Vincent Peters, also known as Æthelstan, is a contemporary artist based in Miami. His latest exhibition, "The Halo is the New Crown," challenges the intersections of power, heritage, and societal decay. The exhibition repurposes symbols of inherited wealth and status to expose their fading relevance in modern times. Æthelstan employs a blend of historical references and subversive imagery to question the commodification of legacy. His work resonates in a market where anti-establishment narratives are increasingly valuable. By merging motifs previously explored by Jean-Michel Basquiat with his own unique stylings, he crafts visually compelling, yet politically charged, pieces that provide a discourse about race, religion, and politics, forcing audiences to reconsider the cost of inherited privilege. The exhibition aligns with the broader discourse on the death of classical art paradigms, arguing that fine art’s commercialization has stripped it of deeper meaning. Æthelstan navigates this tension by creating works that are both collectible and critical of the systems that make them valuable. The artist will be in attendance answering questions, and his original short film will be screened in a loop all evening to accompany the work. This is a multi-sensory experience, free to attend and open to the public.

The event will take place at Chicago Truborn, 1741 W Chicago Ave, from March 8, 2025, 4-8 PM, through March 22.