I was as excited to find out about Stolen Space as I was to find out about Jabo Monk’s new works. Both did not dissapoint. I like the sobriety of the venue with that quirky artwork of roads signs outside the gallery – nice touch. This out of the way let’s now focus on Jaybo and his unique manner of using spray paint, acrylics and tar sands (also known as oil sands).

These works are powerful and jump at you again and again when you look at them. Cheerful, happy may be your first feelings, melancholic, depressed, sadness quickly kick in your mind which is rushed with all sorts of visual triggers – brushstrokes, distorted faces, written messages you name it.

Turbulent and unpredictable can summarize what these new works are and most definitely mirror Jaybo Monk’s life.

If you are one of those people who like creating meaning behind artwork this exhibition is for you, just make sure to allow some time as I can see you wondering around for hours if not forever.

‘In The Back Of Real (Never Hide The Madness) runs until the 28th March 2010

> Find out more about Jaybo Monk at CircleCulture

ART-PIE