Something Old, Something New, something Borrowed, Something Blue
Lucky Italy. Opening at Marella Gallery in Milan this Thursday the 21st is Something Old, Something New, something Borrowed, Something Blue. Curated by Aaron Rose the show features a line-up of Heavy Hitters with the likes of Barry McGee, Ryan McGinley, Ed Templeton, Clare Rojas, Mike Mills, Phil Frost, Matt Leines, Raymond Pettibon, Deanna Templeton, and Ari Marcopoulos. We need more shows like this stateside.
Swoon came off on two sides of the World over the weekend. First, there was her solo show at New Image Art in Los Angeles. On the same day, 8 hours ahead, she was included in Black Rat Press' Print Show, where it could be said that they were printing money. From that show is where this gorgeous two-plate etching and screenprint, Argentina, came from. Retailing at £600 in a signed edition of 95, the print is a must have for any SWOON collector.
Buy the print here
Your local hardware store is offering a little more than just nuts and bolts. You probably spend most of your time at Crest buying what you need to make the art. Now you will be able to show what you made. Back in the late 90's the Store became the home to a few art exhibits and, it was also featured on a PBS special. This summer Crest will host its first in a series of art exhibits. Stay tuned, we will bring you all the details.
Opening up tomorrow is Michel Gondry's installation for his upcoming movie Be Kind Rewind. Luckily, the installation is in the bigger Deitch space on Wooster, which means the creator's imagination has more room to run free.
So while some of you were out romancing and others were getting black out drunk, the upper crust was spending money on art and laughing at the plebeian recession. Thankfully they spent their money well, bidding up Banksy well over his estimates. RUINED LANDSCAPE (above) sold with a hammer price of $385,000 briskly passing the high estimate of $300,000. That was the smallest margin between estimate and hammer price. The outstanding VANDALISED PHONE BOX more than doubled its estimate of $300,000, selling with hammer for $605,000. The star of the show however was Banksy's defaced Damien Hirst painting, KEEP IT SPOTLESS, which set an auction record for the artist weighing in at $1,870,000, well over the $350,000 estimate it was given. Now watch the secondary market prices rise once again.
We saw this one on Search and Destroy and we were immediately inspired. A simple idea with a big message. As the kid from AI or was it I.A. said in that other movie Pay it forward.
What more can be said about this epic group of artists? Not much, except that they will only get better and their work, more unattainable. The movie/documentary about them slated for release this Spring should solidify any doubts you may have had. So why not take the easy way out, and get pieces of their work together in one bundle? The easiest and most affordable way to do this is by purchasing The Beautiful Losers Catalog (Boxed Edition). Available in an edition of 100 and costing $1500, the "Custom slipcased First Edition / First Printing catalog is packaged in custom military grade wood box with limited editions and original works of art by the Beautiful Losers artists." For a full rundown of the goodies inside check the site. Here are some of my faves, Cynthia Connolly - Page, Arizona [from the portfolio Ice Machines featured in the Beautiful Losers exhibition], silver gelatin print, 4 x 6 inches, printed and signed by the artist, edition of 100, Barry McGee - Untitled, marker on various sticker papers, dimensions variable, signed by the artist, James Jarvis - The Thin Blue Line, action figure, approx. 6 x 3.5 inches, signed edition of 100.
Before today, I hadn't a clue who Leslie Minnis was. Truthfully, I still don't, but what I do know is that her paintings are sick. Available now for purchase through Andenken Gallery is a print on canvas of what I believe to be her strongest work to date. Signed in an edition of 10 and measuring 20" x 30" the print costs $400. If interested, contact the andenken shop.
Artist Golan Levin created Opto-Isolator a artwork that's realistic-looking eyeball actually responds to an onlooker's gaze with a bunch of human-like movements, including coy side-glances and blinks. For more images and background check out gizmodo.
More than excited about this opening on Saturday at New Image Art Gallery in Los Angeles. SWOON baby!
New Image Art is pleased to announce the first Los Angeles solo exhibition by SWOON, "Drown Your Boats." Partially inspired by Angela Carter's "Burning Your Boats," this show, and much of SWOON's work is not only a momentary glimpse in contemporary life; her work speaks of tales, legends, and variations on mythic themes, sparked by great vitality, inventiveness, and a deeply macabre imagination. Having recently participated in an armada of sorts SWOON along with other fellow Pittsburgh "boat punks" constructed their own flotilla and sailed down the Hudson and Mississippi Rivers. For this new exhibition SWOON will be executing a canoe as her central installation piece that will later become part of a Deitch Projects show this Fall.
SWOON's worlds are often populated by realistically rendered-- and evocatively cutout street people, often her friends and family. Riding bikes, talking on a stoop, going grocery shopping-- these people traverse a cityscape of her own unique invention. Bridges, fire escapes, water towers and street signs create crisscrossing shadows and spaces through which her figures move. Inspired by both art historical and folk sources, ranging from German Expressionist wood block prints to Indonesian shadow puppets, SWOON is a master of using cut paper to play with positive and negative space in a conceptually driven exploration of the experience of the streets.
Opening this Saturday night at Giant Robot in the East Village is William 'RotGut' Buzzell's Class Action.
From the press release...
"Working almost entirely with found wood or metal and common latex house paint, Buzzell's pieces are characterized by a surface of intricate brushwork and often feature three-dimensional elements. William Buzzell dips into the mundane, the practical world and a deep well of popular culture, often using maps, logos, charts, text, and familiar cartoon characters or TV icons to fill every inch of his paintings. A native of Providence, RI, much of Buzzell's early work was installed on the streets of his hometown and New York under the alias Rotgut."
This Friday, after a busy four years, Jason Filipow, Shepard Fairey's primary assistant/man behind the scenes will set down his Andre stencils and leave the operation and artist behind to pursue his own work. We at The World's Best Ever wish him much fortune, success, and longevity in his future ventures.
"I am very proud of all that I have accomplished while employed by my long time friend and mentor, Shepard Fairey. His sustained ambition, motivation and work ethic is nearly unmatched and I hope I have been able to absorb some of that in the 4 years working with him. He has provided me with amazing opportunities and introduced me to countless pop culture heroes and I am forever grateful.
2008 will see me branching out on my own as a creative free agent and I will continue to live and work here in LA. I will be devoting much more of my time to personal work as well as developing some long-simmering projects. I will be launching my own website as well as a detailed and frequently-updated blog. I will be exhibiting my work in galleries, doing some short film projects, commissions, commercial work/design, etc...I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life."
Check out artist Miel-Margarita Paredes. Feature work from 2005 "Dachshund Stilts". Her work has this "soft" disturbance, where its not too uncomfortable but there is something there that is dark.
A frequent subject of posts on this site, Banksy has updated his own website with a nice Q & A session plus some new pictures and words from the outdoors. Enjoy!
Fashion imitates art. Or lets say pays tribute. Photographer Paco Peregrín, photographed the editorial spreed titled" The Blood Show" for Ae Magazine. For more images from this spread check it out here.
GAME OVER is one of the art projects developed by the Swiss artist Guillaume Reymond. It consists of a series of collaborative animation movies which revive some of the very first video games. The project started with video performance of Pong. The second video was Space Invaders on June 24th 2006, followed by Pole Position on February 11th 2007, and Tetris on November 24th 2007].
Check out Poll Position and Space Invaders after the jump.
Check out a special Juergen Teller show tonight. The show will also feature some fashion-week-appropriate snaps like his Victoria Beckham-starring ad work for Marc Jacobs and candid, previously unseen portraits of MJ with Teller's kids. For one night only, hot dog cart legend Rolf Babiel (a fellow Teuton) will be dishing up sausages on the street outside the gallery.
Juergen Teller: Ukraine, tonight through March 15, Lehmann-Maupin Gallery, 540 W. 26th Street, NYC, (212) 255-2923, lehmannmaupin.com
For his Fall 2008 lookbook, designer Adam Kimmel enlisted the help of his downtown friends to show off the the new duds. Included in the lookbook are Ryan Mcginley (above), Ear Snot, Dan Colen, and Telly from that movie Kids. More at Men.Style.Com
I caught this little blurb in Page Six yesterday "44-year-old supermodel Elle Macpherson is dating Vito Schnabel, the sexy 21-year-old art dealer son of acclaimed director Julian Schnabel." Fuck. Seriously, good for this kid. See the opportunities you are given when you are born into some type of celebrity household.
The new issue of The Journal is out on newsstands now. Issue 21 features Helmut Lang, Miranda July, Juergen Teller, Tomoo Gokita, Mark Borthwick, Beirut, Kenneth Cappello, Kon Trubkovitch, Kazumi Asamura, Julia Burlingham, Andrew Kuo, Tim Barber, Kathy Lo and others. As always it is an entertaining read.
Just as the Enablist did weeks ago, Shepard now advises you to buy a print by Cleon Peterson. Listen up, the man is that good and maybe if we are lucky he'll produce 5 more prints to mimic his installations.
Back to Shepard. Today is Super Tuesday, and for those who vote it is an important day. What will be interesting to gauge is how Obama will fair in California, the state where Shepard unleashed his poster campaign in support of the candidate. If only there was an exit poll asking if their vote was influenced by Shepard's poster. The tally would be something like, 18 - 42 year olds stated yes, while the geezers were still color blind. Whatever will be, will be.
Lot 29 Adam Neate (British, born 1988) 'The Apprentice', 2007 Estimate: £25,000 - 30,000
To critics this may seem like a glorified ebay auction, all familiar faces and names, works that we have seen before. The difference is that this auction is not taking place on the World Wide Web, but in physical space on February 5th, at Bonham's in London. Of the 75 lots up for sale, almost one-third (22) are attributed to Banksy. While the artist is represented by a couple stellar pieces, most have made their rounds in one form or another. But do not let the volume of work available by the living legend throw you off. There are also those other artists who have been unwillingly cast into cold reality of the Auction House. The most interesting lot in the auction at Bonham's may be no. 29 featuring Adam Neate (b. 1988), who still a teenager, is commanding a high estimate of £30,000 for his painting 'The Apprentice'. He is still a kid, and a highly regarded one at that.
What is missing from this auction are the Americans. Sure, Faile is here and there are a couple Harings thrown in for authenticity, but for the most part a lack of Americans. The place where this form of art was born, represented poorly. While this Auction is tagged The World's First Urban Art Auction, there is not much of the world here. And how does Murakami feel about being lumped into 'Urban Art'?
I remember seeing Emit's work alongside Gaze and sometimes Cycle down at AUP in Washington, D.C.. I always liked the IMOK (If Mother Only Knew) and SPORTS (Sick People Out Rockin' The Streets) crews and this was only reinforced the more I saw their work. Now I come to find out that Emit is no longer on the East Coast, residing presently in mile-high Denver. Over on Format's Blogs, Scribe does a nice little 3 question interview the man.
Banksy must have decided to leave the grey winter of London for a little vacation in Los Angeles. Over the past couple days some new pieces have popped up in the LA area. Only time will tell if the buff is as nice to him here as it is in England. a couple more after the jump.
No, thankfully not Obama, that would be weird. Banksy has agreed to donate an artwork to the Bid for Ken auction, supporting London Mayor Ken Livingston's bid for re-election.
The new issue of arkitip (no. 44) was produced on the occasion of the HIGHMATH exhibit which opens in Berlin at Pool Gallery tonight. The exhibit is a collaboration between the fellows at Arkitip and those at Wood Wood and has a stellar roster of artists featuring
Andrew Schoultz, Chris Lindig, Ed Templeton, Evan Hecox, Cody Hudson, CR Stecyk III, Eric Elms, Gary Benzel, Geoff McFetridge, Jo Jackson, José Parlá, Josh Petherick, Kaws, Killpixie, Michael Leon, Kevin Lyons, Michael Perry, Parra, Phil Frost, Perks, Peter Beste, Peter Sutherland, Richard Colman, Ryan Waller, Shepard Fairey, Todd St. John & Steven Harrington.
Opening tonight and running through February 23rd at Deitch Projects.
"The exhibition will include works that have a life of their own, transforming throughout the exhibition as viewers engage with them. Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far is timed to coincide with the release of a new book of the same title, which surveys Sagmeister’s illustrious career."
Sam Flores and Upper Playground come correct with a new version of Fatima, in both a purple dress and a blue dress. Limited to 300 pieces each, give it to your girl for her desk at work.
Opening its doors this evening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan is Sloan Fine Art. The first of two parts, the opening exhibition features the works of the Clayton Brothers, Vince Contarino, Nicholas Cope, Elizabeth McGrath, Kristen Schiele, Aaron Smith and Eric White. The reception takes place from 6 to 9 pm. See you there.
It has been a while since I checked up on David Choe's blog, and it shows. The blog has been re-skinned and updated like mad. Busy times for the busy artist who has a UK solo show opening up at Lazarides in mid to late February.
What's the old saying give me .... something and I will make a golden egg...? You know what I mean and so do these Brazilian graffiti artists who take advantage of the crumbling buildings around them to create amazing images that comment on their surroundings. For more images check out Fun Forever.
Chewing-gum (also known in Italian also as “American gum“), was introduced by American soldiers at the end of World War 2 together with jeans, nylon, stocking and boggie-woogie. Its association with a state of euphoria, change and carefree youthfulness somehow carried on in the following decades. Also for those born in the sixties as Maurizio Savini, chewing-gum is a tie with childhood and adolescence.
I tried to find out some more information on Maurizo, and the funny thing about the internet is that everything is the same,..."american gum....childhood...adolescence...". His work is amazingly time consuming, and eerie. For more pics of his sculptures check out Kanye West's Blog. BTW if you did not know, Kanye has a pretty nice collection of art.
"I believe with great conviction that Barack Obama should be the next President. I have been paying close attention to him since the Democratic convention in 2004. I feel that he is more a statesman than a politician. He was against the war when it was an unpopular position (and Hillary was for the war at that time), Obama is for energy and environmental conservation. He is for healthcare reform. Check him out for yourself www.barackobama.com. Proceeds from this print go to produce prints for a large statewide poster campaign."
Thanks.
-Shepard
Big Boy, 2007, 12" x 9", Pencil and Gouache on Bristol board
If there is one artist to watch from now through the rest of your life, consider Josh Keyes. In the spring of 2007, Oakland-based Keyes had a break out showing in a group exhibition, Stranger Than Fiction, at his San Francisco gallery, Hang Art. Since then his shows have sold out instantaneously. His most recent, a two man show with John Casey at Tag Art Gallery in Nashville, Tennessee is no exception. Funny thing, it has not even opened yet. February 2nd is the date listed when the public can legally and physically enter the gallery. Success has not come quick for Keyes, who has been showing since 1993, but now it is safe to say that he has arrived and will continue to amaze. After the jump, some highlights from his two man show.
In a time where it has become apparent that governmentally, things need to change, comes a competition that takes the idea to another level. The White House Redux is an "international call for ideas" to ask a simple question, "What if the White House, the ultimate architectural symbol of political power, were to be designed today?" What would it look like? More info on this project/competition here
Taryn Simon photographs some of the most top-secret, highly restricted areas in the world. Her latest book, An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar, took four years to assemble as the photographer gained access to research facilities and government offices hidden from the public. "I felt like I was discovering a new landscape in America, a new terrain, morally and politically," she said.
The book dives under the surface of society with images of decomposing bodies and radioactive waste, deadly viruses and an outdoor recreation area for death-row inmates. The result is an all-access pass into America's best-kept secrets.
Transatlantic Submarine Cables Reaching Land(pictured above).
These submarine telecommunication cables extend thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean before reaching this endpoint in Avon, New Jersey. They transmit as many as 60 million simultaneous conversations. "There's a humor because the cables are so important, yet they look so unguarded and unimportant," Simon said.
Photo: Taryn Simon, courtesy of Gagosian Gallery
Via Wired.com
You need to know who Christian Marclay is. Born in 1955 Marclacy is presently a visual artist and composer based in New York. Marclay is a former lecturer of video collage and sound at the European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland where he conducted a summer workshop.
Marclay's work explores connections between sound, photography, video, and film. A pioneer of using gramaphone records and turntables as musical instruments to create sound collage, critic Thom Jurek describes Marclay as perhaps the "unwitting inventor of turntablism." His own use of turntables and records, beginning in the mid-1970s, was developed independently of hip hop's use of the instrument, and though not well-known to mainstream audiences, Marclay has nonetheless been described as "the most influential [turntable] figure outside hip hop." Via Wikipeidia.
To celebrate the 50th birthday of Lego, the Independent gave a bucket of bricks to a slew of creative minds including Rankin, Trevor Beattie and Sir Paul Smith to see what they could come up with.
Our favorite contribution (quite predictably) comes from Peter Saville, who went the "chance-oriented" route and melted his box of bricks. The rest can be seen here.
Opening tonight in Los Angeles at Honor Fraser is a solo show by super talented and gorgeous Rosson Crow. Titled Night at The Palomino, the show consists of nine large scale paintings dripping with a dark richness. If you cannot make it tonight, the show is up for a while running through March 29th.
If you're on your way to Philly check out Mark Khaisman's Packing tap portraits at the Woodmere Art Museum. Opening January 27th.
The works of art are made out of translucent brown packing tape. By layering the tape on top of a sheets of Plexiglas, Mark Khaisman was able to craft these creations that look a lot like sepia-toned negatives.
Some portraits are more retro, and look as if they were inspired by images of people during the Second World War, while others are clearly modern photos of young girls posing for silly self-taken group portraits.
Khaisman was born in the Ukraine in 1958, studied Art and Architecture at the Moscow Architectural Institute and now lives and works in Philadelphia.
Opening to the public across the pond at The Leonard Street Gallery this Friday, Booby Trap is the first solo show in while for Brooklyn's Bast.
From the press release:
BAST combines the varied yet complimentary elements of pop-culture, political sarcasm, and a pinch of the Anarchist Punk movement with mixed media collage and silkscreen techniques to create boldly stylised and somewhat gritty images. His work appropriates this medley to convey his own interpretations of American life. Guns, grenades and Molotov cocktails are often waiting to be unleashed by a host of Disney and Warner Brothers' characters that use their weapons as carelessly as kids use water balloons, often asking the question, "What if cartoon characters ruled the world?"
Enjoy.
Opened at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art two days ago, Barry McGee's They Don't Make This Anymore is the artists first major solo exhibition in the UK. If anybody has pictures they want to share with us from this show that would be great!
From the press release:
"Barry McGee’s first major UK solo exhibition includes a selection of existing and new works in an installation created specifically for BALTIC’s Level 2 gallery. Rooted in the spontaneity and immediacy of graffiti culture, McGee’s direct approach considers both the melancholy and humour of life. Disrupting ideas of property, surveillance and control, his uncontained practice incorporates damaged surfaces, flash movies and hundreds of ‘tape’ paintings to question the privatisation of public space."
A smart, calculated art-business move. Julian Schnabel has developed a new series of large scale works that Larry Gagosian will show in Los Angeles, just in time for the Oscars.
For Original Fake's Spring/Summer line, Kaws reached out to Brooklyn Artist Mark Dean Veca. His interpretation of the chum reminds me of Jim Phillips designs for the Rob Roskopp decks of the late eighties.
A call to action this week from Shepard Fairey. Vote! is a screenprint measuring 24" x 36" in an edition of 350 and brings back the nice blue tones that occasionally appear in his prints. Apparently there was some manipulation of the checkout system last week, so to balance things out, the time and day of this drop is up in the air. Much the way our political and economic state is right now. Quite fitting.
Matt Leines is an extremely talented artist and I couldn't have been happier to find some images from his sketchbook on Book By Its Cover's Sketchbook series.
The whole Bono-fueled (RED) movement has finally made its way into the contemporary art world, and for this instance I couldn't be happier. Why? New Yorkers will finally have the chance to see three Banksy Masterpieces in the flesh. Included in the Sotheby's auction at Larry Gagosian's Chelsea digs, is the vandalized phone booth that Banksy installed on a street in the UK in 2005. If memory serves correct about this piece, an old lady remarked that crazy art students were always out of control. Another is a defaced Damien Hirst Pharmaceutical (spot) painting, tited 'KEEP IT SPOTLESS'. Expect this lot (34) to break any auction record Banksy bidders had set previously. The auction, which is on Valentines Day includes many other notable lots (veritably a who's who's of contemporary art), including Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Takashi Murakami, Andreas Gursky, Tim Noble & Sue Webster, and Marc Quinn. All very impressive and on view in early February.
...Really isn't faile at all. This is the art of Greg Gossel. Someone once said Imitation is the best form of flattery, but how flattering is it really for the flatterer?
Fuckin' Revs is elusive. His early graffiti career was accompanied by the moniker 'Revlon' and if you flip through the Spray Can Art you can see early examples of his work. In the middle nineties he cut his name down to Revs and bombarded NYC above ground with Cost and below ground with diatribes and confessions. Then, Revs went into hiding. When he resurfaced his work had evolved. Using construction grade steel he now does installation pieces, permanence in a temporary environment. Luckily for us, Jake Dobkin has been making a concerted effort to document all of Revs new work on Streetsy. Enjoy.
Opening this Saturday at Robert Berman in Los Angeles, Will Rise is a unique group show featuring members of the legendary L.A. graffiti crew AWR. Each of the eleven members (KRUSH, SKREW, SABER, PUSH, REVOK, ZES, RETNA, RIME, SEVER, EWOK, REYES) painted six, 4' x4' wood panels that will be displayed floor to ceiling. The show looks to be colorful and dope, so if you are in the Los Angeles area stop by.
A more informed rundown at the L.A. times, here
We just got this in from the creators of the Yo What Happened to Peace Show, opening this weekend in San Fransisco. And I know if you live in NYC you have seen these crazy Rambo heads everywhere. If you have not seen the trailer for the film check it here. Send us your Rambo alterations. Rambo comes out just in time to lift America's spirits.
On top a making incredible chandeliers, Adam Wallacavage takes some great portrait photographs. Available now through Community Outreach are an assortment of these portraits that are featured in their current show, 7 photographers. At $600 a piece, these unique photos of Shepard Fairey(above) and Steve Powers(below) would be a great addition to any wall or collection.
She's not a new name, but her work is pretty amazing. Check out the first installation of her interview on ART TALK onVBS.TV . It is a nice glimpse into the personality of Aurel Schmidt.
Today's print release, Peace Bomber, comes in three colorways, boosting your chance of obtaining one by a small percentage. A smart design by Shepard Fairey, one of these could feasibly makes its way into your grandmother's living room, next to all of the doilies. Didn't I read somewhere that Shepard was going to be taking some time off? The other colorways after the jump.
Adam and Ron is a tale of two artists (great friends, complete opposites), one gallerina, and a film crew. In this five part video/mockumentary, the camera follows Adam Krueger and Ron Beach Jr. as they prepare for a two man show, Better Version of Me, at the Canal Chapter in Lower Manhattan. As could be expected with two contrasting personalities, tensions run high as the date to open draws closer. Lives momentarily change. In a way, think of this as a much cooler version of the Fine Living Network's Opening Soon.
If you're like me and you have not bothered to go check out the New Museum yet, let me tell you it's ok. I made it there this weekend, and let's just say this grimy dollar bill is not worth the admission to go see "un-monumental". Wait, maybe I am wrong? Maybe it's that the name reflects the art so well that you find yourself saying, "you got to be kidding me." The only thing it has going for itself is the observation deck on the 7th floor. I guess plans for the balcony restaurant must have been nixed. I was very surprised at the amount of space actually dedicated to the art, at least for this show that's a good thing.
Oh and the really interesting thing is you can get a "artist membership" that cuts the members fee in half. All you need is a website that says you're an artist.
The Banksy Wall that went up for auction on ebay earlier this month has just sold for £208,100.00 or approximately $407,709.52. This just goes to show how far street art and capitalism have come. Not to be overlooked, the Middle East has gotten into the act by offering up this Banksy piece (below) from Palestine on ebay. Apparently, a palestinian and an israeli worked together in excavating this one. Isn't it nice to see cultures put their beef aside for the sake of money.
This weekend we were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to see a great show at Jonathan Levine Gallery in NYC. The group of works that stood out the most were the large pastel drawings of Chinese-born artist Xiaoqing Ding. Above is a piece, Little Drop of Poison, that measures 40” x 32” and is truly a sight in person. To buy this piece or to look at others available in the show, click here
The quilted one, Caroline Hwang, gets all snugly at Giant Robot San Francisco tomorrow night for her new show Salvage.
"Hwang's latest work integrates the craft aesthetic of quilting and sewing with nautical themes such as color-block flags. As the title implies, Salvage is about searching for something lost and preventing further loss in adverse circumstance: picking up the pieces--glimmers of hope, pieces of oneself--and starting anew."
Texas represent. Curated by Fecal Face impresario John Trippe, Gold Rush is a group exhibition featuring the likes of Josh Keyes, Aiyana Udesen, Kelsey Brookes, Anthony Lister, Jeremy Fish, and more. Okay Mountain is a swell gallery that brings culture to the state. On Fecal Face there is an abundance of mini interviews with the participating artists, so check it.
With so many great openings this weekend, I must warn you that there will be a flurry of these today.
Alex Lukas is one of my favorite artists. Luckily for the world, he is showing at White Walls in San Francisco with Chris Pew, and Amy Casey in an untitled show that opens this weekend. If you have some extra cheddar to throw around, I recommend this piece, which you will find after the jump
Due out this Spring with text by Carlo McCormick and Pushead, the book is 162 pages of Frosty goodness.
From the Italian publisher Damiani...
"the book Frost reconstructs the evolution of a graphic cipher rich in abbreviations, symbols and stylised logos that give this self taught artist’s works the primordial character of tribal articles. If it is true, as Phil Frost believes, “that within every person there is an indigenous expression of themselves,” his artistic action consists of “tattooing” the greatest possible number of surfaces, be they an old baseball bat or a girl’s skin"
Today's find on Etsy.com, Berkley Illustration. These little gems are Archival digital prints, for 7 bucks. I would like to see an original if I was going to buy one.
Metalosis Maligna is a fictitious documentary about a spectacular yet chronically disabling disease which affects patients who have been fitted with medical implants. Sourcing from such implants a wild metal growth ultimately transforms human patients into mechanical looking constructions.
By Floris Kaayk and Sil van der Woerd, Microbia.
Stepping into 2008, Shepard Fairey comes correct with this print of the Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry. This print is very crisp and back to a nice, stencilly propaganda style. Yes!
"Shepard was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic to do a piece of artwork for their Concrete Frequency Series. The print Shepard created is an image the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by Frank Gehry which is one of Los Angeles’ newest landmarks. For information about the Philharmonic, the Concrete Frequency Series, and Shepard’s involvement please visit, http://www.laphil.com ."
"Imagine a culture without copies because there are no originals. This is a reworking of two of the most imperative, if woefully underestimated questions of our era poised by Rosalind Krauss when she asked: ‘What would it look like not to repress the concept of the copy? What would it look like to produce a work that acted out of the discourse of reproductions without originals?’ Lascaux II provided an early draft of an answer, and now an online digital image of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper (1498) supplies another. On 29 October 2007, The Last Supper (1498)">a 16 billion pixel image of The Last Supper became available online. What’s the importance? The online version is 1,600 times more concentrated than an image taken with a typical 10 million pixel digital camera, meaning that it is literally more than the naked eye can see." excerpt from "15 Minutes" by Ronald Jones, Via Frieze. Read the rest of article at Frieze, and checkout The Last Super, here. BTW, the music on the Da Vinci page is a bit unnerving.
On newsstands now is the new issue of Swindle Magazine, featuring cover star Barry Mcgee, as well as Blu and Dalek. Go pick one up as soon as possible and enjoy the great interviews with the modern masters.
Well, we kind of slept on art openings last week and here is a show not to be missed now that it is already open. Poster Renaissance 2 featuring the print work of Shepard Fairey, Faile, Bast, Cleon Peterson and more. At New Image Art through February 2nd.
On the internet, Things grow old real fast, and old things become new just as fast. For example, sketches by Kurimoto Tanshuu done during the Edo period (1603-1868–the beginning of early, modern Japan). These sketches are as beautiful as they are odd and intricate. An early catalog of life in a unique style. For more images of Tanshuu's work check out the links at Pink Tentacle. The post is from 2006 but the drawing are even older.
Do you remember that scene in Children of Men where Clive Owen walks into the Palace of Fine Arts and there is a huge section of wall cut out with Banksy's Kissing Coppers on it? Well, things like this are slowly becoming a reality.
Up for auction on EBAY UK right now is a great Banksy piece that is still intact on a building. The cost of the auction does not include removal or delivery, but by the fact that there are already 9 bids totaling £200,000 this may set Banksy's auction record, at least his one on ebay.
You can find the auction here
And read more about this here
Checkout Vincent Skeltis. The Brooklyn-based photographer is set to release a book of photos -- Adolescence And The Virtues Of Maturity. Co-curated by Skeltis and Daniel Jackson of Surface2Air and Bblessing, the project features works by Studio Von Birken, Brendan Donnelly, Daniel Jackson, Danielle Levitt, Justine Parsons, Andrew H. Shirley, and Skeltis. An opening reception will be held 01.10.08 at Bblessing (181 Orchard St) at 8pm. RSVP to: rsvp@bblessing.com. Via This Heart On Fire
Available for just one moment is this print, Huahuapan de Leon (Blue), by a favorite artist, Swoon. All proceeds go to support various projects that Swoon is interested in. Not only does the money go to a great cause, but the piece is amazing as well.
Brooklyn-Based, international art duo Faile, have updated their website putting a cap on what was a breakout year. If you search closely, you will find the ability to download a couple of their fonts, plus a couple desktop backgrounds. In addition, there is an up to date archive of their work plus all of their gallery exhibitions to date. Enjoy!
Auction Saboteur is a website based out of England which is essentially a free art classified based on the honor system. It is a very noble idea as it connects buyers and sellers directly, cutting out any middleman fees. Relatively new, the site still has some kinks to work out (a currency converter is quite necessary), but the natural business element of free trade is there and that is what matters most.
Here it is.
Think of a message that you would want to be displayed in Palestine.
Pay this guy above 30 euros.
He paints the message as accurately as possible.
He sends you three pictures of it on the border wall via email.
Or, he can send it to your friend.
Tadow! Reach international markets easily.
The Annual All Star Hustlaz show opened at White Walls in San Francisco last week, among the standouts was this piece above, OG, by AJ Fosik. The sculpture is made out of enamel and wood and would hang perfectly on your wall, intimidating any intruder.
Dan Witz is probably the most painterly of any street artists. Working since the 1980's he is able render his subjects lifelike and place them in spots that could easily be overlooked. Some of his recent work reappropriates Do Not Enter signs with visual elements. Luckily, editions of these signs can now be yours for purchase through his website. A nice touch to any establishment.
Check out Swedish illustrator Mattias Adolfsson's, rendition of star wars the baroque version. There's Darth Vader, stormtrooper, and chewie and the gang.
Today's news is a contest of sorts. The info is below.
VISUAL definition is a contest to provoke creativity. OBEY challenges you to capture the essence of your favorite city, anywhere in the world, in a single photograph. Think of the sights that have influenced you to pick up a camera while prowling a city. The architecture of a building, the sights of a skyline, the street that has a favorite shop, the art that peels off a well weather wall, these are elements that evoke a feeling. It is this emotion that compels you to explore what more the city may have to offer. Show us what inspires you and we will reward the best results with prize packages from both OBEY and Karmaloop for the effort.
The grand prize submission will be offered as a printed, limited edition OBEY/Karmaloop t-shirt, along with a signed version of Supply and Demand, a limited OBEY signed print and an assortment of OBEY product.
On Creative Review's blog there is a post "The Bible According To Google Earth" which shows a "God’s Eye View" portraying "four key Biblical events as if captured by Google Earth." Some seriously great work done by the Glue Society for Pulse Art at early December's Miami Art Fairs. Moses parting the Red Sea, above.
A new Banksy print, Stop and Search, was released today to the internet saavy. Here is what the folks said about it on Santa's Ghetto,
"Banksy would doubtless have you believe this print is an ironic comment on the paranoid nature of our security-minded times. But seriously, how much is this guy courting the pink pound? It's got a man in uniform, latex & Dorothy herself all in one spanky package."
If you missed it you can find one on Ebay later today for roughly 4 times the original price.
The artist Cum* has updated their site with some new works ands news. They will be showing at Fifty24SF in a group show January 10th, 2008. Head on over to the site and have a gander at all that is Cum*. My favorite piece, Best Seller (above).
Check out Hiroki Otsuka's installation at the the newly designed Triple 5 Williamsburg retails store. I used to share a studio with Hiroki back in the StayGold days, his work is clean beautiful and sensual. The opening is is from 7-10pm tonight, 145 Bedford Avenue at 9th.
LOT 25 BANKSY, CUSTARDIZED OIL #3 est. 150,000—200,000 GBP, 27½ by 23 5/8 in, signed and dated 06 on the reverse, oil on printed canvas in artist's frame
Tomorrow afternoon at Sotheby's in London, artwork by "urban" artists whose names have been previously shadowed by the Banksy spotlight will be placed on the Auction Block. What is disturbing about the majority of this artwork is that it is relatively new, executed and sold earlier in 2007. Collectors, speculators, and dealers alike will be watching very closely to see if these lesser known artists whom they have come to obsess about are ready for the wide world of auctions. Also watching closely will be specialists at Bonham's Auction House who are staging the first ever auction totally dedicated to "Urban Art" this coming February. We know that Banksy has the legs and tomorrow we'll see if the bidding public thinks the same of his contemporaries.
Could this be the start of Shepard's weekly print drop hiatus? Or is it a blind drop? Let's hope for the former, the crew needs a break and I will still be able to find random things to keep you mildly amused. Like, Obey Women. They're fun for us all. If you are in real dire need of buying something today, my suggestion is after the jump.
On his blog, KAWS pointed us to newly opened online gallery/social networking/community site, Heywire Guild & Gallery. Nice Endorsement. The site has a welcoming design feel to it and a search function that gets all cosmic, filtering horoscope signs on top of the normal attributes. Have a look and join the community.
Mark Ryden has produced a new limited edition print with Pressure Printing. Titled "Madonna and Karl", the print is an intaglio print of Mark's drawing of the same name, Madonna and Karl. It is museum quality, mounted into a completely handmade and gilded, wooden frame.
Print Size: 5 1/2" x 6 1/2"
Frame Size: 10 1/4" x 16 3/4" x 1 3/4"
Edition Size: 40
This print edition is available only through Pressure Printing. Available now for $5000.00, limit one per order.
I would do this piece of dopeness a disservice if I described it any other way than it already is.
"This ring is 24k gold plated, and was made in a very small quantity in bali by my homie, chance. they are pretty big and fit an average size dude finger, roughly a size 8. If you have one of these you can instantly score with babes, and really do damage to someone if you punch them with it. "
Available at Umbrella Market
On his blog, David Choe gives us a glimpse into his new studio and some of the things he is working on in preparation for his upcoming show this February at Lazarides in London.
"The Woods, the Sea and Tea print", created by artist Sarah blank. Her work has a little Henri Rousseau feel to it, ("myself" portrait from 1890). She makes the work available for purchase in her Etsy store, and you can read her blog here.
This Friday at 7pm in Philadelphia, Space 1026 will hold their annual art auction. Participating artists include Katy Horan, Matt Leines, Alex Lukas, Shepard Fairey, Jim Houser, Adam Wallacavage, Andrew Jeffrey Wright, and more. What's really dope is the poster for the auction (above) which can be purchased as well. More info at Space 1026
I am unsure of when this book will be 'officially' released to the public, it is out, just very difficult to find. The cover is so crisp. Amazon it here.
Flickr user CheVali has some of the first pictures we have seen of the Santa's Ghetto show inside that former chicken shop in Manger Square, Bethlehem.
Have a Look
Following a great opening weekend, today Shepard Fairey releases a new print titled 'POW'. All proceeds from the print go to WitnessTorture.Org, which is the website for a campaign to shut down Guantanamo Bay.
Blu, Letter A, Installation with wall painted animation
Over the weekend a refreshing show opened at Jonathan Levine Gallery in NYC. The Streets of Europe is a six man show featuring some of the finest Street Art talent from the Old World. Three Italians (Blu, Microbo, Bo130), Two Frenchmen (Blek Le Rat, Space Invader) and one Brit (D*Face) each with a different style, crossover well to the stark, white walls of Levine's Chelsea digs. After the jump some highlights.
The "Banksy" show opened Saturday night at the Vanina Holasek Gallery to a suckfest of wanking Brits. The show consists of basically everything Banksy has released through Pictures on Walls in the past 3 years with a few originals of suspect origin thrown in for good (or bad) measure. Hosted by an aging kilt-clad English gentleman doing his best impersonation of Johnny Rotten, the prices were as ridiculous as the accents. A signed “Girl with Balloon” print was listed at 55k. Not to miss any angle to exploit profit from Banksy’s image, there were even t-shirts for sale at a “reasonable” $50; because, in the words of our snaggle-toothed host, “Nothing’s free." Nothing.... except for the 18 beers my roommate and I drank of yours. The evening wasn’t all money hungry Brits selling out their countrymen for a quick buck. The nether depths of the British ex-pat celebrity scene were also in attendance; and we drank in their glamour as voraciously as we imbibed our aluminum-bottled Budweiser’s. While rubbing shoulders (literally, the place was a friggin closet) with Soap Opera ingénue and star of the hit movie Aspen Extreme Finola Hughes, photographer Mick Rock uttered the line of the night to me, “It’s brass monkey outside tonight!”. I inquired, “What’s that mean Mick?” “It means it’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey!” Until next time, Gene P out.
Once again it is that time of year when for roughly three weeks Santa's Ghetto comes to life and art is sold to the public in a haphazard fashion. For the first time in its brief history, Santa's Ghetto is leaving the motherland for the climatic opposite, a former chicken shop in Bethlehem, Palestine. On top of setting up a stellar show featuring the likes of Banksy, Swoon, Ron English, Aiko, and more, the Artists will continue painting all along the border wall just as Banksy had done in 2005. This public artwork will be epic. The show will run through December 25th, with an online shop to satisfy those unable to make the trip. All proceeds go to the kids. Check their site daily as there will be updates.
It will be interesting to watch how this event plays out.
More info at Santa's Ghetto and a great article at the Times Online
While these are not all of the shows this month, this is what stands out. A Basel/Miami section is to come, but that is an entirely different matter. Too much good stuff.
Available now for your purchase is this gorgeous print by NY's favorite Street Artist Swoon. Coming in an edition of 150, Boy (Strong) is a 6 color print measuring around 12" x 43". Retailing at £350, it may seem steep, but well worth it
Installation by Hannes Broecker where museum goers are invited to pick up a glass and take a drink of a variety of cocktails in the container. (Via Neatorama)
Well, sort of. Opening this Sunday at the Vanina Holasek Gallery in New York is Banksy Does New York. Following in the wake of Andipa in London, the work in the show has been sourced from private collections and will be available to collectors at a premium. Just in time for investment bankers holiday bonuses. The show runs through December 29th.
As we previously mentioned over the holiday weekend, Steve Powers opened up a new exhibit this past Friday at the v1 Gallery in Copenhagen, Denmark. The following are highlights from the show. For more information contact elg@v1gallery.com
Today, Shepard Fairey releases Kiss Me Deadly to the world. Coming off in two colorways, the prints title is rumored to reference the Generation X album of the same name. Whatever the case, it will be gone in a heartbeat. On a side note, check out this Australian student's visual thesis (below).
This February, Bonham's Fine Art Auctioneers in London will hold the world's first auction devoted entirely to street art. While street art is nothing new, in the past year works from street artists have been seeping into auction houses and performing extremely well. Coming up this December, Sotheby's in London will have a section of their auction devoted to street art, but nothing in comparison to Bonham's. 100 works from the likes of Swoon, Shepard Fairey, Faile, Banksy, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat will be put on the block. Exciting for sure, this auction will definitely gauge whether or not this genre of art has the legs to be more than just a flash in the pan. Luckily, estimates are not creeping too high which gives the art a chance to break records.
Thanks to admonkey,thegiant.org moderator for bringing this to light
via, the times online
Opening tonight and running through December 21st, Steve Powers (Espo), Sleep and Repeat at V1 Gallery in Copenhagen Denmark. This is his first European solo show and comes directly after his first museum show at Pafa this past October. A busy month for Mr. Powers. Full press release after the jump.
If you do not know about her already, check out this month's Hi Fructose vol 6. interview with Marion Peck. Amazing, beautiful, and surreal work, that is disturbing and inviting at the same time.
Dan Hillier's Cthuloid drawings sport engraved Victorian gentlemen and ladies who are magically twisting into tentacled horrors. I just bought this one from the artist himself at a market stall in London's Brick Lane, and it's proudly hanging on my wall. I'm restraining myself (just barely) from buying more. (Via Boing Boing)
Blame this Tuesday's post on the Fox News Channel. Shepard will be releasing a pair of prints next week in anticipation of his Imperfect Union show coming up December 1st, but this will be covered later. After looking through a retrospective of all of his works to date, the Fear Bush 2 print (above) made in 2003, is still his most emotionally driven work of attack. Bush as Hitler, with the clever phrase at the bottom. Classic.
Available today at Target Stores nationwide are Limited Edition Beach towels by the likes of Jeff Koons, Kehinde Wiley, Cindy Sherman, and Elizabeth Peyton. These towels were concieved by the Non-Profit Art Production Fund and can also be purchased online at Works on Whatever. The towels are huge 60" x 70" so you could feasibly get them signed and hang them in your dwelling. Now you can be visually high-class either poolside, beachside, or coming out of your dirty bathroom.
ESPO keeps popping up everywhere, this time on the cover of the December issue of Juxtapoz. The article on the man is spot on, and guides the reader through the wild personality who was born with the name Stephen Powers. On newsstands now.
jeff koons inflation at macy's thanksgiving parade
This Thanksgiving on the balmy streets of New York, the artist Jeff Koons will have a balloon based on the rabbit sculpture above flying in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Yup, that's about it.
Now that Swindle has their archives up on the internet, you can dig around through their earlier issues and uncover some great features that may have escaped you previously. Like this interview with Swoon by Marc Schiller of Wooster Collective. Probably the greatest interview with her I have ever read.
If you are in NY on November 15th, start your night off by attending this nice collabo between Chris Yormick (Rust), Swindle Magazine, and W Hotel. The opening reception is between 7 and 9pm at the W hotel in Times Square. More info here, and here
After a two week hiatus from a print release, Shepard returns to action with a release limited to 100 out of an edition of 400 featuring the work he did for Led Zeppelin's new album Mothership. More interesting to me is the commercial (above) which features Shepard's work coming to life. The print is after the jump.
A computer technician claims to have discovered a real da Vinci code after finding music hidden in Leonardo's masterpiece, The Last Supper.
Giovanni Maria Pala said that the hands of Jesus and the Apostles, and the loaves of bread in the picture each represented a note, which formed a 40-second composition.
He made the discovery after superimposing a stave - the five lines used in sheet music - on the painting. The composition emerges when the "notes" are read right to left, following Leonardo's own technique.
Mr Pala, who will publish his findings in a book next week, said: "It sounded really solemn, almost like a requiem."
Alessandro Vezzosi, of Tuscany's Leonardo museum, said the theory was "plausible", but added: "There's always a risk of seeing something that is not there, but it's certain that the spaces [in the painting] are divided harmonically.
"Where you have harmonic proportions, you can find music."
(via the telegraph)
A Taste of Seduction, Acrylic & Silkscreen on paper, 9 x 12 Inches
As we previously mentioned, today begins the five day viewing of Faile work that will be available through a lottery. The majority of the work being offered are "originals" with a couple prints thrown in the mix as well. If you decide to enter the lottery, here are the works which I recommend you choose.
For 2007, the artist SkullPhone has come out with some great ornaments featuring his signature Skull with a phone. Handblown glass and measuring 4" tall the ornament comes in varying colors and textures and can be purchased through his site for $32.
Starting November 12th and running through the 16th, Brooklyn-based artist collective Faile will be holding a lottery to secure the ability to purchase work directly from them. Talk about demand!
"You will be able to enter the lottery at any time during these 5 days. The lottery will randomly generate a "winner / winners" and those people will be notified through the email entered in the lottery site on Nov. 20th."
If you like their work and feel good about playing the lotto then do it.
Steve Powers is one of our favorite artists ever, so we were ecstatic to get some great images of his 8 day week installation that is currently part of his The Magic Word show at Pafa right now. Enjoy!
Artist/illustrator Kerry Roper created this Ltd. edition Giclee print on 350g acid free fine art paper signed and editioned by the artist. Edition of 100. Buy now from 4wall.
Not only is Kaws talented with traditional mediums, he is also very apt at making plates of food into something special. As a reader of his blog, I have always been drawn towards his Art of Grub. Now you can be too.
Threadless.com was first a design house then a online t-shirt retailer. Next under 30 millionaires. Now...a brick and mortar store and gallery. November 9th marks the opening of Chuck Anderson (aka Nopattern). For his first solo show in Chicago, Chuck is showing both a collection of brand new original work, as well as a sampling of past commercial works. Chuck will be on hand for the opening celebration, and an exclusive reprint (in new colors) of his Select shirt will be available during the length of the show.
Nineteeneightyfouria was a resounding success. According to sources it is all sold out, creating more demand on the little island with the big currency. While Shepard continues preparation for his upcoming show at Merry Karnowsky in December, here is a little media recap of the past events.
Paul McCarthy will be delivering something a little sweet to New York for the Holidays. Opening November 15th at Maccarone, McCarthy will transform the 6000 sq. ft gallery space into a fully functioning chocolate factory and retail area, under the name Peter Paul Chocolates. Available for purchase will be chocolate Santa's based off of his sculpture of a Santa holding what appears to be a butt-plug. These Chocolates will be available for $100 through December 24th.
Now that the Ignite What's Next has ended, the folks at Upper Playground have put together a nice recap of some of the art produced by the crew of Saber, David Choe, and Retna.
If Hieronymus Bosh were alive today he would be hanging out with this guy. The art of Kris Kuksi falls in that category: wildly unpredictable and rich creations, ominous in their very amount of detail, often "unspeakable" in a very Lovecraft-ian way, pregnant with the idea that perhaps the world is more twisted than most artists care to admit. Read more from the interview with the artist at dark roasted blend
How do you know that Shepard Fairey & co. have really been in London, by the takeover on the streets. I believe banksy said it best, "If Shepard Fairey comes to your town, every single graffiti writer gets uptight. We don't like Shepard because he makes us feel scared and lazy. I am absolutely positive he has made more reaches than any graffiti writer in history ever has done or ever will. And that means he's won."
With that being said, ashes57 has hooked us up with some great shots of Shepard in action. Thanks Delphine!
Going to LA? Live in LA? Check out the Art Army Young Guns show December 8, 2007. 6-10pm. Copro/Nason Gallery. Bergamot Station, Santa Monica, CA
The Art Army returns to L.A! with all-new renditions of low-brow superstars, underground heavyweights, and some L.A. art darlings.
New 10″ editions of artists such as Audrey Kawasaki, Travis Louie, Jeremy Fish, CRAOLA, Chet Zar, Kathy Olivas, Amy Sol, and Friends The small, circus creature sculptures will be installed in a carnival-curio-shop-like atmosphere in the gallery.
Through the Gothamist comes this report about the arrest of street/sidewalk chalk artist Ellis G, for what else? Writing on the sidewalk in chalk. Lame. photobymatt
Os Gemeos, The flowers in this garden were planted by my grandparents, November 17 - January 6, 2008, Museum Het Domein, Sittard
With the Art Season rolling full speed ahead, here is a taste of what The Enablist is into this November. Outstanding shows again! May your pockets be fat and energy high. A four part series
Normally I would not do this, as some things I like to keep to myself. But, the mood is good today. Aurel Schmidt is an amazing Canadian-born artist living in NYC. She is kind of hot and her work is ridiculously dope. SuperTouch just put together a nice little spread on her, so you can familiarize yourself. She just had a great show, Burnouts, that was a one night happening at one of the Deitch Projects directors places. Anyway, for an affordable $30, this signed poster can be yours. Pick up a copy of her book while you are at it.
The Telegraph has a moderately interesting article on the street art market and how it is blowing up. So much so, that Sotheby's in London is dedicating an entire section of its December 12th Contemporary auction to Street Art.
I guess it is time to turn off my inner voices that keep telling me to doubt, and just embrace the success of the artists that I have watched go from unknown to mildly famous in some circles. I just hope that the 'street' artists do not lose the sight of what made them initially identifiable, which after all was the street.
And as far as the "next Banksy" goes, I don't think you will be able to find them until after 2012, and certainly not in the street.
MLK, Spray Painted Stencil and Mixed Media on Cotton Rag Paper, 30" x 44"
Opening to the world at Stolen Space in London, England on November 2nd, 2007, Shepard Fairey's Nineteeneightfouria will be an outstanding continuation of his blockbuster E Pluribus Venom show. Here are some picks of the litter, one piece from each of his six various mediums. As always, a jpeg never does a piece of art justice, so make it over to London and see this show, it will be amazing.
A new kinetic sculpture by David Ellis debuted at the current installation show 'Heap' in London. From the outside, the sculpture resemebles a human crouched on their knees. However on the inside, which on first glance seems like a storage space, Trash and cans come alive.
WallCandy has a great in-depth slideshow of the show through all stages of the installation. More photos here
Opening tonight in London at Black Rat Press is Heap. Starring Swoon, David Ellis, and Monica Canilao, the show will be a standout on the tiny island with the big currency.
Only fitting that one the world's most intriguing street artists, Neckface, has a show, Closed Casket opening up on Halloween at Dactyl in NYC. more after the jump
There has been this art tour, Ignite What's Next, (sponsored by faves Upper Playground and Juxtapoz with Sparks as well) that has been going on for quite some time. Due to the extent of the tour I lacked a post. However when I read the crew (Saber, David Choe, and Retna) did a stop in my native D.C., I thought it was time to give a shout. Really I just wanted to post this photo of the artists in front of the old Murder Capital's Capitol.
Artist, Susan Elliot created "Made in Britian ll" for the Affordable Art Fair. Oh how we love to bash Damian.... Read more about the tank here. Will this be available by christmas?
While the hammer has not hit on all pieces just yet at Bonham's, Banksy is still killing estimates.
There has been speculation on the sheer quickness that his market increased in the recent year. Though I would have normally agreed with the naysayer's , I can no longer agree. I am sold on the market value of a Banksy piece. From what I can date, Banksy became an international commodity after U.S. Esquire featured him in the genius issue, December 2005. His work was solid in these days prior to the article, just more genuine. And these are the pieces that are doing well because they are the most scarce. The pieces that people bought because they liked them, and there was thought behind them. Not the pieces that you had to buy, because it was Banksy, and there was a buck to be made.
Earlier this month we brought you a preview of some standout art openings this October. One of these was Steve Power's, The Magic Word which opened last saturday in Philadelphia. While we do not have a photographer yet to make it to all the shows, the internet does. Derek Inhat photographed and contributed a nice little read up to Juxtapoz about the event
Sebastian Errazuriz, artist designer tv-host, and curator, sets his sights on world domination. Sebastian's design work is fetching up-to $17,000 at Sotherby's and his art/design recently exhibited at Art Basel this past June, was so successful that his dealer was turning down requests. To learn more about S.E. check out his site.
While there is a large format print releasing today, it is of no interest to me so I'll spare you the details on the front page. What is of interest are these photos of Shepard last week, preparing to invade that little island with the big currency. Above is a shot of the piece and below is the scale of it. I really dig the big brother stuff, since it is quite telling of our future. If you want to see today's print release, it is after the jump. For more photos of Shepard in action, click here
Last week we brought you a preview of Mark Dean Veca's new show Imbroglio at Jonathan Levine. George Koroneos took some great photos of the opening for Juxtapoz. You can see them here
Check out the editorial on Alexandre Farto in the online magazine You-Mag edition 4 (Portuguese required) if you do not speak the language check out an old story on Wooster Collective about the artist. You can also see some of his work here.
I have always been fascinated with the work of Charles Krafft. Available today for your purchase is this hand-painted porcelain Artists Rifles Uzi. At $1800 USD it is a surefire deal.
Opening this Saturday at Jonathan Levine is an outstanding show, Imbroglio, by Mark Dean Veca. Here is a sneak peek at some of the 17 paintings you will see.
On the verge of an epic european show in London, Shepard today drops Panther Power. The image reminds me of the bikinied chick from Live or Let Die, but she has a turtleneck on. Maybe it was cold.
What a year this has been for Brooklyn's Faile. These two pieces, SAVAGE WORLD LONDON STENCIL and STUDIO B TEST IN BLACK IN BLUE #3, were brought to auction at Sotheby's by dealer Steve Lazarides and conveniently sandwiched between a couple Banksy's. Savage World London Stencil beat its high estimate of £8,000, with a hammer price w/ premium of £36,500. Studio B Test in Black in Blue beat its high estimate of £10,000, with a hammer price w/ premium of £38,900.
Takashi Murakami's Retrospective at the L.A's Museum of Contemporary Art opens October 29th and runs through November 15th. The Retrospective will also include a room filled with the line of Louis Vuitton accessories he collaborated on. Will you see his collaboration with Supreme? Only time will tell.
Last night, I had the privilege to visit the studio of Ghada Amer. While I had only been aware of her large, stitched canvasses, Ghada was generous enough to show some of the installation work she had done in the past. Most interesting were all of the garden's she has designed. Above is the Ying-Yang Garden, installed at the 2005 Venice Biennale.
This exciting new book published by Gingko Press is available for pre-order from Amazon
From the publisher...
E Pluribus Venom collects a large body of work produced by Shepard Fairey and presented at the Jonathan Levine gallery during his massive exhibition in the summer of 2007. Serving as more than just an exhibition catalog, this book expounds upon themes presented in the show. The title E Pluribus Venom which translates Out of many, poison is derived from E Pluribus Unum (out of many, one) an early motto adopted by the U.S. Government which appears on U.S. currency. The artist s thesis is that many becoming one, or a loss of power and influence of the individual in favor of homogeny is a symptom of a society in decline. E Pluribus Venom is comprised of artworks designed to question the symbols and methods of the American machine and American dream and also celebrate those who oppose blind nationalism and war. Some of Fairey s works use currency motifs or a Norman Rockwell aesthetic to employ the graphic language of the subjects they critique. Other works use a blend of Art Nouveau, hippie, and revolutionary propaganda styles to celebrate subjects advocating peace.
BALLOON GIRL (DIPTYCH) LOT 128 estimate 25,000 - 30,000 GBP
Starting this Friday at 2pm (EST) , 8 original pieces of Banksy's work will go on the Auction Block at Sotheby's in London. A lot of eyes will be paying attention. Here they are.
I am glad I found out about Shriiimp, it combines two of my favorite things, graffiti and women. I spent about an hour on this site when I first discovered it, I recommend you do the same.
Chuck Close has an opening tomorrow night, Family and Others, at London's prestigious White Cube. His 7' x 9' portrait study of Bill Clinton will be unveiled to the public as well. Men's Vogue sat down with the artist prior to this great event. My favorite quote by Close, "But I never wanted to work for a living, and if it's a commission, it's like I'm working for somebody else and it's not my painting. I just never like to feel that way."
Todays release, Commanda, is a classic portrait of what is said to be Shepards wife, Amanda. Holding the spraycan as a partner in crime, the veiled woman is ready to catch a left-handed tag.
Paper Monster is a new print shop based in Brooklyn that has opened on the internet. The set-up is similar to POW (in more ways than one), as each addition has both signed and un-signed prints. Have a gander at the Swoon and Judith Supine prints. So nice
Over the weekend the enablist had the pleasure of being in Los Angeles. Moments before the departing flight back east, I was able to stop by an incredible exhibit at REDCAT in the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. The exhibit to speak of was, Advanced Mature Work, by Modern Art master, Barry Mcgee. If you live anywhere within a 200 mile radius, go see it. So dope.
“The Third Bridge” is an artwork in fiber optics by Osman Akan. This piece will be installed on the waterfront in the Brooklyn Bridge Park near the Manhattan Bridge from October 14, 2007 to January 14, 2008. Osman Akan was born on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, he has lived and worked in the United States since 1995. Trained as a new media artist, "The Third Bridge" is Dumbo Art Center’s first solo commission and the pilot in a developing series, titled “Outer Space.”
Garnering great interest, Josh Keyes' new exhibition Surface Tension—which opens at Hang Art in San Francisco—is an exploration into " the shrinking surface of ice that the polar bears roam on, but also the political and ecological tension on the surface of the Earth." The paintings, in classic Keyes form are hyper-real with stark white backgrounds. If you are in San Francisco between October 4th and October 31st, this is a must see. More images after the jump.
With the Art Season rolling in full speed ahead, here is a taste of what The Enablist is into. So many awesome shows! May your pockets be fat and energy high. A four part series.
Sifting through some stuff over the weekend, I came across a series of envelopes from one of my old graff mentors, Sope (RIP). This is from 1994 when him, Jase, Neon, and Zombie hit some trains from the Golden Gate Railroad Museum. If you would like a full scan of the article, email me. More after the jump.
I remember seeing these paintings in the background of a post on kaws' blog on honeyee. It turns out that the Peyo-tribute Smurf paintings were commissioned by none other than Pharrell Williams of Neptunes fame for his Miami apartment. It is nice to see that smart rap stars invest in, and appreciate quality art (Kanye too). More pics after the jump. via, highsnobiety from BBC
Through KR's blog on 12oz Prophet, I was directed to this incredible set of photographs documenting PIXAÇÃO writers in action in Sao Paolo. So Dope. via kr, via brokeyaneck
Opening tonight In Philadelphia is Greetings From the Loin. Featuring Mike Giant, Curve One, and BigFoot, the show looks great and in addition to the art there will live painting by Bigfoot and a sneaker auction. It all happens at Jinxed Clothing. Some pics after the jump
In Coney, it's a fine line between artist and carny, but the
distinction is clear: Artists apply for grants, carnys sell them 3
tries for 2 dollars. At the sign shop, we made no such judgement, our
last commission sums up our ethos:
JEMS CONEY ISLAND - FREESTYLE CDs AND BETTY BOOP COLLECTIBLES. Painting
that sign is God's work, we are just his/her servants. Besides great
clients, working in Coney has had amazing benefits; They know us at
Totonnos Pizza and the Wonder Wheel, and SPO has the #3 score on the
Monopoly pinball machine at Faber's Fascination. Still, we've been
Sugar Mountaineers long enough, its time to go home, back to where we
came from, that little island called Manhattan.
First, Jill Greenberg took amazing portraits of monkeys. From these pictures blossomed a book, Monkey Portraits. Greenberg has now outdone herself by capturing live bears in her latest line of work. The quiet deadly monsters look plush and playful in their portraits. I hope that this too is made into a book.
I remember the first time I encountered a bottle of Carlo Rossi, I was 19 years old at a ghetto liquor store named Tick-Tock. After the first jug was bought, my friends and I created a game called "Jugs", wherein the jug was passed around in a circle, if you slept on it you were called Milk Maid and forced to chug. Those were the days, when blue tooth was what you got the morning after a bout with the vino.
Fast-forward to now, where Carlo Rossi actually has a marketing campaign. The idea behind it is to "make something", and the concept is totally cool. At first I was hesitant, but after visiting their website I was sold. What do you do with that empty jug? Make something. Pictured above is the Chardonnay Chandelier, one of five different pieces you can download specs from on the site. You can also submit your own designs to the Rossi team. A D.I.Y. / I.D. challenge to say the least. Drink up and re-use, good for the earth and great for the buzz. See the other pieces after the jump and visit Carlo Rossi for more.
The first time I encountered Jen Stark's Coriolis Effect sculpture was at the Riviera Gallery in Brooklyn. Now this piece is once again included in a solo show of hers at the Heaven Gallery in Chicago. 12" x 12" using many layers of colorful card stock, the piece is amazing. Only $1200 too. Wired has a nice write-up on her as well.
Inside Design, the yearly design route through Amsterdam, this year has its base camp at the Westergas Terrein, with new design on locations throughout town. The Cultural Embassy invited a host of young professional and student designers to come up with design responses to the cultural heritage of Lloyd Hotel. On show is new work by Kiki van Eijk, who designed a room, 'viders' by Mark-Jan Meerdink for Minoldi, a sturdy outdoor bench by Wim Poppinga, an installation by Claire Fons, and lovely work by 15 students of the Sandberg Institute.
On the third platform you can find a cherry tree wood has sprung up. In it hides a big black bear.
The Event will be up until September 30th, so stop by The Grey Area and then check out some art.
Coming correct for the last print release of September, Fiend Rocker comes in two colorways, yellow and black. Andre loses his flesh and gains an Kutcher-like mop, all while holding coked-out Glam rock down. Same time, same place.
YO! WHAT HAPPENED TO PEACE? BOOK
This book catalogs the 220+ handcrafted anti-war and pro-peace prints by 120+ artists that have come to define the touring Yo! What Happened to Peace? poster exhibition.
Featuring 144 pages of color images with an introduction by punk art legend Winston Smith. Printed in Italy with a special die-cut embossed stencil cover.
Edited by artist and curator John Carr, the book includes work by Ames Bros., Chaz Bojorquez, Robbie Conal, 3D, Eric Drooker, Emek, Shepard Fairey/OBEY, Karen Fiorito, Firehouse, Brandy Flower, Forkscrew Graphics, Futura, Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca, JK5, Kayrock & Wolfy, Josh MacPhee, Mear One, Favianna Rodriguez, Seripop, Yuri Shimojo, Winston Smith, Seth Tobocman, Mark Vallen, Voodoo Catbox and MANY others.
The Yo! show had its beginnings in 2002 during the march to war in Iraq. Starting originally with 14 posters, it has since grown into an international exhibition, featuring work from a growing roster of over 130 artists. Past shows have included Tokyo, San Francisco, New York, Milan, Rejkyavik, Washington D.C., Boston and Chicago. The book is a complete companion catalog to the stunning exhibitions! buy it now!
Also just launched Yo Depot,The site is dedicated to representing art for peace, love, resistance and transformation. They publish and acquire the best limited edition peace posters, anti-war posters, fine art prints, posters, paintings, art objects, books, and more. Proud home of Yo! What Happened to Peace? show prints, books and merchandise. Yo Depot features Rare print by 3D a.k.a. Robert Del Naja of the band Massive Attack. 5 color serigraph on heavyweight 100% cotton archival paper with 3 torn/deckled edges. Artwork originally created for the cover of U.N.K.L.E.'s "War Stories".
A must have, check out originalfake.com for this little gem that is available this Friday the 29th. If you're in Japan, stop by Original Fake in Aoyama and try to get your hands on one. Kaws and George, a perfect combination.
If you are in the City of Angels tonight, stop by the opening of Dash Snow's first LA solo exhibition GOD SPOILED A PERFECT ASSHOLE WHEN HE PUT TEETH IN YER MOUTH at Peres Projects. Another creative title, the show closes on November 10th.
Supertouch has a great piece on the state of of affairs in Los Angeles, concerning the London cash machine and quick rise of Lazarides-represented artists. (photo courtesy of supertouch)
For reasons unknown this piece, Mask 6, by Tiffany Bozic sits in the backroom of Blk/Mrkt Gallery. While the piece is a departure from her Audobonesque works, the entire series of Masks stem directly from the period of time that she spent traveling about and studying in Papa New Guinea. I saw these in person and at a size of 41 x 29 inches, the white watercolor pencil and gouache on black paper is stunning. Even more, the price tag. More info at Blk/Mrkt Gallery. And a great interview with her at FecalFace
Opening tonight at Higher Pictures, near the nosebleeds of Manhattan, is an untitled solo exhibition by Serbian transplant Boogie. His photographs are striking in black and white, capturing so closely a side of life that is so far away. If you are unable to make it tonight, the exhibition runs until October 20th.
An interesting one this week. The zeppelin looks to be in the same style as the one used for the cover that Shepard did for Led Zeppelin's new album, Mothership (image after the jump). Same time, same place
If I had a plane ticket and a couple days off, I would show up in San Francisco for this opening party of Greg Lamarche's work at the W hotel's White Space. Sponsored by Swindle, the event will have all the makings of an epic evening in a spectacular setting. If you are in SF on Wednesday stop by between 7 and 9pm. The exhibition itself runs through October 15th. rsvp@swindlemagazine.com
The place to be tonight is at the Seventh Regiment Armory where invitees will view "Greeting Card," a performance piece / action painting homage to Jackson Pollack, conceived by the artist Aaron Young. In Brief the NYTimes reports that "10 motorcycle stunt riders wearing sunglasses will ride for seven minutes on 288 panels of painted plywood covering the drill hall floor as 500 invited guests, including members of Hells Angels, watch from the bleachers above."
So speculations can be put to rest, now that those new street paintings have been confirmed as legitimate Banksy's by the man himself. On top of the outdoor update, there is some new stuff in the shop as well as the drawing section. Enjoy! via, juxtapoz
The new issue of the journal is now out on magazine racks. Issue 20 has some pretty nice features, the highlight being a spread curated by Kathy Grayson titled "salon" which features works by Barry McGee, Aurel Schmidt, Taylor McKimens, Matt Leines, Andrew Jeffrey Wright and more. At only $10 it is an easy sell. If you subscribe, each issue comes with a Limited Edition print, this issues print being by the father of modern skateboarding, Mark Gonzales
I just received a new zine in the mail from Kelsey Brookes. Your Terrible Certainty is the fourth installment of the Aqua Boogie series. The 24 page zine has some great drawings in it and as the San Diego-based artist puts it "is absolutely guaranteed to disappoint." It measures 4.25" x 5" and is in a signed and numbered edition of 200. For $5, you cannot do any better. More pics after the jump
Sorry for sleeping, but I just woke up. Today Shepard comes back to life with a duo of gorgeous prints titled 'Afrocentric'. Channeling the vibe of the 60's with a power to the people message, as of a minute ago you could still buy it.
Armsrock is originally from Denmark, but has been working out of Germany for a couple years. His work on the street is delicate and reminiscent of Swoon. Available now through Black Rat Press is a gorgeous print titled 'Hold what you can (because these are lost times)' in a signed edition of 45, measuring 14" x 43". If you like the print, but cannot cough up the cheddar there is a book, "All My Friends Are Made Of Paper" - A Survey of The Work of Armsrock" available through Wooster Collective for $25
So after much delay, I finally purchased the book Young, Sleek, And Full of Hell. 10 Years of the Alleged Gallery. I really recommend picking up a copy if you don't have one. This post is about Aaron Rose, the man behind the gallery. I came across a self portrait blog of his and thought if you didn't already know what he looked like, you can now see what he looked like every day, back until June 1st 2007. The man has a lot of different clothes.
This past Saturday saw the Art Parade take over West Broadway in Manhattan for about an hour. The best photos I have found so far are from IanWhalen on flickr. My favorite of them all was the Siamese Rapunzel that strolled carefully down the parade route.
Jonathan LeVine Gallery is proud to announce Storm Clouds, a solo exhibit of new works by Jeff Soto and the artist’s second major show at the gallery. Storm Clouds, features over thirty new works on wood panel and paper, as well as large-scale installations that will focus on the theme of politics, fear, and fatherhood. Storm Clouds is Jeff Soto’s most politically charged exhibition to date. Opening Reception: Saturday, September 8, 7pm - 9pm
With the Art Season rolling in full speed ahead, here is a taste of what The Enablist is into. So many awesome shows! May your pockets be fat and energy tweaked. A four part series.
Without a doubt his sickest body of work to date, Richard Colman presents 'The Ghost' at White Walls Gallery in San Francisco. Opening this Saturday, I will let his imagination do the work, because my words cannot justify the quality of these pieces. If you have not picked up his first monograph, buy the good version here. After the jump, a sneak peek.....
***Update***A Real x Shepard Fairey skateboard deck, signed & numbered edition of 500 was released today. pic after jump. Read on.........
Being that no print/art object is being released today (you can still get the proud parents offset!), I bring to light a show titled 'One Man Army' that is taking place at the Toyroom Gallery in Sacramento, California. There is no new work involved, and the concept is actually a retrospective of Shepard's work up until now. Opening September 15th, the show looks to be great and is featured in our fall preview which rolls out very soon. Info here
In a sale that many thought would never happen, Damien Hirst has sold his diamond encrusted skull titled 'For the Love of God' to an investment group for $100 million. An interesting investment, indeed. via, bloomberg
Brooklyn's Faile had an ambitious afternoon of sales Tuesday. By the sheer volume of material that the artists produced for this event, you wonder when they have time to sleep. Now, a quick recap of the top pieces you may have missed out on.
A must have! Brian Morris reveals the hand-painted-proto of "Brother", from his
upcoming The Family bust series coming from Squibbles Ink. The Family features 6 different 5"-er mini-busts (presumably of a family-structure) with Brian's by-now signature detailed-artwork/style, with the busts sculpted by Joe Somers.
The Collection is inspired by "'found' thrift store ceramic busts". "The Family", is scheduled for a fall/winter release. Brian also will have a show "Practise Makes Perfect"-in October. Read an interview with Brian Morris on VinylPulse.
QBN is proud to present, QBN Sessions. A design lecture with an incredible lineup at LA's most breathtaking venue imaginable. A full day of creative inspiration and discussion followed by cocktails and music with sensational views of the city lights below.
speakers include:
Shepard Fairey
Joshua Davis
Phunk Studio
Michael C. Place
Matt Owens & Mark Owens
Michael Muller
The Mill
Brooklyn's Bast opened a solo show 'Devilwood' at New Image Art in Los Angeles this past Saturday. The work is definitely out of sight and mind, so if you have the chance to stop by, do so. Highlights after the jump.
I am glad to see that Swindle has started to put some of their back content online. One feature in particular is this interview with Banksy published to coincide with his Barely legal Show in Los Angeles last year.
If like most of the world you were unable to buy a piece from Ian Francis' sold out show at Blk/Mrkt Gallery, don't despair. For a limited time, 4 giclee prints in editions of 25 will be available through the gallery. Get them quick, here
We missed this one last week from SuperTouch, 2007 marks the thirty year anniversary of one of punk rock’s most celebrated landmarks, the release of the Sex Pistols’ debut album, “Never Mind the Bollocks…,” and artist Jamie Reid’s equally legendary and (at the time) incendiary imagery that accompanied it. London’s BARBICAN CENTRE has staged what could best be described as a lopsided retrospective of art in the era of Punk, “Panic Attack!: Art in the Punk Years.” Make no mistake, this is not a show OF punk artists but rather an exhibit exploring artists working IN and AROUND the era of punk in the late 1970s and early ’80s in Britain and the United States, at a time when both countries were a breeding ground for Read the rest of this entry »
I am going out on a limb and saying that there will be no print released this week. Which is fine, the crew needs a break. And in the end of August there is nothing better than some down time, which is how I am trying to roll. To give a shout to the Shepard and the Obey Posse, I give you a brief breakdown of the 2007 print production.
Total prints released: 46
# of Women / girls in prints:15
# of Men / boys in prints: 11
# of Animals in prints: 14
# of Flowers in prints: 8
Fecal Face has a great interview with Shepard, here. In addition, Shepard was recently included in Ovation Tv's, Art or Not? which aired last Sunday. His clip is now online and after the jump. In other news, if you have been thinking of when the British will get super serious about the man/machine, I will give you the date. November 2nd, 2007. Shepard & crew go to London's Stolen Space Gallery, and there have been some murmer's of a 20,000 sq. ft space, silly
Bringing a little commercial design to the table is never a bad thing when the cause is a good. This week, Shepard releases a promotional print for the upcoming documentary 11th hour. What do bombs have to do with the environment? I don't know, but the rest of it works.
An incredible and brief story about a man who had forgotten to pick up his 64 paintings after dropping them off at the British Museum for their free object identification service, 14 years ago. Free storage and £74,000. via times online
If I had been in Chicago I would have been at this opening of New Work by Michael T. Rea and John Abbot at the Co-Prosperity Sphere. Rea's work is created out of wood with the intent of "being to create something short of its outcome", or put more clearly "to create the idea of an object that remains a dream." His "Suit for Stephen Hawking" (above) is one of my fav's. Check out his site, and if you are in the Windy City go see the show which runs through August 24th. via, cody hudson
While his latest show doesn't open for a couple weeks, Josh Keyes is previewing his latest body of work that will be included in the 'Artifice of Form' at Swarm Gallery in Oakland. As always it is affordable and gorgeous. Don't Sleep! via, upperplayground
Whether you like him or mock him, Damien Hirst seems to influence many people. Proof of this is A very hungry god. The sculpture is a 2200+ pound skull crafted of pots and pans by Subodh Gupta, currently floating in Venice’s Grand Canal in front of the Palazzo Grazzi. The piece was designed as a commentary about Parisian soup kitchens using pork in dishes, which is not allowed in Muslim diets. Très intéressant, indeed. Via Josh Spears.
Make money, spend money, make money, spend money. That is the M.O. for the Enablist. Juxtapoz led me to this dope set of prints by Urban Medium featuring no other than the North Korea Badass, Kim Jong-il. The set of three prints measure 18" x 25" each and retail for $180. So tight.
Bill McMullen, has released the second edition of his"One Million" block. This edition features the magenta band in a limited edition of 100. It is made of solid poplar wood that is then painted and silk-screened, measuring 6.25" x 2.65" x 1". The block is available at his new store
When the sun comes out in London there is no better place to be than in one of the city's parks. For Deckchair Dreams, The Royal Parks Foundation replaced the typical striped deckchair and commisioned 25 "celebrity" artists (and some schoolchildren) to design deckchair canvas to be placed on the deckchairs in the parks. Artists include Damien Hirst, Blek Le Rat, Robert J. Lang, and All Saints. The chairs which are £2 to rent, can also be purchased for £87.
Opening tonight at Gallery 94 in Manhattan, Dear Dream Maker features photography by David Potes and David Uzzardi. The concept for the show goes something like this...
“When people awaken during REM sleep, they often describe bizarre and illogical tales – dreams. We typically spend more than 2 hours each night dreaming. Scientists do not know much about how or why we dream. They soon realized that the strange, illogical experiences we call dreams almost always occur during REM sleep. People awakened after sleeping more than a few minutes are usually unable to recall the last moments they fall asleep.”
While the concept of artist-designed soccer balls is not new, there are two more to add to list. Upper Playground in collaboration with Sam Flores and Herbert Baglione have designed some balls that may or may not be intended to kick. While there is no release date set, the balls will retail for $80 and be an extension of Upper Playground's home/lifestyle collection. Honestly, I prefer the grandaddies to these, Ryan McGinness and Takashi Murakami's cereal art produced multiples.
I really like when galleries across the world from each other team up and put together a show. Globalization is great for art. The Leonard Street Gallery of London, England and New Image Art of Los Angeles are presenting "Sacred Clowns and Dog Warriors" by the Date Farmers which opens August 17th. Also opening at the same time in the same space is a more interesting group show, "Those Bloody Yanks". While the title alludes to the show being strictly American (i.e. USA Today), stupidly it is not. Had this show not featured Brazilian Herbert Baglione it would be, but leaving him out would be nonsense. An added plus to the show is that Twist and Amaze are featured, and along with Baglione will carry those bloody yanks.
Advertising done right. Artist Cayetano Ferrer photographed the trees hidden by a 30-foot wide billboard in Daejeon, Korea and then pasted the image on the billboard. He purposely left part of the billboard white and put that missing piece of the image on another smaller billboard nearby.
It would have been nice for a print titled "Operation Oil Freedom" to feature, say, a bicycle. However, I guess at some point you will need to oil it since you do not have proper storage space to keep it indoors and rain has a way of making things rusty. A bike also wouldn't work because bikes need tires, and isn't oil used in making tires? Maybe Operation Oil Freedom could have featured people throwing stones from the tops of horses, or better yet a tribe of Indians. Yes, Indians. And maybe there shouldn't even be a print after all since there is most likely some kind of oil being used in the printing process and then most definitely in the shipping. No print at all, that should be the focus of "Operation Oil Freedom".
Steve Lazarides has created a buzz-inducing, sales-generating formula to promote his artists. Take one artist (or collective), find a raw space (warehouse and factories, preferable), be secretive and make the show last between 3 and 10 days. This has worked in conjunction with Pictures on Walls' Santa's Ghetto in London, Banksy's Barely Legal in Los Angeles, Faile's Nothing Lasts Forever in New York and will be successful again this September when the PoCo (Post-Contemporary) Dealer brings Antony Micallef stateside. While details have yet to be released, the show will open to the public on the 19th of September and run through the 29th of the month. Prices have been quoted as running between $20,000 and $200,000 for original works. As with most openings now, there is a nod towards the people and accompanying prints will be released as well. Not that these will be cheap, and don't expect to get any of these anyway as they will be bought up during the preview, prior to opening day. More details later
While not at the risk / time scale as the Sane/Smith burners (dump koch and normal lettering) on the Brooklyn Bridge back in the day, Judith Supine managed to pull off an incredible up during the day by unleashing a 50 ft piece off the Manhattan Bridge. Not much more to be said than that. Stay up! via, streetsy / gothamist More images after the jump.
Whenever AWR comes to town they kill shit and make NY graf writers look bad. Next Saturday three of the crew bring their talents inside to the Powerhouse Arena for 'All Writes Reserved', a show featuring heavyweights Saber, Revok, and Retna. Here is a quip from the press release.
“All Writes Reserved” is full of blindingly colorful, carefully rendered, and physically distorted letterforms and artwork. The exhibit will also house a large-scale installation that combines West Coast graffiti with found objects from the streets of New York. By utilizing found objects, they are taking ownership of the integrated items, and are essentially translating what occurs in the streets to this exhibition.
First there was Warhol vs. Basquiat, and now in the 21st century, Warhol vs. Banksy. Dead versus living. Opening August 10th and running through September 1st at the Hospital Gallery in conjunction with Pollock Fine Art, Warhol vs. Banksy could be a promising show if you get past the press release which nauseatingly bills it as "the first exhibition anywhere by the world’s two hottest artists today." The works, which come from private collections will be available for purchase in prices ranging from £4000 to £250,000. Maybe collectors are emptying their coffers and jumping ship before the market corrects itself and the recession kicks in. The full release is after the jump.
In what is his most outstanding group of works to date, James Marshall has lost his Nom de Guerre and infected the Space Monkeys. The Monkeys, which were the central theme of his work up until this date have somehow taken a dip in Springfield Lake and resurfaced as growths in a mutant neon landscape. The evolution/mutation has been to the greatest benefit as Marshall's work now feels refreshed and fully active.
"Diseased" which opens this Saturday, August 4th at Merry Karnowsky Gallery runs through September 1st and is not to be missed if in Los Angeles. More pictures of the art after the jump
One may remember ages ago when this Refill 7 show was mentioned in all the hip blogs. Well, now you have the chance to actually purchase the decks that were in this show. For once let American Currency take you somewhere and actually get a discount. All boards are priced at 500 AU which in greenbacks is $429. Standouts from the show include (pictured from left to right) Nails (Niels Oeltjen), Genevieve Gauckler, and the Vision Psycho Stick. There are boatloads of other artists with big names, but I will let you discover for yourself. Purchase here or browse the flickr account here
I don't know about you, but this definitely looks like my church. And by "my church" I mean the sales conference I was at last week in the Poconos. The crowd was a bit lighter than this and I do believe that the dollar sign was replaced with the almighty £. But how would I really know since the majority of my time was spent lounging in the kiddie pool with my water wings. "Need sauce for those?" All in all good work Shepard in depicting what a typical sales conference really does look like.
Cuckoo clocks are normally left for the walls of Grandma's house, but German street artist Stefan Strumbel thinks otherwise. He creates and paints by hand a modern update to the classic cuckoo. Bring the cuckoo clock back is what I think. If one is interested in purchasing one of these gems, there are a couple available at the "These walls Belong To Us" auction, linked to here
Staying up and current with the digital age, Brooklyn's Bast has a website. In keeping with his true form, the site is raw and sloppy with the highlight being the intro. This site is not for the internet saavy and would be best viewed on dial-up.
Shepard Fairey teams up with MC5 to bring the message. The collaboration which includes a signature military jacket, T-shirt and ballcap, is even more notable because of its otherwise dubious origins: a bootleg. When Shepard discovered the seminal Detroit rockers’ trademark white panther logo and assimilated it into a design of his own, the band’s Mike Davis took note and reached out to Fairey to make the it legit. To read more about this story and Mike Davis thoughts on Shep, check out supertouch.
Yuri is a Frank Sinatra look-a-like, born in the Eastern Bloc who aspires to a simple life of sunflowers and fieldwork. In an effort to capture the heart of a beautiful Israeli immigrant, he joined the armed forces. Although this clashed with his pacifist nature, lust for young eastern Europeans is full of contradiction. His favorite drinking activity is "hot pigeon" (the old world version of what we call "hot potato") where when the accordians stop playing, the possessor of the pigeon has to bite its head off. This print captures Yuri in a moment of loss, surprised at the reaction from the Israeli girl who just asked "But, Yuri I thought you were a pacifist".
The Walls Belong To Us is an Art Auction benefiting Alan "Ket" Maridueña's legal defense against the feds. Billed as "the largest line up of global graffiti, urban art and photography ever assembled in one space" it should be outstanding. Familiar faces include Barry McGee, Jose Parla, ESPO, LEE, Crash, Daze and the list goes on. Bidding for the art begins July 25th and can be done here. Tickets to the event on August 1st at Powerhouse can be purchased online, or $30 at the door.
London artist Jason Taylor has installed a series of his sculptures under the sea off the coast of Grenada. The aim of the sculpture park is to create a unique space which highlights environmental processes and celebrates local culture. The structure will allow soft and hard corals, algae and sponges to colonise creating an artificial reef.
Found opened last weekend across the pond at The Leonard Street Gallery and to put it in the gallery's words is "an exhibition of original artworks made on found objects, discovered materials and other rarities by artists Matt Small, Nick Walker, Beejoir, AMP, Arofish, Mantis, Asbestos, Luc Price, Sweet Toof and New Yorkers Chris Stain, Skewville, Judith Supine, Elbow-toe and Rene Gagnon."
Keeping with the frontal assault of (somewhat) affordable art consumption, a series of Limited Edition prints will accompany the show and be issued in a staggered release. Dates are as follows after the jump
Travis Louie, creates arresting images with his brush. Louie's work is so realistic that he has been accused of doctoring vintage photographs. His process is actually painstakingly blending layers of paint over a fully rendered pencil drawing, reproducing perfectly the shadow and light in the glowing haze of the 19th century world. His work can be viewed on his site
Well we know street art is popular these days, but now everyone is getting in on the action. Several works from the National Gallery are hanging in the streets of London - it's the Grand Tour initiative and it's hoping to lure more visitors into the museum.
Holbein's Ambassadors is particularly fun since this public display makes it easier to see the anamorphic skull. It isn't easy to come this close to a painting in a museum.
It is Tuesday again, which means another print release by art machine Shepard Fairey. Does he have a sweatshop going here? Does he take vacation? Who knows? Releasing in two colorways, the choice is kind of yours. Other colorway after the jump
Alex Lukas is featured in a relatively new show, "Brain Bashers" at Andenken Gallery in Denver, Colorado. Field #3 (above) is one of three works he has in the show. Measuring 14" x 18" and created using a mix of Ink, Watercolor, Acrylic, Enamel, Silkscreen, Gouache, and Spraypaint on Paper he achieves a gorgeous landscape. At $650, it is a steal. Someone buy this.
Anthony Gormley currently has a major exhibition at the Hayward Gallery. In addition there are 30 of his nude statues, part of a huge installation called Event Horizon, dotted across the London skyline. This one is atop the National Theatre. One is at ground level on Waterloo Bridge.
Via Wooster Collective, Placed outside of the White Cube Gallery Masons yard at 3.30 am on Sunday night in response to the Damien Hirst's "For The Love of God" diamond skull exhibition.
The "For the Love of God" prank was created using 6522 Swarovski crystals
and took Laura, the artist, a month to create.
Galapagos, this Sunday don’t be shy. You know you want to find out what some of NYC’s hottest choreographers want you to do to them. Their dance offerings will satiate your curiosity as they fill in the blank for your enjoyment . . . so good, you’ll want to _______ them all after the show.
The choreographers were challenged to complete the sentence “I want you to ______ me.” and draw on this newly formed thought as inspiration for an original work. Each artist brings their own unique approach to performance to the intimate backroom for one electric evening.
Friday, July 13th, 2007 7pm-11pm Scion and SWINDLE Magazine present:
Installation 4 It's a Beautiful World
featuring art by:
Andrew Pommier, Angela Boatwright, Blaine Fontana, Blek le Rat, Books llll, Caia Koopman, Chris Yormick, Cody Hudson, Dalek, David Choe, Eye One, Francesco LoCastro, J. Shea, James Jean, Jeff Soto, Joshua Krause, Kofie, Mel Kadel, Michael Sieben, Mike Giant, R. Grimes, Rammellzee, RETNA, Ron English, Sage Vaughn, Sam Flores, Tim McCormick, Travis Millard. Artists in attendance: Ron English & Dalek. Music provided by DJs Intel & Duane Powell.
Show runs: 7/13/07-7/25/07
Opening tommorow at GERING & LóPEZ GALLERY, PopCentric is a group exhibition of 13 internationally renown artists curated by artist Michael Bevilacqua and gallerist Sandra Gering. "This exhibition surveys a new generation of Pop artists continuing the exploration of pop themes while employing new techniques drawn from popular mass culture. Still inspired by an obsession with consumerism and commercial imagery, these artists are less concerned with literal renderings but rather allow an emotional connection to contemporary culture to fuel their work."
What makes this most exciting for me is the two Kaws paintings on display. Whoever is lucky enough to purchase them is a smart person.
Opening this Thursday at the Riviera Gallery in Williamsburg is—aptly titled for the weather—Tigers in a tropical storm. Featuring the incredible likes of Richard Colman, Matt Leines (above), and Taylor McKimens the show is very promising. The showstopper is a 10' x 12' mural by Richard Colman that I could spend hours in front of. The opening is from 6 - 11 and is sure to include some local flavor. Stop by and sweat for a bit.
Another day another dollar, or in this case large currency. The cash machine/workhorse Shepard Fairey drops two large format prints on the public today. Two Sides of Capitalism: Good / Bad, were showstoppers at his E Pluribus Venom show and now the more affordable version can be yours. Each in an Edition of 89 measuring roughly 30" x 44", the prints are masterpieces and at $450 a pop a sound investment. Go buy yourself the pair, frame them, and enjoy.
Available for a brief moment is a new print by the man the British coined "The New Hockney", David Choe. Titled 'Hell Houndz' the print is in an edition of 76 and measures an inconvenient, but classic 19" x 25". Here is what the man had to say about it.
"In celebration of my new rott puppies, And my love of killer dogs, and every DMX song that has him barking in it.Comes out newest print, Sexy Vvanda walks our two hell houndz, Helmut and Puma. She is wearing no underwear and doesn’t care because she walks down the street in full confidence and safety behind her two bearlike angels, all claws and teeth.
Opening this friday at McCaig-Welles in Brooklyn, New York Legends features new work by stay-hard graffiti artists Cope 2, Blade, Seen, Ghost, JonOne, and Iz the Wiz. It is always interesting to see the transition for graff artists to canvas and indoor spaces, but no doubt the show will be legendary. Bring your black book!
"The Show on Vegas", in celebration of the city's recent centennial, M+B Galler of L.A, has put together the ultimate visual tribute to Las Vegas and is pleased to present The Show on Vegas , a group exhibition of photographs of the city as seen through the eyes of many of the most important photographers of the past 50 years. Based on the recently released book, The Book on Vegas (Greybull Press, 2006) and curated by Lisa Eisner and Roman Alonso, these classic and contemporary images capture the true essence of what makes Vegas the high/low pleasure capital of the world: its entertainers and celebrities, its winners and losers, the dealers, divas, players and dreamers.
The Show on Vegas features landmark images of the desert city's architecture, street life, weddings, casinos and surrounding landscape, in both color and black and white. The Show on Vegas will be luminous, loud and spectacular--just like the city itself. Running from June 28 to August 25.
New York-based artist, Tar Donovan transforms everyday materials in beautiful visual landscapes. "Untitled(Plastic Cups)," NO at New York's PaceWildenstein Gallery, consists of three million stacked plastic cups. It's a virtual landscape, the prettiest landfill I have ever scene!
The centerpiece of the main gallery at the Jonathan Levine Gallery, 'Sunsets' is being released today as a print on Shepard Fairey's internet portal. The edition is most likely 350, a jump from the standard 300 which is great as 50 more people are likely to be gifted with this print. An instant classic, you can expect 'Sunsets' to arrive on ebay by tommorow. Let's hope I don't have to dig around there. If you do miss the print, you can still buy the original painting for a mere 40 g's
The Street Art Collective known as "The Splasher", has created a limited edition book boasting their manifesto. The book, a 16-page leaflet was first distributed at the Saturday Night Public Opening of Shepard Fairey's 'E Pluribus Venom' show and is titled "if we did it, this is how it would've happened" Read all about it at the Gothamist and see the pictures of this book here
Released earlier today at Shepard Fairey's internet portal was the Toxicity Inspector, an instant classic which was one of the standouts of his 'E Pluribus Venom' show which opened last week at the Jonathan Levine Gallery in NYC. Check back later tonight for our round-up.
Hopefully its not to late to become immortal. Troika is compiling and writing the first book on technology infused art, design and architecture. The book will flag a new generation of interaction designers, designers, artists and architects that are exploring new and creative uses for digital technology, being on a social, conceptual or aesthetic level.
"We are looking for projects where a non-linear train of thought is apparent in the end result, where technology is re-invested with subjectivity and play, art projects for mass production, products that trigger thoughts as a book or a film can do."
The book will be published and distributed world-wide by Thames and Hudson.
It will feature over 100 protagonists over 304 pages, and will include interviews by leading critics, designers and artists, such as Ron Arad, Anthony Dunne, and Machiko Kusahara.
Submit your work by emailing project description and low-resolution pictures at studio@troika.uk.com
the face of an idiot caught moments before stupidity
As first reported by Wooster Collective and then more thoroughly by The Gothamist, 24 year old Alan Cooper of Bushwick was arrested for attempted arson after trying to set off a stink bomb at Shepard Fairey's installation space opening in Dumbo on Thurdsay night. Apparently when authorities ignited the stink bomb after the fact in a safe place a flame burst of 4 feet was allegedly seen. While doing a photo edit for a round-up of the weekend's events I encountered a shot of Mr. Cooper in shock as TWBE photographer Steven Torres unknowingly catches him outside chatting up his accomplice in what must have been moments before his idiocy prevailed.
Jonathan Levine Gallery art opening for Shepard Fairey, in Dumbo Brooklyn, was a a huge hit! Twbe, was there and as you see Shepard is a fan. There will be more coverage of the opening weekend to come!
In our ongoing preview of E Pluribus Venom which opens tonight in Dumbo at the installation space we bring you some of the prints on metal. Also, Gothamist has an interview with the man of the hour.
When you have your graduate show, you hope to sell some pieces. If you have it in England, I guess you should expect to sell out. James Howard did just this. Famed collector Charles Saatchi bought up Howard's entire collection of 46 works for a modest sum of £4500. Howard's work which are all digital prints comprised of collages (choppy photoshop), mimic internet advertising. Maybe I missed the boat on this guy, but I would rather drown than have something like this in my vicinity. Oh England, you crazy little island. Via the Times
Opening June 28th Project to Surface is "a collaboration between five visual artists and an architect in rendering their visual concepts into three-dimensions through the use of cutting edge architecture software, fabrication tools and techniques." Featuring artists Matzu-MTP, KAWS, David Diao, Kenji Hirata and Leah Raintree who collaborate with designer Ben Krone to complete the five large scale sculptural panels. This looks to be good.
In lieu of showing any type of print, since the only thing released today was the preview of the show, I bring you the centerpiece of the show. These Sunsets are to Die For
Everyone is at the Moma for Richard Serra, while your there check out Dan Perjovsch,"What Happened to Us?" It is a refreshing elegant installation, that catches you off-guard. Dan Perjovschi (Romanian, b. 1961), who lives and works in Bucharest, has transformed the medium of drawing, using it to create an object, a performance, and an installation. In the last decade, Perjovschi has made his drawings spontaneously in museum spaces, allowing global and local affairs to inform the final result. For his first solo museum exhibition in the United States, the artist will draw witty and incisive political images, in response to current events, on one wall of The Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Atrium. Two weeks before the official opening, beginning April 19, Perjovschi will draw on the wall during public hours, allowing visitors to observe the creation of the work. The project is accompanied by a pamphlet created by the artist.
With all the buzz growing about Shepard's upcoming E Pluribus Venom show this week, SuperTouch gives us a quick glimpse inside of the installation space, here
Banksy has created another epic piece, this time on the grounds of Glastonbury. "Now he has built a replica of Stonehenge using porta-loos, including a sunken 'altar' centrepiece, in the 'Sacred Space' field at the famed British festival." It looks gorgeous, but probably smells horrible. He is quoted by the Guardian as saying "A lot of monuments are a bit rubbish," he said, "but this really is a pile of crap." Banksy, holding it down. more here
Last night The World's Best Ever & The Chutney Collection crept out to Bushwick to visit the opening of No Sleep Till Bushwick, a show featuring Skewville, Bast, Aiko, and Chris Mendoza. By the time we reached, the british had already made their impact (currencied & frenzied) felt, purchasing up all but one of Aiko's works. Basts pieces left a bit more to the imagination and did not fully flatter what is usually his solid work. In the back room there were more Bast pieces that were not hung, but should have been as they were the strongest of his work, the gems being a painting titled "the Duke" and two "Revolucion de Papel" screens on some type of foil. The sleeper in this show was its organizer, Skewville. They hit hard and consistent, with works on wood and metal in a classic ode to the street and street fixtures. Until next time. More pics after the jump.
Releasing today at Obey Giant is an offset print in an edition of 800, titled 'Two Sides of Capitalism'. If you are unable to get your hands on the obey currency, this is the next best thing as both sides of the currency are visible on one surface. With the large edition size, with a little luck you will be able to purchase this fine print.
