Four cities at Black Rat Press

In 2007 the global population living in urban environments passed the halfway mark, and that trend is accelerating. As cities become bigger and denser, and within the rigid structures of a mass-market society, truly meaningful personal interactions become increasingly elusive. The anonymising effects of scale and excess on the actor in the postmodern city can lead to a shared sense of social isolation.

In Four Cities Black Rat Projects will take a look at the four artists whose experience of urbanity propelled them to create within their environment in similar ways. With new works by represented artist Swoon, and secondary market works sourced from Os Gemeos, Banksy and Shepard Fairey, BRP will map the parameters of the street art movement across continents through the voices that emerged simultaneously as the strongest of their respective city scenes.

Artists featured: Swoon, Os Gemeos, Banksy, Shepard Fairey

Where –
Black Rat Projects
When –
20th May – 23rd June 2011 (Preview – 19th May – 6-9pm)

Halloween zombie takeover event in Camden by Backyard Cinema

You do not know what to do for Halloween. How about some zombie actions along with some pop corn and a good old classic horror movie?

Backyard Cinema Presents APOCALYPSE- a 3 day immersive iconic Zombie cinema takeover of Camden Lock Indoor Market. You should expect some live action zombies & swat teams. The courtyard will be stacked with zombies faces.

6 iconic zombie films are on the menu – ZOMBIELAND // EVIL DEAD // THE CABIN IN THE WOODS // 28 DAYS LATER // WORLD WAR Z // I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE

Halloween | Art-Pie

BACKYARD CINEMA APOCALYPSE EVENT LISTINGS:
WHAT: Backyard Cinema Presents: Apocalypse – an iconic Zombie film takeover
WHERE: Camden Lock Indoor Market
WHEN: 31st October – 2nd November
PRICE: Early Bird Tickets – £12

Full information here: http://www.backyardcinema.co.uk

Spray cans sculptures

We instantly fell in love when we first saw these little wonders of sculpture. Kresimir Buden 2Fast is the sculptor behind these creations which obviously are graffiti inspired.

The artist is based in Zagreb (Croatia) and use various brands of spray cans from Montana to Ironlak.  You will have noticed the Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans version amongst others.

I do not know for you but we particularly like the green one. What about you?

Click on the images below to launch the slideshow

Kresimir Buden - Art-PieKresimir Buden - Art-PieKresimir Buden - Art-PieKresimir Buden - Art-Pie

Kresimir Buden - Art-PieKresimir Buden - Art-PieKresimir Buden - Art-PieKresimir Buden - Art-Pie

Gordon Cheung at Room: multi media artist

I always find fascinating when an artist can juggle between medias or techniques, when artists can be as varied as Gordon Cheung is. It is definitely a sign of open mindedness and in this case also talent.

Pyrographics, spray paint, oil, acrylics, sculpture, animation… Gordon Cheung seems to explore everything in is art. THE JOURNEY (ink, acrylic gel and spray paint on canvas), BEAR and BULL (both being acrylic gel and spray on canvases) are definitely my favorite pieces. Acrylic gel is superb to get incredible texture and relief. Continue reading Gordon Cheung at Room: multi media artist

Alex Meade’s 3D made into 2D street art

Alex Meade and his live paintings | Art-PieMeet Alexa Meade. He creates amazing series of living graffiti art but the twist is that he masters the ability of using actual people made to look like they belong in their 2D graffiti background.

No need to say that the level of careful painting and attention to detail is huge here but it works pretty awesomely to turns three dimensional figures into two dimensional figures. All participants are painted in black and white and cleverly get tangled  in the explosive and coloured backgrounds and the illusion of they are part of the static art is achieved.

You will see a few examples of Alexa Meade below.

Alex Meade and his live paintings | Art-Pie

Alex Meade and his live paintings | Art-Pie Alex Meade and his live paintings | Art-Pie

Rotofugi – A Gallery and Toy Store!

I Still Feel YouChicago, IL – Rotofugi, home to toys and art. One of the best venues for pop surrealism a mere mile and a half away from my current home. The charming, light-filled space greets visitors with cheery figures by Kidrobot, Frank Kozik, Tokidoki, and others. Additionally, they have apparel, plush toys, journals, and a variety of knickknacks. It’s easy to lose track of time, awed by all the clever and intricate crafts. The gallery, with constantly changing exhibits, is located towards the back of the space.

Two artists, Jeremiah Ketner and Shannon Bonatakis compose the most recent exhibit, on view through December 4, 2011. Both artists highlight femininity in their work in a style that incorporates soft brush strokes on medium sized canvases to create an ephemeral quality. However, their works diverge on all other areas.

Ketner paints whimsical images that transport you to a serene oceanic world. His cartoonish pixies follow the style of Japanese anime. Ketner says “everything is small and round” in Japan and his subjects reflect that notion. Bonatakis uses a similarly soft method of portraiture, focusing on young women. However, her characters are not hybrids of fantasy. The long sleek figures lack the sense of whimsy found in Ketner’s work. Bonatakis’ images instead, incorporate a sense of macabre. Although blood and severed body parts confront the viewer, they do not disrupt the scene. The characters have an uncanny acceptance of their fate and seem empowered by their imperfections or the fate bestowed on them. Resignation abounds as they penetrate the viewer with a lustful resonance. Eerily, these images instill the viewer with a sense of serenity.

This is Bonatakis’ first show at Rotofugi. She currently resides in Denver and is active in galleries across the US.

This is Ketner’s third show at Rotofugi. He has shown at over 50 galleries across North America. His characters grace the walls of Nordstroms throughout the country. Ketner also makes figures and plush toys. He lives in Chicago with his two sons, and together they explore the city.

Rotofugi Gallery is located at 2780 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 606 They are open between 11 am and 7 pm, 7 days a week.

Into My ArmsJelly Stroll

I Still Feel YouAll It Takes

Tailcast.com: what will you create today?

tailcast-1

www.tailcast.com is a new website that encourages amateur and professional creatives to join the personalized print-on-demand product market through submission and commission based sales.

Everyone can now create unique products with access to other members’ content providing more creative ways to use unique artwork, photography, poems, jokes, illustrations, cartoons… the opportunities are unlimited. Continue reading Tailcast.com: what will you create today?

BEN OAKLEY GALLERY (aka the B.O.G)

Sweet Heart Otto Schade

Having been a fan of Ben Oakley’s art work for the last few years I was really excited to see the Ben Oakley Gallery open in Greenwich last year. Having spoken to Ben this week he has given me details of the upcoming show in January which looks to be another good mix of contemporary street art. Ben works with a range of artists involved in the emerging and established contemporary and street art culture as well as creating his own work and being involved in various art projects and curatorial events. As a lover of series my favourite work of Ben’s are his trademark fairies, bears and yeti’s.

Show Details:
In January 2012, Otto Schade brings his extraordinary artwork to the Ben Oakley Gallery in Greenwich. He will be exhibiting original unseen artwork and ltd edition prints from 21st January – 5th February.

Originally from Concepcion in Nothern Chile, Schade now lives in London, where he works as a University Lecturer in the field of Architecture. He balances his career with a passion for creating beautiful and detailed artworks, both in the studio and at street level.

Schade uses his ribbons to compose beautifully intricate images, often referencing popular culture. However, he also creates more thought-provoking works, that resonate with deep and symbolic meaning.

Schade has forged a reputation as one of London’s foremost street artists, with his instantly recognisable ribbon motif adorning many walls throughout London and beyond gaining admiration from Private collectors and Artists alike.

Otto Schade will be in attendance.

BEN OAKLEY GALLERY PRESENTS: ‘URBAN SCHADE’
PREVIEW EVENING: Friday 20th January 2012 7.00 – 9.30 pm
EXHIBITION DATES: Saturday 21st January – Sunday 5th February 2012

VISITOR INFORMATION.
BEN OAKLEY GALLERY
9 Turnpin Lane Greenwich London SE10 9JA
(top end of the indoor market.)
Opening Times: Thursdays –Sundays 11-6pm
Monday –Wednesday by appointment.

All media enquiries /invitations: please email Ben Oakley.
Telephone. 07976 692 751   www.benoakleygallery.com

DLR: Cutty Sark Greenwich  ( 2 minutes walk )
Overground Train:Greenwich Station ( 5 minutes walk )

STREET ART ENCOUNTERS