Object-Culture: bringing cultures together

Object-Culture is the first pop up shows of a series of four which will happen back to back from now into May 2010 at Red Gallery on Rivington Street (London). ART-PIE went to see Paul Sakoilsky, the curator to find out more about it.

ART-PIE: Can you tell our readers more about you?

Paul Sakoilsky: I am an artist, a writer, a philosopher and I guess also a curator but I do not like using this word. I used to help out at the 30 Underwood Street Gallery back in the days, I mean between 1993 and 2000 when the gallery shut down for good. I worked in mixed medias and have been mainly focusing in the past few years on a project called The Dark times which has spawned a variety of works, installations and performances, which have been shown in solo and group shows across Europe. Continue reading Object-Culture: bringing cultures together

Spaces Within Spaces Within Space Within at Pure Evil gallery

Pure Evil galleryDespite the marked differences between their graphic and visual languages, long-time friends Paulo Arraiano (yup) and Diogo Machado (add fuel to the fire) have often collaborated on many projects. Over the years each has developed an extensive portfolio in the fields of graphic and visual arts, working in a variety of mediums. Each has also taken part in a great number of individual and collective exhibitions, in Portugal and abroad. This is the first time they are showcasing their work together in the UK.

Both grew up in and live in the seaside town of Cascais, outside Lisbon, Portugal, and in spite of their distinctive paths they share multiple references and interests. They have developed a high level of understanding and familiarity which often borders on the complicit, turning their fertile partnership into an ongoing intuitive collaboration. It is this convergence towards a mutual space where both their differences and similarities intersect that can be viewed here.

Spaces Within explores this point of contact where the two individual realms meet and overlap ≠ an area which both re˛ects and transcends the many inner spaces and territories their lives and work have created; a new multi-layered expanse composed of myriad emotions, characters, stories, landscapes, colours, shapes and details.

Words from Miguel Moore

Where: Pure Evil Gallery | 108 Leonard st London | EC2A 4RH London
When: Opening 16th February . 6pm – 9pm

Artists: Paulo Arraiano (yup) . Diogo Machado (add fuel to the fire)

5 Great Cities For Street Art

Street art cities | Art-PieThese days, some of the most interesting artists and art projects from all over the world are accessible from the comfort of our own homes. Whether you’re interested in digital art, galleries from your favourite artists, or even researching and comparing different pieces, you can do just about anything you need on your computer. Indeed, there’s something appealing about picking up a bottle of wine from Marks and Spencer, getting comfortable at your computer, and sifting through sites for your favourite art.

However, there’s also something special about getting out into the world to see great works of art in person – particularly if you’re interested in street art. Sure, you’ll find endless collections of images online, and in some cases you can even have them made into canvases for your apartment! But you can’t do street art justice unless you see it in person. With that in mind, here’s a quick look at 5 of the best cities in the world for viewing exceptional street art, as identified by Fodor’s.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Giant maps, abstract art, football celebrations, and of course, political statements dominate Buenos Aires’s buildings, largely because the city has made it completely legal to tag. The only catch is that building owners have to agree – and in a city already full of incredible graffiti, most owners are probably inclined to encourage more!

Los Angeles, California USA
LA is famous for celebrating artistic expression, and that characteristic of the city certainly extends to street art. From Banksy, to Retna, and even the artist behind Barack Obama’s campaign posters, LA brings in the stars, resulting in outstanding murals and graffiti.

London, England
Not only is the local tagging in parts of London fairly legendary, but the city is also a hub for famous artists from all over the world. In terms of celebrity status, Banksy is about as big as a street artist can get, and has done a great deal of outstanding work in London’s Square Mile.

Berlin, Germany
Known as an artistic hub in general, Berlin is home to some of the world’s most inspired street art. In fact, well known street artists from all over the world travel to Berlin specifically to tag, and this has led to some truly outstanding creations worth seeing in person. Head to Gustav Meyer Allee in Kreuzberg to see a clock tower mural recently installed by famous French artist JR.

Bogota, Colombia
Murals and graffiti dominate the city walls of Bogota, and vary greatly in nature. From politically inspired art and inscriptions against former government executives, to vibrant, expressive art, Bogota has it all. Be sure to visit the portion of the city called La Candelaria – a charming city quarter on its own, but also the centre of street art activity.

Thalassa – a Swoon installation

Tthe New Orleans Museum of Art currently has the chance to host the large scale installation from the artist Swoon and that is called “Thalassa”.

The artwork reigns in the museum’s great hall and feels very powerful. Swoon here wants to voice her reaction  to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and she only used found objects.

The display runs until the 25/09/2011.

Pam Glew at Blackall studios

‘Beautiful and Damned’, the shows title, is of course taken from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1922 novel, which explores the listless lives of moneyed society during the Jazz Age.

This captivating era, drenched in glamour yet tinged with tragedy is the decadent setting for this extraordinary series of work. The exquisitely beautiful movie starlets, society icons and characters on display capture the spirit of the age all who are caught in the unforgiving glare of the limelight and some sadly burn out before their time.

As Pam states, “the tragedy amongst the beauty is what has inspired this show, the sharp contrast between a blessed life and one that ends in scandal, hedonism or destitution”.

Words from Mauger Modern Art

When – 25th till 29th May 2011 (late opening on the 26th)

WhereBlackall Studios

Nawer x Remi Rough wall at Traffic Design Festival

Another day, another pair at it, another sexy piece from Remi Rough who was invited to collaborate with Nawer on a new mural which announces the upcoming Traffic Design Festival

For those familiar with Remi Rough’s stuff, this piece is immediately recognisable and true to the artist’s style in terms of the color palette and elements used – a series of intricate lines cleverly coloured and composed to give a very interesting depth to the piece. The black and white background gives emphasis to the bright colours in use here.

Worth noting the very delicate and skilful details within the larger lines and going through in some cases (see picture below) which gives even more depth to the whole thing. And have you noticed that the front wall have also been painted to make sure the piece look good from every angle.

A winner all round.

Remi Rough x Nawer | Art-Pie

Remi Rough x Nawer | Art-Pie

Remi Rough x Nawer | Art-Pie

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