Lynn’s Denilson Gomez Transforms Art into Fashion at VLUSH Festival

Lynn native Denilson Gomez, known in the creative community as FTS MonKs, is making waves in the fashion and art world with his unique designs. As a graduate of Lynn English High School, Gomez has taken his passion for custom clothing and rugs to new heights, drawing inspiration from his hometown and its vibrant culture.

The name FTS stands for “From The Sin,” a reference to the well-known phrase, “Lynn, Lynn, the city of sin, you never come out the way you came in.” The moniker MonKs is a playful nod to a childhood nickname. While Gomez assists with his brothers’ remodeling business during the day, his true passion lies in crafting art. His journey began in high school, where he discovered his love for painting and drawing.

During the pandemic in 2022, Gomez ventured into creating custom rugs, a trend that gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok. With a keen eye for design and a commitment to quality, he began producing one-of-a-kind rugs featuring popular pop culture icons, including Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and Snoopy.

“Do what you like and make what you like,” Gomez emphasized. “Don’t forget to be yourself. People try to fit in and change who they are, and I don’t think that’s the way. You can just be yourself and whoever rocks with you … they’re gonna rock with you.”

Gomez’s creativity has expanded beyond rugs into the realm of clothing. He employs upcycled fashion techniques, utilizing patchwork, airbrushing, and distressing to create unique pieces that include hoodies, pants, hats, and bags. Emphasizing spontaneity, he styles each garment to reflect his current mood, without prior planning.

“I don’t see my clothes as just clothes. I see them as art, wearable art,” Gomez stated. “They’re all different and make you feel some type of way. They make you feel good.”

A pivotal moment in his artistic journey occurred when fellow creative Jay Moon invited him to participate in his first fashion show, “The Private Show,” last year. The event was a significant source of inspiration for Gomez, who described the atmosphere as electric.

“I thought, ‘I like this feeling, and I want to keep feeling like this, so I’m gonna keep doing it,’” Gomez recalled. The positive energy and support from fellow artists motivated him to explore greater ambitions in his craft.

As he continues to evolve his artistry, Gomez is setting new goals for his brand. He plans to collaborate with a broader range of creatives and integrate his distinct style into everyday items, such as lighters and skateboards, aiming to enhance accessibility to his art. A major collaboration is set to debut in September 2023, generating excitement among his followers.

Tomorrow, Gomez will showcase his work at the VLUSH FESTIVAL 10.0, an event designed to highlight local artists and designers. Taking place at the Lynn Museum & Historical Society from 18:00 to 21:00, the festival promises to be an interactive experience aimed at fostering community engagement and artistic expression.

Gomez’s distinctive pieces, including the “Bleach Distressed Khaki” pants and “Airbrush Heart Hoodie,” can be found on his newly launched website, monksark.com. For a comprehensive view of his creations, past and present, visitors can explore his art Instagram page, @fts.monks, or his personal account, @fts.denilson.

Gomez accepts commissions for both rugs and clothing, and interested clients can reach out through his social media platforms or website.

“Do what you like doing, and if people have something negative to say about it just don’t pay them no mind,” Gomez advised. “As long as you’re doing what you like, that’s all that really matters. If it makes you happy … do it.”