Props to Blek Le Rat, who started doing street art in Paris 3 decades ago -and is pointed to as an inspiration by everyone from Banksy and Fairey to a posse of new stencil artists.
I remember him telling me how hard it was for him to get anyone’s attention when he first came to New York in 1987 with his portfolio. He even sprayed a stencil on the sidewalk in front of Gagosian Gallery – to no discernible result. Gallerists absent-mindedly thumbed through his portfolio pieces and told him there wasn’t much interest in his work. So, hang in there kids, there is room for everybody, if you are persistent.
Blek is opening tonight with HUSH and ABOVE, two more high quality artists with roots in the street art scene, with the addition of starting in graffiti.
Thanks to Mike Cuffe at Warholian for sharing some of his pictures with us.
HUSH FLICKR:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/warholian/sets/72157623965436282/
“Passing Through” runs from May 1st – June 5, 2010 at the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco.
Blek le Rat FLICKR:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/warholian/sets/72157623966423988/
“Faces in the Mirror” runs from May 1st – June 5, 2010 at White Walls Gallery in San Francisco
ABOVE FLICKR:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/warholian/sets/72157623841942229/
“Transitions” runs from May 1st – June 5, 2010 at White Walls Gallery in San Francisco
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