In the summer of 2018, he played with conceptual themes when he wrote the introduction, which was edited by fellow artist Nicolette Reim, for the "RISE 2018" art show at NoHo M55 Gallery show. “It means, to emerge — artists in this show are surfacing through political and nonpolitical concepts on canvas, paper, other platforms. ‘Rise’ is the orbiting of the sun or moon. ‘Rise’ is the ocean reclaiming the land each evening or how ash from fire darkens the sky. Or how children grow like corn. Or rents double in Dumbo. President Trump's political ‘rise’ and the fear or favor people may have with his ascension. ‘Rise’ means to emerge, not always from or for something beautiful. Rise befits attention — always.”