Beau Simmons American, b. 1990

Artist Journal Entry:
Dallas, TX, is a melting pot of various lifestyles and backgrounds. A place where cowboys once roamed has now become a playground for the wealthy. It's a place I frequently visit, and still find the hidden gems within its lavish foundation. One spot in particular is an old dancehall called the Longhorn Ballroom. Built in 1950, it has hosted some of the most famous country music artists like Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Patsy Cline, and George Jones. The incredible mural painted by Stylle Read on the outside of the building made for the perfect backdrop.

For this concept, I knew I wanted to merge the traditional ways of the cowboy with the luxury and high-end lifestyles that now surround this city. My goal was to stage a model in a limited edition multi-million-dollar Ferrari F40 as if she had just parked outside the venue, looking for a cowboy to two-step the night away with. After all, cowboys have always been cool, but with the emergence of their popularity in pop culture nowadays, I think most have taken a liking to these traditional figures who represent hard work, tenacity, selflessness, and wisdom. Tough on the outside but full of heart and passion on the inside. This concept gives me Urban Cowboy vibes and allows me to imagine what this scenario would look like on a late Saturday night under the Dallas skyline. Drinking, dancing, and a whole lot of horsepower. I call this artwork, Welcome to Dallas.