April definitely did not fool around when it came to artwork. The staff at AM selects some notable stories of the month for the readers in this edition of Second Helpings.

Get served after the jump.


Sleepboy recommends:

1) Studio Visit: Gary Baseman – “La Noche de la Fusion”

AM paying a visit to Gary Baseman’s (interviewed) studio was an eye-opener.  There were so many different projects, products, paintings from past and present that it was almost a visual overload - definitely a testament to Baseman’s goal of being a “pervasive” artist.  What we were there for though, was to take a look at his preparations for his show “Le Noche de La Fusion” opening tonight, May 2nd, at Corey Helford Gallery, and what we saw didn’t disappoint.

2) David Choe – “Death Blossom” @ PYO Gallery Beijing

David Choe unveiled what many consider some of his strongest work to date in Beijing at PYO Gallery.  He also took time to film his latest episode of “Thumbs Up!” and spent several months in China, but more on that later.  For now, feast your eyes on pics from the opening.

3) Kehinde Wiley Coverage

Kehinde Wiley impressed us with his majestic new body of work, both in scale and concept.  We also covered his lecture at the Getty Center for those who missed out.  It was and educational experience for those who have not seen the comparisons between the original classic art and his finished reinterpretations, we definitely recommend watching his videos or purchasing one of his books.

Stephen recommends:

1) Interview: Above

ABOVE, prolific street artist, word/play genius and social commentator, spent some time with AM discussing his travels, artistic philosophy and world views. To coincide with his interview, he also launched an awesome print based on the Union Jack motif – make sure you cop one.

2) Conor Harrington & Chloe Early – “Chasing Castles” @ Kinsey/DesForges

The first showing of a full-body of work in the United States by London based artists Conor Harrington and Chloe Early. With rich, multi-layered, vibrantly colored pieces and a strong underlying message, Harrington and Early are definitely artists to keep on your radar.

3) Streets: Faile – Spinning Prayer Wheel

We knew this sick street installation piece in Williamsburg by Brooklyn based collective Faile wouldn’t last long. The 100 pound weight and steel bolted base were no match for that forklift in the background… at least the bike’s still there.

Photo courtesy of Animal NY.

Juggernut3 recommends:

1) Openings: Miss Bugs & Joe Black – “2 Many Artists” @ Brooklynite 

The hip Brooklyn crowd was delighted to see the rising street talent hit Brooklynite. WIth big bold pieces gracing the walls of the gallery, it was apparent that street art is not dead.

2) Openings: Ian Francis x Kinsey DesForges @ Semi-Permanent (Sydney)

AM favorite Ian Francis finally had a chance to show in the land of koalas and kangaroos and what a show it was. The pop up exhibition was thrown in conjunction with Semi-Permanent, a design conference which Ian was a guest speaker for. Suffice to say, he didn’t disappoint. Thanks to Kinsey/DesForges, we were able to premier the show online to the rest of the world at the same time it opened in Australia.

3) Openings: Sylvia Ji – “Haute Epoch” @ Corey Helford Gallery

This is her first solo since last summer at White Walls and Sylvia knocked one out of the park. This new body of work expanded beyond just her classic Dia de los Muertos portraits. With stunning color and allure, Silvia’s works impressed the packed LA crowd. In her frenzy to get the show ready, Sylvia was a sweetheart and even did an interview with us right before the show.