Openings: “Street/Studio” Experience @ Irvine Contemporary

Washington, D.C. got hit with a taste of urban art this past weekend thanks to the Irvine Contemporary, who held a group show and street/studio experience that featured artists: Shepard Fairey, Swoon, Dalek, Gaia, Imminent Disaster, Oliver Vernon, EVOL and Pisa 73.

AM got to tag along as these urban artists got together to create a show that was not only inside the gallery, but also along the back walls and alleys of some prime D.C. real estate. From the moment daybreak started on Thursday, EVOL, Pisa 73, Oliver Vernon and Gaia worked their murals on the public walls and by Friday afternoon, they were hurried from their “street studio” into the halls of American University to join a panel led by Pedro Alonzo, curator of Shepard Fairey’s ICA show.

More on the experience after the jump.

The panel discussed the many aspects of street art, from urban beautification to perceived vandalism, Shepard’s recent viral Obama campaign to market speculation in the urban art market. The panel openly listened to and addressed all questions raised by the inquisitive audience.

On Saturday, all the hard work paid off as the opening night block party brought out the young and excited D.C. crowd. Not since Manifest Hope have so many budding Washington art fans come out in droves to celebrate the urban beautification of D.C.’s art scene.

Of course we couldn’t end the night without taking the artists to sample one of D.C.’s best late night eateries: Ben’s Chili Bowl!

Thanks again to Martin, Lauren, Thomas and the rest of the crew at Irvine Contemporary.