due to early-year events, the exhibit was reborn in New York, providing Harrington a rare moment to “pause” during a whirlwind year. “I don’t always know where Mello is going next,” he shared, “but that’s the point. The mystery keeps me creating.”
Embracing Technology Without Losing the Soul
Though rooted in traditional methods, Harrington is no stranger to innovation. “Artists today are exploring technology more, just as brands are exploring art,” he says. “There’s something magical happening in that intersection.”
His advice to rising creatives? “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” For Harrington, discomfort fuels intuition—one that continues to guide Mello through cosmic jungles, serene flower fields, and now, transparent screens.
