The umbrella, as a symbol of the protests that are going on in Hong Kong, resulted from police pepper spray, used against activists, who used it as a shield. In no time, this was picked up by creatives, artists or just supporters who via that object, represent their support to the cause through art and imagery.
The Umbrella Revolution was born
#OccupyCentral and its demonstrations began peacefully last week but turned more intensive at the time where we are writing this article. The uprise is about activist who are calling for democracy in Hong Kong and free elections in 2017 (See more photographs about the events on the Mashable website).
We have collected a fe examples of the art and imagery incorporating the umbrella and other symbols of resistance on social media.
Another symbol widely used is the the yellow ribbon, which protestors are using as a symbol of democracy and suffrage and we found this awesome piece below
More imagery/art from protesters and artists below
Photo London is located in the heart of the city and benefits from the support of London’s best photographers. Click here to watch these photographers discuss their love of photography, and why London is an important cultural hub for photography, in a special video for Photo London.
From the 19-22 May, Photo London will be celebrating the ever popular medium of photography across the capital by bringing some of the world’s leading practitioners, curators, exhibitors and dealers together with the public. Photo London have collaborated with 80 of the best galleries from around the globe to put together a stellar line up of both exhibitions and events, such as book signings and discussions, with those renowned in the field.
Amongst those attending is Don McCullin. Recently named Photo London’s Master of Photography 2016, the legendary war photographer will be the subject of an exclusive exhibition at Somerset House. McCullin will also be in conversation with Simon Baker, Photography Curator at Tate in a public talk on 19 May. This opportunity is available to anybody who purchases a ticket to Photo London thanks to the support of the LUMA Foundation, who work to support the activities of independent artists and pioneers.
Elsewhere, specially-commissioned exhibition, Photoprovocations, is set to be on view at the West Embankment Galleries. This showcase recognises Sergey Chilikov as an outstanding practitioner of the ‘new’ photography which emerged in the USSR in the 1970s. The work of Wolfgang Tillmans will also be displayed in Between Bridges at Somerset House. Stepping aside from the sensationalism surrounding the ‘Brexit’ coverage in the media, Tillmans aims to inform the public about the democratic and humantarian benefits of remaining within the European Union.
Photo London’s main exhibitors section welcomes a wealth of established galleries including Beetles+Huxley, London; Polka Galerie, Paris; The Photographers’ Gallery, London; Magnum Photos, Paris-London; and Michael Reid Gallery, Sydney-Berlin. In addition, new and emerging organisations will also have a place at the event in Photo London’s newest section Discovery, reserved specifically to introduce praiseworthy, but less well known, galleries to new audiences. Exhibitors include Tiwani Contemporary and TJ Boulting. Already one of the top 10 visitor attractions in the UK, Photo London’s home, Somerset House, is itself a cultural hotspot and a centre for art and culture in the heart of London.
London’s public museums and galleries will also put the spotlight on photography this month: Martin Parr will curate Strange and Familiar: Britain as Revealedby International Photographers at the Barbican Art Gallery; National Portrait Gallery hosts Vogue 100: A Century of Style; Science Museum/Media Space displays the work of William Henry Fox Talbot; the V&A presents Paul Strand: Photography and Film for the 20th Century; and Tate Modern examines contemporary work in Performing for the Camera.
This year’s Photo London edition will feature the talents of two rising practitioners from the London art scene. Walter and Zoniel will transform the uncanny underground spaces of The Deadhouse at Somerset House into a giant camera for opening night. By doing this, the artists plan to create the largest ever Ambrotype portrait as a live ‘happening’, energising visitors ahead of the following four days, which promise to be filled with world class photography and photographers.
Photo London 2016, 19-22 May, Somerset House, London.
I went past it many many times but did not see it or just a glimpse of it and thought that it must be one off graffiti worth seeing surely but no rush for it. I was so wrong.
I then decided last week end that on my way, I should go and check out that piece on the wall which is actually only half visible from the street and surprised I was to find a multitude of awesome street art stuff all around me and the sun was out that day big time so happy face I must have pulled. Continue reading Quality street art spotted in Dalston→
UK based artist, DANK aka Dan Kitchener’s second major solo show in London this year is opening at Graffik gallery on Thursday this week.
We hear that the artwork on display, cityscapes and landscapes but also the now iconic Tokyo neon style Geishas, are a delight so we are looking forward to going to the press launch tomorrow and talk to the artist about his new set of new works.
Stay tunes for exclusive pics .
From the gallery
“Working across all mediums, scale plays an important part in his work – he has a fondness for epic street pieces, with his monstrous creations seen on walls ranging from 20ft to over 100 ft. Light and the effects of light are also another huge aspect of his work, using this technique to give life to a varied range of compositions.”
We have also included a video about the artist telling you a big more about the artist
What – Dan Kitchener’s new solo show When – 27/07 till 7/07 Where – Graffik gallery | 284 Portobello Road London W10 5TE
“Young Masters” is the latest show from Curious Duke gallery and is now in full swing. We went down to check it out what the group show has to offer.
If you have never been to the gallery, your first impression, as you step in, might be that the gallery is tiny but keep walking on and head downstairs where the main exhibition area is. The place is actually big enough to host a decent amount of work from several artists. “Young Masters” present us with artwork from 11 different artists.
What strikes you right away is the diversity of works that this show offers – you will encounter steel sculptures from Sam Shendi as well as amazing BIRO drawings from Mark Powell. You are greeted by ben levy’s portraits which always try to transpire current political, racial or sexual issues the artist cares about by using well-known pop references such as McDonalds.
Head towards the stairs and find yourself facing with an odd sculpture made of steel which will catch your curiosity. Head downstairs and find scattered around the place several other pieces from the same artist. Sam Shendi’s sculptures use bright colours, often red, yellow and blue and the shapes are straight ones. You cannot walk past them and not stop and have a closer look. We particularly like “Freedom Of Speech” which consist of three small boxes, one yellow, one red and one blue all showing you a face where the freedom of speech os broken down. Simple but clever.
Oil on canvas has been a technique that has been around almost forever and the show via Richard Goold and Danielle Hodson gives the visitors eyes something to look at again and again. Danille Hodson portraits are somewhat quite traditional but with sometimes a twist – “Piggy” is a perfect example, the face depicts a pig instead of a human face. Richard Goold on the other hand does surrealism and does it well. If you like Dali, you will like this artist.
By Mark Powell
2 more artists caught our attention. Kate Knight and Mark Powell.
Kate Knight watercolour on canvas pieces are soft and delicate and will seduce the romantics out there although her subjects can sometimes be awkward. You will find yourself in from of series of encrusted blackened heart which for some reason comes across as beautiful. Maybe the metal leaf added on all Danielle Hodson pieces have got something to do with it.
Mark Powell drawing technic is mind blowing. Armed with only a ballpoint pen, his drawing are just so detailed and realistic, you wonder how much time it must take the artist to get these drawing done. We also appreciated that the artists use unusual support such as a 1853 letter/envelope or an antique map of France.
If the show tells you anything is that there are still out there, talented artists that keep their creativity up by using good old painting or drawing techniques, oil on canvas often wins you over I must say.
Exhibiting artists: Andrea Tyrimos| Ben Levy | Dannielle Hodson | Darren MacPherson | Hannah Downing | Kate Knight | Kareena Zerefos | Mark Powell | Otto D’Ambra | Richard Goold | Paul Don Smith | Sam Shendi | Sue Young Lee
JR has been busy for the last recent months and even more since he won the TED prize earlier this year.
PARIS –
JR is always keen on putting interaction and social aspect right into his work. I present you “Photo Booth”, the new social art project currently help at the George Pompidou Centre. The concept is simple, enter the photo booth and get yourself on a full scale printing from JR. The end date for this project is the 5th September 2011.
JR has also been busy and stuck on various streets of NYC. Take a look at the pictures below to fill the iconic Bowery and Houston Mural space, as we’ve seen(here).
Thanksgiving is one week away and we again browsed the web in search of street art related to the American public holiday. We included some of our findings below
Happy Thanksgiving!
1. New Haven (USA)
This piece is located in New Haven and on Water street (USA), well it was back in 2009 so we are guessing it must be gone. Great piece though. We like the way the lettering works has become dishes like details of the artwork
About Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. It originated as a harvest festival. Thanksgiving has been celebrated nationally on and off since 1789, after a proclamation by George Washington.
It has been celebrated as a federal holiday every year since 1863, when, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens,” to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November.
Together with Christmas and the New Year, Thanksgiving is a part of the broader holiday season.
UK based artist, DANK aka Dan Kitchener’s second major solo show in London this year is opening at 
