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Category Archives: Shows & Events

Videos: Cai Guo-Qiang – “The Birth of Tragedy”

Last weekend in Cognac, France, Cai Guo-Qiang livestreamed a colorful daytime explosion event on the Charente to honor the universal values of resilience, courage, and hope in the face of the global pandemic. Inspired by Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy, the 15-minute fireworks event in three acts (commissioned to mark Hennessy X.O’s 150th anniversary) required twenty thousand shots of fireworks which were launched from 150 oak barrels floating on the river. Says Cai Guo-Qiang, “We are now entering a new chapter of humankind’s strenuous odyssey. The signal […]

Releases: El Mac – “Sun And Clouds” Print

Tomorrow (October 3rd) 10am PST, El Mac will be releasing a new print entitled Sun And Clouds on his website. The edition, which will come in two versions – gray & blue, was adapted from a drawing of his son form last year. He further explains – “The drawing was inspired by my son’s radiance– that special radiance found in small children that glows with love and joy, and can part the clouds in the sky. Leonard Cohen wrote that ‘as our eyes grow accustomed to sight they armor […]

Showing: Aya Takano – “Let’s Make The Universe A Better Place” @ Perrotin (Seoul)

Currently at the Perrotin space in Seoul, Aya Takano has a new selection of sixteen drawings and ten works on canvas on view in a show entitled Let’s Make The Universe A Better Place. Inspired by a visit to girls’ schools in Korea, the Japanese artist sees herself in the students in uniform – “under strict rules and conformity, homogeneous thoughts and beliefs are encouraged.” This has lead Takano to take a new direction for her instantly recognizable manga-inspired young girls, turning the focus on emotional and interpersonal relationships as […]

Openings: Hush @ Galerie Itinerrance

Last weekend in France, Galerie Itinerrance was able to open to the public with their first exhibition since the pandemic started. For his first solo show in Paris, Hush (interviewed) prepared a series of works that continues his exploration of feminine sensuality through the lens of his east meets west aesthetic. Taking inspiration from various influences, The London-based creates his portraiture by layering in patterns and graffiti-based elements into the composition leading to the unique feel of his imagery. Photo credit: HUSH/Galerie Itinerrance. Discuss Hush here.

Showing: Michael Johansson – “Cubic” @ Changwon Sculpture Biennale

For the currently showing Changwon Sculpture Biennale, Swedish artist Michael Johansson (featured) was invited to create an installation at Yongji Park. Unable to travel to Korea because of the pandemic, the sculptor known for his real life Tetris-like installations, had to design the piece from afar and then supervise the sourcing of local objects and assembly of the artwork. Cubic gives new life to everyday items, a perfectly fitted multiple container-high stack that is “a materialization of the rebirth of the useless and the discarded.” Photo credit: @417stevie & […]

Releases: Faith XLVII x Hennessy – VS Cognac Bottle

Following in the footsteps of a long line of artists who have collaborated with Hennessy on their VS Cognac Bottle, Faith XLVII recently unveiled her contribution to the project. As the first female voice to join the Limited Editions series, the South African artist took inspiration from ancient alchemical manuscripts, sundials and calendars with a design that speaks to the seasons and the cyclical order of planetary movements. Take a look at the video below to hear more of her thoughts behind the collaboration… Discuss Faith47 here.

Showing: José Parlá – “The Awakening” @ Yuka Tsuruno Gallery

Over the weekend, Yuka Tsuruno Gallery opened up a solo exhibition from José Parlá entitled The Awakening. For his third showing with the gallery, the New York-based artist has created a new body of work while the US has been experiencing significant social unrest. Part of a series of works which are all protests paintings, Parla’s graffiti inspired imagery and textured layers reflect the fabric of the cities where this upheaval is taking place. Some accompanying words from the artist – “awakening hindsight, envisioning reason, camouflage writing against gaslighting, blooms of […]

Upcoming: Josh Keyes – “Inside Out” @ Thinkspace

On September 19th,  Thinkspace Gallery will be presenting all new works from Josh Keyes (interviewed) in a new solo show entitled Inside Out. The latest piece revealed from the talented painter features a horse wearing a gas mask in full gallop, something that hits close to home with the current pandemic. Known for his focus on a dystopian future for our planet and their denizens (notably with a lacking of human presence), the Portland-based artist has surely prepared more pieces in the same vein judging from another released image of […]

Showing: OSGEMEOS – “You Are My Guest” @ Storage by Hyundai Card (Seoul)

Currently in Itaewon, OSGEMEOS has a show on view at Storage by Hyundai Card, an exhibition space in central Seoul. Entitled You Are My Guest, the showing features 14 works (consisting of 244 pieces) including paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos that put on display the Brazilian artists’ distinctive style. Creating an immersive installation featuring their signature cartoonish yellow-skinned figures, the duo made liberal use of balloon heads including the eye-catching large piece outside sandwiched between two buildings. Photo credit: Jeon Byung Cheol (courtesy of Storage by Hyundai Card), @yeonhee_424, @maysix71, @usual.jungeun, @diana.jinseo, @deway_bora2, @sweet_elly95, @davidgmaupin, and […]

Previews: disConnect Project (London)

Schoeni Projects in collaboration with HK Walls presents disCONNECT, an exhibition featuring ten international artists with site specific installations inside a Victorian townhouse in South West London. Opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the show reflects on the creative and physical constraints of the current global crisis, exploring psychological and political reactions to the crisis, as well as the role of technology as conduit between the two. Full list of participating artists includes Adam Neate (UK), Aida Wilde (Iran), Alex Fakso (Italy), MR CENZ (UK), David Bray (UK), […]