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Monthly Archives: October 2017

Interviews: Igor Ponosov

Posted by AM, October 20, 2017

It would give a certain pleasure to Walter Benjamin if he could know that 81 years from the first publication of his The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, it would be quoted by a Russian artist in a perfectly poetic manner just right on the waters of the Norwegian port city of Stavanger. The artist, Igor Ponosov, through his Too far, Too close artwork, not only reminded us about the “aura” and “unique appearance of a distance,” but also interacted with […]

Previews: Christian Rex van Minnen – “Mourning Wood in Liminal Dawn” @ Richard Heller Gallery

Posted by SAL, October 19, 2017

Richard Heller Gallery will be opening their first solo show with Christian Rex Van Minnen on Saturday, November 4th. Mourning Wood in Liminal Dawn will include a new series of oils exploring the ongoing journey through liminal space in between ideas around masculinity, sex and identity. With indisputable talent and exceptional panting technique, van Minnen creates pictures that are filled with grotesque and unsettling imagery, yet blatantly sincere in their subject matter and atmosphere. Wrapping his skills and familiarity with technique inside classic painting formats […]

Streets: JR Installation @ US-Mexico Border Fence (Part 2)

Posted by sleepboy, October 18, 2017

Coinciding with the last day of his scaffolded installation at the US-Mexico border fence (covered), JR (interviewed) organized a gigantic picnic to commemorate the occasion. Setting up a massive table featuring the “eyes of a dreamer,” a motif the French artist is famous for, the feast spanned both sides of the fence near Tecante, Mexico and Tecate in California. People from both sides showed up, including Kikito (whose photo was the one used for the installation) and his family, to share food and to support the artist’s continued […]

Releases: Jeremy Geddes – “Imperator” Print

Posted by sleepboy, October 18, 2017

On October 23rd, Jeremy Geddes (interviewed) will be releasing a new print entitled Imperator. Featuring one of the Australian artist’s signature floating astronauts, this time hovering over a statue (something Geddes said might be the hardest object he’s had to paint), the timed edition will be available for 24 hours only starting at 9 AM Melbourne time. The impressive painting took at least a year to create and the 51cm x 106cm (paper size: 61cm x 115cm) print version of it can be yours if you head […]

Previews: Bezt (Etam Cru) – “Beautiful Mistakes” @ Spoke Art NYC / Thinkspace gallery

Posted by SAL, October 18, 2017

Polish artist Bezt, better known as part of the Etam Cru together with Sainer, is about to open his inaugural solo exhibition in New York City at Spoke Art, curated by Los Angeles-based gallery, Thinkspace. Opening on October 21st, Beautiful Mistakes will include a series of new paintings and drawings, mostly focused on portraying mundane characters and scenes with a subtle, surreal twist to them. The work of Etam Cru has always had a notable melancholic tone to it, and Bezt is pushing this idea further with his […]

Releases: KAWS – “BFF” Vinyl Figures

Posted by sleepboy, October 17, 2017

Following up the unveiling of his BFF statue in Bangkok last year (covered), as well as plush versions in blue and black, KAWS will be releasing vinyl versions of the figure tomorrow (October 18th). The blue version can be purchased starting at 10 AM EST online at MoMA and at its two NYC shops while the black iteration will be available on KAWSONE.com starting at 12 PM EST. These are mostly likely open editions. Images via Hypebeast. Discuss KAWS here.

Previews: Ian Francis – “Artificial Winter” @ Corey Helford Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, October 17, 2017

On October 28th, Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles will be opening a new show from Ian Francis (featured) entitled Artificial Winter. The Bristol-based artist returns with a series of rich mixed-media works that once again walks the line between photorealistic and abstract, his ghostly figurative elements mixed in with evocative looser elements. Francis explains – “It’s been ten years since my first solo show, which was here in Los Angeles. I’ve always loved technology and been fascinated by our relationship with it, but I’d have found it […]

Recap: Stik @ Fat Free Gallery

Posted by juggernut3, October 17, 2017

During this summer, British artist STIK hit up New York City and exhibited a fresh new show with Fat Free Gallery located in the Lower East Side. The painter from Hackney, East London utilized his super flat and deceptively deconstructed style to convey a variety of complex emotions reflecting aspects of society around us. He also released a copy of his self titled book (available here) documenting unofficial street murals spanning over a decade and across three continents. Discuss Stik here.

Recap: Tom Sachs x Nike – “Nikecraft” (Space Camp)

Posted by juggernut3, October 16, 2017

One of the more epic happenings this past summer was held by Tom Sachs at New York City’s remote Governor’s Island. Entitled NikeCraft: Mars Yard 2.0, the event saw the American artist reunite with Nike to create a “Space Camp” to train participants in the art of visiting space through the lens of the renowned “D.I.Y.” master. This latest chapter of Mr. Sachs’ unique take on space travel and its missions into the unexplored frontiers of the cosmos brings the viewer back to square one […]

Overtime: Oct 9 – Oct 15

Posted by Khoi, October 15, 2017

More stories from the week that ended Oct 15 (click on bolded words for more information): Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which could sell for over $100mil., to be auctioned at Christie’s. Eight things to know about the painting. RIP: Holly Block (1958–2017). Bronx Museum launches fund in honor of Block. US government withdraws from UNESCO, creating profound implications for cultural institutions. Event at 356 S Mission cancelled due to protests from anti-gentrifiers. Photos comparing black people from Africa with continent’s wild animals pulled after accusations of […]