Gallery owner and avant-garde photographer Bryant Johnson showcases work by emerging local and national artists in his long, spacious and suave second-story gallery in the 47th Street Market. "My desire for the gallery is to be a creative, aesthetically-pleasing venue in which artists have the opportunity to express themselves," says Johnson. "Our genre is contemporary and we sell only original pieces." He also tries to expand people’s minds and push the boundaries of contemporary art.

Johnson boasts that he'll let artists do whatever they want in his experimental space. "If an artist wants to cut a hole in the floor, that's cool—they just gotta fix it," he says. At times, Johnson's own large-scale photography may be on display, but more often he's busy finding artists whose work fits in best with his gallery.

Openings are a blast; Johnson may have a DJ spinning beats while visitors hang out, drink some booze and enjoy the sexy work. It's no surprise that Johnson's cool persona matches the provocative, edgy work that he exhibits.

After chilling out at Steelelife, many visitors will find themselves wandering to the equally swank, contemporary American restaurant, Blu47, located just across the hallway. Johnson also hosts Blu47 parties in his space, combining great food and provocative art.

Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler