Remi/Rough and Steve More at Blackall studios: urban abstract

Remi/Rough and Steve More are leading a new school of post-graffiti artists and this will be the first UK exhibition to showcase the movement.

A is an exhibition at the forefront of an urban abstract movement whose roots come from a time before the hype of street art. Interest in this movement is steadily gaining momentum and Remi/Rough and Steve More are amongst its finest exponents. Continue reading Remi/Rough and Steve More at Blackall studios: urban abstract

‘Murder’ a show by Robin Lee at Tapestry gallery

How would you feel if you were the suspect of a murder? And what if the investigation would last 17 years? You might go mad one might say. Or you might transpose this situation into some form of art.

Meet Robin Lee and his paintings depicting real murders scenarios, including the one in which he was a suspect. All 10 paintings were brought to the artist’s attention from the news, his sister and from various friends within the legal profession or from common history.

As I stepped into Tapestry gallery, I was not aware of the context of the artworks on display, blame this on a mad day in the office leaving no time for anything else but working, and was immediately drawn to the large pieces flanked on the wall I was facing.

The other thing I quickly noticed was the rather dramatic look of all the characters depicted in Robin Lee’s pieces and the colour red standing out in most of them. Blood that will turn out to be.

Robin Lee at Tapestry gallery | Art-Pie

A quick look a the board located at the entrance and all became very clear and slightly darker: I was looking at some artist’s visions of murder scenes but not imaginative ones, actual ones.

From that point onwards, it was quite difficult to focus on the visual aspect of the pieces since the only thing I wanted to know is HOW these people got murdered.

However, 20 minutes into looking at the exhibit and my morbid curiosity had worn off and I was able to appreciate the skilful brush stroke and the ability to really give a dramatic aspect into those eyes.

Robin Lee at Tapestry gallery | Art-Pie
Robin Lee at Tapestry gallery | Art-PieRobin Lee at Tapestry gallery | Art-Pie

‘Murder’ a show by Robin Lee runs until today

 

LUDO at Starkart gallery – La Belle Vie

We arrived in Zurich to find that the centre of town, near where we are staying is insanely upper class. Ferrari’s and Bentleys cruising the streets typically driven by what looked like teenage boys and the main streets lined with cafe’s filled with people wearing Gucci sunglasses laughing and sipping their cocktails.

It was not something that we were expecting and thought that it was extremely superficial, until we ventured of the beaten track in search of Starkart gallery that was hosting the LUDO solo show.

The neighbourhood that Starkart is located in is very culturally diverse and much more down to earth.

Starkart is one of the most understated spaces we have come across, set inside an old residence turned commercial space that gives no impression of what is happening behind the scenes.

The Ludo show is set over multiple rooms on two levels, it is a minimalistic show, with the works widely spread out to make use of the vast space provided.

The ground floor displays originals from his “nature’s revenge” series and the basement features two video installations of his work processes, from creation to installation on the street.

It really felt like urban exploration venturing into this show, moving from room to room, some brightly lit and others very dark with the sound of what seemed like a old French record echoing from the basement.

Check out the full set of Ludo pics here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chasingghosts/sets/72157626390493355/

Fiesta in the fields

Fiesta in The Fields | Art-PieI do not know where you guys will be on Saturday but I will be at the ‘Feast In the Fields

———
Colours of Brazil & the sexy sounds of Bossa Nova.

The creators of Feast in the Fields bring to you the flavours & samba beats of our current favourite South American hotspot in the form of FIESTA IN THE FIELDS!

Fiesta In The Fields, which kicks off at 12pm on Saturday 28th June, promises to be a carnival for all the senses. Be transported to the Copacabana with live world cup matches screened throughout the day, street food, A Cachaça shack, a line-up of live music & dancing that will make even two left feet move to the rhythm of the beat!

Hosts The Brewhouse, at London Fields Brewery, will be serving up South American Dishes to make your mouth dance, whilst Hell’s Grill gets naughty on the BBQ & El Panzon provide Tacos & Burritos from Brazil’s footballing neighbour Mexico. Keep as cool as a Caipirinha with Craft Beer from London Fields Brewery, Brazilian-inspired cocktails, The Pimms Bar & The Rum Stop.

For all the latest Fiesta In The Fields news: http://www.feastinthefields.co.uk

Fiesta In Te Fields | Art-Pie

What: London Fields Brewery Presents – Fiesta In The Fields
When: Saturday 28thJune
Where: The Brewhouse at London Fields Brewery; Railway Arches 369-370, Helmsley Place, E8 3SB
Tickets: Entry £4

Banksy’s Police SWAT Van Is About To be Sold At Auction

Banksy SWAT Van | Art-Pie
Detail of one of the two painted sides

Banksy fans will remember this SWAT (police units used in specialised operations such as dealing with gunmen) van which the artist painted back in 2006 as form of provocation towards the police force.

Well, it is time to empty your pockets if you want it parked on your drive way, indeed the street artist’s van is included in the auction house’s Post-War and Contemporary Art auction on June 29.

The formal estimate is at between £200,000 to £300,000. The present owner bought the van directly off the artist and vanished from the public eye until today but rest assured, it comes with a certificate of verification from the Pest Control Office, Banksy’s authorisation service which confirms pieces as genuine.

Here is what Bonhams‘ Ralph Taylor,senior director in its Post-War and Contemporary Art department –

The van shows Banksy’s bravado, imagination and technical skill

About the work itself

Both sides are painted.

One one side, a little boy is depicted and is about to prank a SWAT team -gun-toting officers in riot gear, who are about to be surprised from behind by a young boy clutching a blown-up paper bag,

On the other side you will have recognised Dorothy (played byJudy Garland) from The Wizard of Oz standing among heavy tagging and graffiti on the other.

But what people may describe as the main message in this work is the sign saying “How’s my bombing?” rather than “How’s my driving?

Banksy SWAT Van | Art-Pie

Banksy SWAT van Wizard of OZ Judy Garland | Art-Pie

Part of  Banksy’s “Barely Legal” show

Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge

The vehicle, restyled with household gloss and spray paint in 2006, was displayed that same year in a Los Angeles warehouse for Banksy’s “Barely Legal” show — his US debut.

Despite little advance notice and its location near Skid Row, the event received considerable publicity and was attended by stars such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

We included a couple of pics below of the show. the top one giving you an overview while the other shows a truck that was used outside the show venue – click any pictures to enlarge

"Barely legal" Banksy Los Angeles | Art-Pie Barely-Legal-2006-2

 

Majajani show at Rich Mix

Majajani at Rich Mix | Art-Pie

This exhibition aims to show Chila Kumari Burman’s work from 2000 to the present. For more than twenty five years Chila has been creating powerful images of contemporary Asian Feminisms.

Born in Liverpool to a Hindu Punjabi family Chila’s art explores issues of class, gender, ethnicity, identity – but through the prism of defiance and love. Her work is informed by popular culture, Bollywood, fashion, found objects and a long-sustained examination of self-portraiture.

Majajani at Rich Mix | Art-PieMajajani at Rich Mix | Art-Pie

The exhibition will showcase a dazzling array of media:  printmaking, collage, mixed media, photography, sculpture and painting. Through all of these media Chila’s aim remains steady: the provocative undermining of fixed categories.

A definite must-see show

What – MAJAJANI
When – Fri 3 April – Thu 30 April
Where – Rich Mix, 35 – 47 Bethnal green road, Shoreditch (Mezzanine + Lower Cafe Gallery)

Majajani at Rich Mix | Art-Pie

Fintan Magee – graffiti artist into rubbish

We met Fintan Scott-Magee originally from Brisbane and try to find out a bit more about his liking, it seems, for rubbish and bins in his art.

A-P: Tell us about yourself in a few words?
FINTAN MAGEE: My name is Fintan Magee, born in Brisbane Australia. I have been writing for 10 years now but I started to move away from traditional letterforms about 4 years ago and started to paint more canvas and street art. Really I’m just trying to have as much fun as possible with my art while I am still young and stupid enough not to know better.

A-P: What is your process/approach when making graffiti/streetart/art?
FM: I prefer to paint strait onto walls using oils, acrylic and of course spray paint. I like to paint in abandoned buildings a lot so I can relax and paint for as long as I want, the problem is my city is growing very quickly and becoming so developed that there is a shortage of empty and forgotten spaces. In my city almost everything painted on the streets is buffed within a week so I don’t really do many paste up’s or stickers any more, they say my city is clean but I just find it sterile.

A-P: Bin bags, rubbish seems to be an element that you like, why is this?
FM:The rubbish is just something thats developed over the last few months because I was painting still life images of things that have been forgotten or left behind on the streets, I guess I like to add depth to what may be considered bland or boring subject matter and not worth painting. I believe that we live in such a throw away and progressive society now that we overlook the beauty in many things that we consider expendable.

A-P: Where/what do you look for inspiration?
FM: I guess I look everywhere for inspiration, I think as an artist its important to take in the simple things around you, popular culture, nature, the city, your friends, etc. Keep looking and you will eventually find inspiration and influence where you least expect it.

A-P: Any upcoming shows/projects?
FM: I am travelling to Sydney and Melbourne in June for some group shows and to do some walls, I also have a Solo show at Jugglers gallery in Brisbane in August and another solo show in Melbourne’s Rtist gallery in November. After that I think another overseas trip is on the cards, possibly to the Americas. I have been back in Australia for two years now and I am starting to get pretty itchy feet.

Thank you to Fintan for taking time for this interview

Pictures below of some of Fintan’s works. More on this website: www.fintanmagee.com

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