November 2011

Ambush Gallery Presents: “Surface Tension” A Group Art Exhibition. (Sydney, Australia)

November 15, 2011 , , , ,

Surface Tension

 

aMBUSH Gallery presents SURFACE TENSION

Australia’s new wave of street art is already here. Following on from their curatorial hit Outpost Project at Cockatoo Island, aMBUSH proudly presents Surface Tension, featuring artists E.L.K. (Luke Cornish, VIC), Heesco (VIC), Shida (QLD), Slurpree Slug (NSW), Sofles (VIC) and Sprinkles (NSW). The artists will paint and transform the gallery walls, integrating the space itself into their body of works. Hailing from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, the stellar emergent line-up represents the next epoch, the next movement. Come and see where it all starts.

The opening will take place on Friday 25 November from 6-9pm at aMBUSH Gallery, 4A James Street Waterloo. Join us for complimentary drinks provided by Absolut and future leaning beats and Hip-hop between provided by Zwelli.

On the billing will be Brisbane born, cut-back king, Sofles, recently returned from the San Francisco all-Australian show ‘Young and Free’ – himself one of the country’s finest graffiti exports. Also from Brisbane, Shida’s vicious extra dimensional figures will grin across the concrete backdrop. Moving further down south, representing Sydney will be Sprinkles, co-founder of Half-Star clothing, with his hyper-cartoon skulls stalking the back of your thoughts. Marking his exclusive gallery appearance is the mysterious street thrasher, Slurpee Slug, with his raw psychedelia a cross between whizz fizz characters and acid. From the Melbourne camp, and representing Blender studios we have Heesco and E.L.K. Heesco, the current Sydney Secret Wars champion, has a talent in creating anguished faces and loose figures caught in motion. E.L.K. (Luke Cornish) is widely regarded as a National stencil treasure, able to bring photorealistic portrayals in muted tones through painstaking execution of layering, deconstructing and reconstructing his works with his own flair. E.L.K. was the winner of the 2010 Australian Stencil Art Prize, and made the cover of Monthly Art Magazine, April 2011.

The exhibition will also run alongside an online catalogue with works for sale from Saturday 26 November and runs until 4 December, allowing interstate buyers to remotely buy works. Information regarding this will be available on the aMBUSH website from the opening night.

WHAT: SURFACE TENSION
WHERE: 4A James Street, Waterloo SYDNEY
WHEN: Opening event Friday 25 November, 2011, 6-9pm
Exhibition continues daily until Tuesday 29 November, 12-4pm
SUPPORTED BY: Absolut, Information & Cultural Exchange, Ironlak and Wiltshire & Dimas Management
FREE PUBLIC EVENT
Media enquiries: Please contact John Wiltshire, aMBUSH Gallery on mobile on
0433 015 780 or the gallery on 02 8399 0707 or email john@ambushgallery.com
For more information please visit www.ambushgallery.com

aMBUSH Gallery
4A James Street, Waterloo
Sydney NSW 2017 AUSTRALIA
P +61 2 8399 0707 | F +61 2 8399 0787
www.ambushgallery.com

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West Berlin Gallery at Istanbul Contemporary (Istanbul, Turkey)

November 15, 2011 , , , , , ,

Istanbul Contemporay

 

BERLIN STREET ART AT CONTEMPORARY ISTANBUL 2011
West Berlin Gallery at Contemporary Istanbul, Nov 24th – Nov 27th 2011
Berlin’s street art scene is rising high and fast, creating a buzz and making it’s way across the globe. Along side the Istanbul Biennale, one of Turkey’s most exciting art events, Contemporary Istanbul art fair is extending it’s exhibition space for it’s sixth edition to display the unconventional yet relevant art scene of one of Europe’s most influential cities of today, Berlin.

Personally selected by Landesverband Berliner Galerien, West Berlin Gallery, a space dedicated to street art, is proud to announce its participation in ART FROM BERLIN – a selected presentation of Berlin based galleries – in Contemporary Istanbul 2011, held on November 24th – November 27th, 2011 at the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center.

Works by Alias, Giacomo Spazio, and Linda’s Ex will be represented by West Berlin Gallery at Contemporary Istanbul 2011.

Alias, a leading role in German street art, will furnish our walls with original pieces, both classic and new, made mostly on recycled material, bringing to Istanbul the authenticity of Berlin’s street art scene. Not only will he be debuting recent works on the West Berlin Gallery walls, but Alias himself will be present during the time of the fair (incognito, of course), utilizing the streets of Istanbul as a personal canvas for his latest work. (Please contact us regarding possible artist interview during our stay in Turkey).

Giacomo Spazio, a pioneer in the street art scene, is also providing our booth with exaggerated visuals and in-your-face messages, which recognize and mimic the apprehensions of our propaganda-ridden society. Long known for his individual contributions to art, this well-know artist has been making art since the 70’s, making himself yet another benefactor to the ever-present authenticity of all that is street art.

Made famous by his “Linda’s Ex” campaign in which he used street art to get his girlfriend back, Roland Brückner is now a part of Berlin’s street art history and will be debuting his latest paintings in our booth – a new approach and further development of his work.

Further information

Dates: November 24th – November 27th
Place: Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center
Website: http://www.contemporaryistanbul.com/

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Anonymous Gallery Presents: “Fresh Kills” A Group Art Exhibition. (Mexico City, Mexico)

November 15, 2011 , , , , ,

Fresh Kills

 

 

 

 
November 17 – January 15
Opening reception: November 17, 6pm – 10pm  (11/17/11)
 
Aaron Young . Agathe Snow . Barry McGee . David Ellis .
Greg Lamarche . Hanna Liden . Richard Prince . Swoon . Tom Sachs 
_____________________
Anonymous Gallery’s inaugural exhibition in Mexico City reflects the gallery’s current
and future program. FRESH KILLS will serve as a small survey of 9 important artists
that have lived and worked in New York City and that are actively influenced by their
surroundings, use materials’ specific to the region and who have directly transformed
the landscape of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
The selected artists aptly apply resources that most would see as refuse or appropriation
but contextualize those items in their artwork, giving it a completely new vitality and
aesthetic verbalization. With demystifying visuals, materials are treated with subversion,
where process and application are placed in the same framework, giving each object
cultural signification. Ideas of perception are evaluated through development as the
dematerialization of the trivial is transformed into symbol – art.
For over 60 years the 2,200 acres known as Fresh Kills Landfill was where 650 tons
of garbage was added each day. Now a multi-phase, 30 year, site development for the
refuse will become Fresh Kills Park. At almost three times the size of Central Park
it will be the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years.
The transformation of what was formerly the world’s largest landfill into a
productive and beautiful cultural destination is described as
“a symbol of renewal and an expression of how our society can restore balance to its landscape.”
The exhibition FRESH KILLS is inspired not only by artists that come before this group
such as Gordon Matta Clarke and Sherrie Levine, but also Mexican contemporaries
such as Teresa Margolles, Damian Ortega, Dr. Lakra, and Gabriel Orozco
who have been inspired to use materials that reflect their culture, environment and times.
These artists: Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Aaron Young, Agathe Snow, Hanna Liden,
Swoon, Barry McGee, David Ellis, and Greg Lamarche on different levels and in different
ways, directly give their art and the culture of New York City the same contextualization
– through process, presentation, perspectives, character and relevance
– RENEWAL!
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BSA Backyard Salon: Autumn Sun, Spraypaint, Wheatpaste, Bloody Marys

November 15, 2011 , , ,

Dreamers with empty hands
All sigh for exotic lands
But It’s autumn in New York
It’s good to live it again

This autumn in New York
Transforms the slums into Mayfair*

Bishop 203 sets  shop. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Don’t know if it was Mayfair but the Bloody Marys were spicy and the late autumn sun was shining Saturday in this back lot in Brooklyn. Gilf! Invited some buddies over to experiment on a corrugated metal wall for the afternoon, and the vibe was relaxed and fun as TipToe, Clown Soldier, Quel Beast, Bishop 203, and Gilf! took time to try some new ideas and just let the creative spirit run free.

TipToe cuts a waxy translucent paper, which he applies in layers to create a gossamer effect. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

A perfect sort of salon for BSA; Artists borrowing supplies, giving opinions when asked, offering insights, trading techniques, introducing new friends, noodling around, discovering… When it comes to free time for discovery and walls to try new stuff and hang out with creative peeps, there is only one thing to say. “More please!”

Quel Beast fits his panels to the corrugated panel, effectively re-inventing the space with his technigue.  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Clown Soldier checks out the stage. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Gilf!s sketch for her piece. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Gilf! putting on the pink. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Bishop 203 has experience with these kinds of walls, and says he digs ’em. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Bishop 203 and Gilf! and the autumn sunlight. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

TipToe anchors his piece before wheat-pasting. Dude is a scientist about how to mix the best paste, btw. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Quel Beast, Clown Soldier and Bishop. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Gilf! reprises her stencil as a large freehand sketch. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Quel Beast added a lot of dimension and form and shading with posca and handpainting. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Tip Toe. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Clown Soldier, Quel Beast and Bishop. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Tip Toe. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Clown Soldier. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Quel Beast. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Bishop 203. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Gilf! (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Tip Toe, Clown Soldier, Quel Beast, Bishop 203 and Gilf! (photo © Jaime Rojo)

* lyrics to “Autumn in New York”, by Vernon Duke

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LUDO : New Video of Studded Leather Strapped Posies

November 14, 2011 , , ,

Detail image image © and courtesy Ludo

French Street Artist and fine artist Ludo can go big and these days he usually does but even with his largest pieces the devil is always in the details, hidden just inside your subconcious.

Ludo. Still Image from the Video.

In the new mini video released by the artist, a gauzy haze envelopes the installation of a floral orgy of S&M strapped cluster of blossoms with erect pistols pointing proudly through the center of their petulant petals.

Ludo. Still Image from the Video.

No one on the street is perturbed as they rush by and he pumps up and down the walls with his hydraulic lift. Ludo’s been working on a solo show in Amsterdam opening end of this month, but “This is the big one that killed my back,” says the artist.

 

 

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Images of the Week 11.13.11: JR’s “Inside Out” Project Special

Images of the Week 11.13.11: JR’s “Inside Out” Project Special

November 13, 2011 , , ,

This week we take you to the scene of a brand new eye-opening JR installation in Manhattan – Seen from the outside and inside.

Street Artist JR continues to plaster parts of New York City with over-sized black and white portraits of Native Americans from North Dakota for his Inside Out Project. The images were taking by photographers in North Dakota and sent to the IOP to be printed and installed in Manhattan.

JR “Inside Out Project” First day installation on 10th Avenue. View from the High Line Park. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

This newest installation took place this week over two days on four window panels in an empty retail space of a corner building in Chelsea. On the first day JR was on site lending a hand to the half dozen interns who came to help and to learn how to wheat paste in this cool little spot across from the High Line Park on 10 Ave and 19th Street.

A second installation went up on the windows on the 19th Street side of the building, providing a second pair of eyes to surveil the area.  The wind was gusting like a mad mother-in-law and the cold was almost bitter –  but that didn’t put a dent in the enthusiasm of the team made up of Natalie, Paola, Moira, Will, Nina, Nastasia, Rosie, Austin, Hillary, Gina and Rhiannon; Each have interned at either JR’s studio or with the Inside Out Project.  It was cool to see teamwork and good spirits intact promptly at 9:00 am as they set to unroll panels, fight the wind and slap up gallons of gooey wheat paste on the windows. Marc, from JR’s New York Studio was there to give a quick lesson wheat pasting and to oversee the installation.

JR “Inside Out Project” First day installation on 10th Avenue. Street level view. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR’s “Inside Out Project” second day begins on the window panels on 19th Street. Here is the mock up in hand. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”. Process shot taking from inside the space. We gained access while a construction crew was pouring a cement floor getting the space ready for a retail tenant to move in. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”. Process shot taking from inside the space. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project” tools of the trade. This wheat paste is said to be imported from France. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”: Rosie was shooting with film for documentation. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Getting a look inside of the windows on 1oth Ave.  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project” An inside view of the windows on 1oth Ave.  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”. Installation completed. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project” Inside view of the windows on 19th Street. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”. Inside view of the corner window panels on 19th Street and 10th Ave. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”. Same corner outside view. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project”  (photo © Jaime Rojo)

JR “Inside Out Project” An overview from the High Line Park. (photo © Jaime Rojo)

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BSA Supports “STYLE WARS … the Outtakes” – You Can Too

November 12, 2011

A New Project to Preserve the Additional Footage – Please Support the Kickstarter Fundraiser

Directed by Tony Silver and produced by Tony Silver and Henry Chalfant, STYLE WARS is an indispensable documentary that captured NYC Street culture in the beginning of the 1980s. Anyone who values the contribution of this examination of a moment near the birth of hip hop and graffiti culture will be familiar with the players that Chalfant and Silver profiled and the electricity that fueled a cultural movement that eventually went global.

 

“There is a lot of amazing and historically significant material there which never made it into the finished film”, says Chalfant today as he describes his new project to recover and restore the hours of remaining recordings and to create an outtakes reel from that 1981-82 project.

New footage of Case (above right) and Seen is expected to be preserved and presented in STYLE WARS Outtakes.

Spread the word! BSA would like to encourage you to donate to this Kickstarter campaign to make this project happen and to post this on Facebook and Tweet it. Write to your friends to ask them to throw a buck at this project that promises to deliver  many new shots of trains not seen since ’81 and some surprising masterpieces rescued from oblivion.

New trainyard images and adventures like this still for STYLE WARS Outtakes.

They have cool stuff for various pledges – we’re hoping to score the “Art is Not a Crime” poster designed by Mare139.

But even if your stocks of green are low right now, you can forward this to one of your buddies. Style Wars is for everybody, and this history is yours.

Rock Steady Crew and friends at Shafrazi Gallery in Soho – a still from the new footage to be restored.

STYLE WARS … the Outtakes

HERE’s the KICKSTARTER for you to contribute to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1254583771/style-wars-the-outtakes

 

 

 

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Opera Gallery Presents: The London Police “Who Cares Wins” (Manhattan, NY)

November 12, 2011 , , , , ,

The London Police

The London Police “The Mathematical Skills of Sailor Hicks” (Image courtesy of the gallery)

This show opens to the public on November 17 from 8-11pm. There will be live music from The London Police Dog Singers, Abner Preis, and a surprise guest.

Artist Bio:

The London Police started when big English geezers headed to Amsterdam in 1998 to rejuvenate the visually disappointing streets of the drug capital of the world.
The motive was to combine traveling and making art to create an amazing way of life not seen since the days of King Soloman. Known for their iconic LADS characters and precision marking TLP have been together for over 13 years and their work has graced streets and galleries in 35 countries during this time. London policemen have come and gone but founding members are still known to walk the streets of every city in the world spreading love with pens and stickers.

The current duo have managed to form a partnership more cohesive than Han Solo and Chewbacca in Star Wars and are consistently producing slick artwork that is tighter than a butlers cuff. Never be scared, don’t be a hero and let the good times roll.

For more info check www.thelondonpolice.com

OPERA GALLERY NEW YORK
115, Spring Street
NEW YORK NY 10012 – USA
Tel (1) (212) 966 66 75

 

 

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Gregory Siff – VIDEO PREMIERE – “G” Shot/Edited by Carlos Gonzalez

Gregory Siff – VIDEO PREMIERE – “G” Shot/Edited by Carlos Gonzalez

November 11, 2011

Hot off the video boards

Here’s the brand new video, less than an hour old, of Gregory Siff pouncing on an LA wall to prepare for his big solo opening tonight in LA. Big Ups to Carlos Gonzalez for slamming together an action packed video, timed perfectly to it’s musical score.

And the debut is all for you, the BSA readers.

Tonight – The Site Unscene Presents: “G” Gregory Siff Solo Show (Los Angeles, CA)

http://www.brooklynstreetart.com/theblog/2011/11/07/the-site-unscene-presents-g-gregory-siff-solo-show-los-angeles-ca/

See Carlos’ photos of Greg hitting up a wall on BSA from this week.

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Fun Friday 11.11.11

Fun Friday 11.11.11

November 11, 2011 , , , , , , , , , , ,

I think I missed the morning rush today because I hit the street earlier than usual… and got a seat on the subway (!) because I woke up at 5 a.m. thinking about Papandreou, Berlusconi, Merkel, Obama, and the 3 ring circus shaping up as the 2012 election. The great thing about worldwide impending calamity is, political hypocrisy and economic depression makes artists dig deeper for ways to portray both. That’s why we’re starting today’s Fun Friday with hi-larious satire by the number 16 puncher of all time, Mike Tyson. Always look at the sunny side peepul!

1. CAIN! Mike Tyson for Herman Cain 2012
2. K-Guy’s solo show “Iconic Irrigation”
3. TEEBS at Pawn Works (Chicago)
4. Gregory Siff’s solo “G” at The Site Unscene (LA)
5. Poster Boy in Brooklyn at Might Tanaka Saturday
6. Augustin Kofie “Circulatory System” at White Walls (SF)
7. “Art As A Weapon” (VIDEO)
8. “Luck Be A Lady” – a Frank Sinatra 1965 performance

CAIN! Mike Tyson for Herman Cain 2012

Give it up for Mike Ya’ll! He don’t know karate but he knows KaRazy… just like in the Matrix!

K-Guy’s solo show “Iconic Irrigation”

Opening today to the public at the London West Bank Gallery, a solo show by Street Artist K-Guy, who’s political and social indictments range from Catholic Church hypocrisy to international banking scams portrayed as “crisis”.

K-Guy’s commentary outside the tent village at Occupy London. (photo courtesy of Graffoto)

For further information on this show click here

TEEBS at Pawn Works (Chicago)

A multi-talented California based artist and musician, Mr Teebs’ solo show is called “Lady Luck” opening today in Chicago at Pawn Works Gallery.

Teebs. Still from the video “The Art of Teebs” by Theo Jemison.

To see the video click here

For further information regarding this show click here

Gregory Siff’s solo “G” at The Site Unscene (LA)

Brooklyn born actor, film maker, Street Artist, fine artist Gregory Siff has his solo show “G” today in Los Angeles.

Gregory Siff across a Wall (photo © Carlos Gonzalez)

For further information on this show click here

See Greg hitting up a wall on BSA from this week.

Poster Boy in Brooklyn at Might Tanaka Saturday

There is only one, or maybe there are many, Poster Boy/s. The subterranean subway poster slicing hasn’t been so apparent for a minute, but maybe it’s because PB has been slicing at the old kitchen table in preparation for a proper show. “Not for Prophet” is the title, summoning up the Pharisees, the tax man, and the folks down on Wall Street. Let’s see who and what gets cut.

Poster Boy. Detail (photo © Jaime Rojo)

Image by Poster Boy. For further information regarding this show click here

Augustin Kofie “Circulatory System” at White Walls (SF)

Augustin Kofie solo show “Circulatory System” opens tomorrow at the White Walls Gallery in San Francisco.  Graffiti writer and fine artist. Old Skool Bomber. Wildstyle. Mid-Century Abstractionism. American Modernism. Choose One and Stick with it, right? Read our interview with him – Augustine Kofie in Studio

For further information regarding this show click here

“Art As A Weapon” (VIDEO)

Jeff Durkin documentary “Art As A Weapon” explores the intersection of Street Art, Democracy and Buddhisim. View the film’s teaser here.

Jeff’s film is currently in production please help him complete his film with your generous contribution by clicking on the Kickstarter link below:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/artasaweapon/art-as-a-weapon

“Luck Be A Lady” – a Frank Sinatra 1965 performance

Stick with me baby I’m the guy you came in with.

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The Art of Teebs : Musician and Street Artist (VIDEO)

November 10, 2011 ,

Teebs learns a new language and cuts himself loose

California based Fine and Street Art artist and musician Teebs is currently in Chicago working on the last details for his solo show at Pawn Works Gallery. On this video he opens up and talks about being more in touch with his own feelings and having his brain spilled over onto the floor. He is experiencing a creative rebirth and inspiration comes to him from the simple things in life.

Teebs. Still from the video shot by Theo Jemison

Teebs. Still from the video shot by Theo Jemison

Teebs. Still from the video shot by Theo Jemison

 

 

Teebs’ solo show “Lady Luck” at Pawn Works Gallery opens this Friday. Click here for more information.

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SEGO in Mexico City (VIDEO Premiere)

November 10, 2011

Street Artist Talks About the Mexican Mural Tradition and “Simbionte”

Mexico City is plastered with plazas, throbbing with thoroughfares, and well stocked with statues of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It also has an active decentralized street art scene that is informed by it’s muralist history of the last century as well as the emerging international style.

SEGO in video still from “Simbionte”

And while the greater area of the city in the valley holds about 21 million people, you can spend and afternoon unperturbed in a downtown commercial square next to the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC Chapultepec), and wreck a wall with a few cans and a blackbook sketch.

SEGO in Mexico City in video still from “Simbionte”

Street Artist SEGO, an easy going and determined Street Artist, hops up and down the ladder, jogging back a few meters to check his progress and zooms back to the wall to build his image.  As is common in work on the street, people stop by to comment, ask questions, and in one case, to sing a tribute to the art and the artist.

An impromptu musical tribute to SEGO in video still from “Simbionte”

In cooperation with Gonzalo Alvarez at MAMUTT and Filmaciones de la Ciudad, SEGO debuts his new piece here on BSA just for you.

SEGO IN MEXICO Part II from Filmaciones de la Ciudad on Vimeo.

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