SPECTER

Posted on 2010-08-16

Brooklyn-based street artist Specter makes his UK debut this month.
He creates installations and street artwork displayed in abandoned buildings and forgotten spaces to draw attention to the urban situation which is the inspiration for his creative concepts.
He evolves the subject matter by interlacing influences from the environment he chooses to adorn, incorporating characteristics from the surrounding neighbourhoods, architecture, local business and social economic classes; transforming the unwitting publics’ understanding of the space.
Through graffiti influence, he became obsessed with art in public spaces, where he sees potential inspiration and appropriate location to express his creativity. His aim is to deconstruct preconceived perceptions and draw attention to the neglected and less desirable issues, the non-sensational stories of the undervalued detritus of our culture we seldom hear about.

Exhibition runs through to the 24th August, 2010

Pure Evil Gallery
108 Leonard st
London
EC2A 4RH

www.pureevilclothing.com

  

DOWN BY LAW

Posted on 2010-08-09

“Down By Law” showcases rarely seen works by the pioneers of the NYC based graffiti and underground art scene. On view are seminal pieces from the key artists of this genre—some of whom achieved international fame, others who remained relatively anonymous, and still others who died prematurely. These artists’ “billboard masterpieces” and “moving murals” defined a generation and reshaped the way people have related to pop culture, public art, and urban aesthetics ever since.

Opposite – Jean-Michel Basquiat, Triple Self Portrait

Exhibition runs from August 14th to September 26th, 2010

Eric Firestone Gallery
4425 North Campbell Avenue
Tucson
Arizona
85718
USA

ericfirestonegallery.com

  

PETER BLAKE POP ART SHOE

Posted on 2010-08-09

Sir Peter Blake’s “The First Real Pop Shoe” is made from recycled check-book wallet leather, with the artist’s trademark heart, target, rainbow and star motifs embroidered on each side. The design was inspired by the pair Blake wore in his 1961 painting ‘Self-portrait With Badge’s’.The shoes are all made to order and once 600 are sold, production will stop.

www.artrepublic.com

  

SKATEBOARD – EVOLUTION AND ART IN CALIFORNIA

Posted on 2010-08-02

Nearly missed this!!! Guest curated by legendary Z-boy Nathan Pratt in conjunction with museum staff curator Michael Trotter and advisory committee members Jeff Ho, Skip Engblom (Zephyr co-founders), Cris Dawson (1966 Hobie Champ), Z-Boys Tony Alva and Stacy Peralta, and 1980’s world champion Christian Hosoi, the exhibition traces the evolution of boards from pre-1950 to the present showcasing the riders, designers, artists, and manufacturers that created the California phenomenon known as the skateboard. From the first planks of wood with metal roller skate wheels nailed to the bottom to the modern polyurethane wheels and kicktails, the boards have rocketed the skaters to greater heights of performance and style while taking “sidewalk surfing” from a homegrown activity to a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

More than 275 rare boards from the world’s finest collections including Jason Cohn, Dale Smith/Skate Designs Inc., Todd Huber/Skatelab Skatepark, Ray Flores, James Lang/South Bay Skates.

Exhibition extended to August 29th, 2010

California Heritage Museum
2612 Main Street
Santa Monica
California
90405
USA

calmuseum

  

BEYOND PUNK

Posted on 2010-08-02

Beyond Punk’ featuring the artwork of punk musicians, artists associated with punk bands and artistic friends of punk. The legendary bassist from The Adverts, Gaye Advert, curates the exhibition.
The lineup includes artwork from Adam Ant (Adam & the Ants), Charlie Harper (UK Subs), Chris Brief (The Briefs), Dale Grimshaw, Dee Generate (Eater), Gaye Black (Adverts), Gee Vaucher (Crass), Jamie Reid (Sex Pistols), Knox (Vibrators), Philip Barker (Buzzcocks), Poly Styrene (X Ray Spex), Shanne Bradley (Nipple Erectors), Steve Ignorant (Crass) and Youth (Killing Joke).

Opposite – Come Here Please, Adam Ant

Exhibition runs from August 12th to August 21st, 2010

Signal Gallery
32 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4LB

www.signalgallery.com

  

KRIS MARTIN – FESTUM

Posted on 2010-07-26

Belgian artist, Kris Martin, entitles his upcoming exhibition Festum, the Latin for ‘festival’. Martin’s work celebrates the ambiguity of the term, how it embodies our attitudes about both life and death, both jubilation and the fragility of our existence.

Opposite – Found Christ figurines, various metals

Exhibition runs from September 8th to October 9th 2010

White Cube
48 Hoxton Square
London
N1 6PB
UK

www.whitecube.com