Carmelo Anthony Honored on Inaugural TIME100 Art List

Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony secured a spot on the inaugural TIME100 art list during the TIME100 Impact Dinner in New York City on Oct. 5, wbls.com reported.

Honored for Art Collection in New York City

Anthony discussed his transition from basketball to collecting works by artists such as Ernie Barnes, Nelson Makamo, and Cryptik. For me, it’s actually amazing to just be in this room and to be honored by TIME for something other than what I am traditionally known for, Anthony told PEOPLE at the event. He noted that the recognition marks a step in carving out a lane in a completely different industry.

To be carving out that lane in a whole ‘nother industry, for me, it’s just a testament to the work that we’re putting in. And to the story we’re telling, and the story we’re building, Anthony added regarding his expanding collection.

Connecting Culture and Family

The former New York Knicks star emphasized that everyday culture is inherently rooted in artistic expression. Naturally, our culture is art. You grow up in it, and it’s a part of you, whether it’s music, sports, or poetry. Whatever it may be, it’s art. We are naturally growing up in a certain form of art, he said.

Anthony also shared how he discusses his passion with his children, Kiyan and Genesis. It’s an honor that I can hang up at my mom’s house. And put up at my house, and my kids could be able to see that, he stated.

Visualizing Future Projects in Baltimore

Beyond collecting, Anthony stated an intention to begin creating his own art. The next step is to actually start to try to visualize stories and try it, he said.

A lot of the art that I have comes from being emotionally attached to the city, and all things that I’ve been through. To be able to start it there would mean a lot, Anthony explained regarding a goal to showcase the pieces in Baltimore.