Street Artist Cryptik just opened with a new solo show, “Sacred Syllables” at Hold Up Art Gallery, located in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Little Tokyo. The enigmatic, L.A.-based artist has been hitting the streets of for some time with his signature style which includes references to Eastern, Buddhist and Hindu religions. Unlike other street artists, Cryptik’s art holds a spiritual tone that is rarely seen in a city like Los Angeles. Without being overtly religious, the work speaks to those who are looking for more than the flashy, bright palette you might normally associate with Street Art.
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
This exhibit is an perfect example of this mindset. As soon as you enter the gallery space, you feel like you are entering an alley somewhere in India or a market in a distant part of Asia. Still, Cryptik’s artwork is the main attraction. Utilizing a variety of materials ranging from candles to wood, the collection of work gracefully walks a thin line between street art and spiritual text. The style incorporates a precise use of Sanskrit lettering which he has perfected through out the years, and his lines seem flawless as letters create circular patterns inside the confines of a wooden frame. Without jumping at you, screaming for attention, Cryptik’s work rewards a careful observer.
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
Cryptik (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)
<<><>><>>><<>>><><>>><>>
See more images by Carlos Gonzalez on his Flickr.
Other Articles You May Like from BSA:
Remember that red-haired aerobics teacher that used to yell loudly over the thumping disco beat while her head-banded spandex army jumped and kicked in unison in front of a mirror at the community ce...
For everything, there is a season. Now that autumn turns to winter we see the remainder of the leaves and the flowers succumbing to the cold temperatures and bitter winds. As an experiment this fall t...
Curator and artist Ryan Seslow has pulled off an overview of art on the streets and the practices employed, minus the drama. So much discussion of graffiti, Street Art, and public art practice can con...
The gallerists and merchants have begun arriving in the South Beach area of Miami to uncrate the art they’ve shipped for the enormous Art Basel and the assorted satellite fairs of Art Basel Miami 20...
Nafir (left) "Flight of Eslimi" and FRz (right) "Fa Kingz" recent collaboration in Milan, Italy. (Photo © Andrea Fortis) Two new street mandalas here in Milan, Italy from two Street Artists from Ir...