Street & Urban Art « Arrested Motion

Category Archives: Street & Urban Art

Releases: David Choe – “Choegal Siamese Twin”

Posted by stephen, August 7, 2009

Next week, David Choe will be dropping the latest and arguably the illest version of hisÂ â€œChoegalâ€Â art figure, this time re-versioned as a Siamese twin. The hand-painted figures, total edition size of 500, cost $65 and will be available through Ningyoushi and DoublePunch. A look at the other side of the face and the packaging after the jump.

Streets: Hugh Leeman – “Recognition” @ White Walls

Posted by Ken, August 7, 2009

At about two in the morning last Sunday, AM met up with Hugh Leeman in the heart of San Francisco’s seedy Tenderloin district as he was preparing for his upcoming show, “Recognition” at the esteemed White Walls Gallery. Â For the past few months, San Franciscans have been greeted citywide by Leeman’s unique wheatpastes, each depicting a member of the local homeless population. Â Leeman, who befriends and helps support his subjects, often times by giving away free clothing, has been embarking on a massive social street-level […]

Highlights: Recommended Openings For August 6-12

Posted by Andrew Hosner, August 6, 2009

The annual BLAB! Show returns to Copro Gallery and brings with it the usual lineup of heavy hitters. Big news is that Mark Ryden will be exhibiting an older 10×11″ illustration-based work in the show, which can be yours for $33k. For those not familiar with the greatness that is BLAB!, find outÂ more here about this fantastic annual publication which is coming up on issue #19. There is a TON going on around the world this weekend, with San Francisco and Los Angeles leading the […]

NYT’s Art Critic Reviews Os Gemeos Mural

Posted by AM Editor, August 6, 2009

Earlier this week, the New York Times published a glowing review by esteemed art critic Roberta Smith of the recently completed mural by Os Gemeos (covered). Other than being mistaken about this being the twins’ first public artwork in Manhattan (first legal public artwork, perhaps), Smith gets everything else right, describing the stunning work in loving detail. It’s not everyday that the “Old Gray Lady” gives such accolades to street artists, so congrats to Os Gemeos. Well deserved. Discuss Os Gemeos here.

Rolling Stone’s Obama Cover by Shepard Fairey

Posted by juggernut3, August 5, 2009

The August 20th issue of Rolling Stone will feature a cover with a new image of Barack Obama by Shepard Fairey.Â Unlike the idealistic iconic image that a nation of Obama supporters fell in love with, the latest by Fairey incorporates elements that show the situation that the President is currently in. As the artist puts it: “it’s one thing to be running for president and it’s another to be President, and I think this new illustration that I did hopefully captures the complexity and […]

Preview/Setup: Chris Stain and Armsrock – “I Know There Is Love” @ Ad Hoc Art

Posted by Elisa Carmichael, August 4, 2009

Two of the most original voices working in street and gallery settings today, Chris Stain and Armsrock, have what looks to be an outstanding show coming up at Ad Hoc Art this Friday, August 7th. Both artists capture moments of hope and dignity in urban life without romanticizing the challenges and despair. We are very impressed withÂ their new work and the installation they are currently preparing in theÂ gallery. Take a look at all the setup pics as well as a nice video after the jump…

Openings: Planet Illogica Launch Party – San Diego Comic-Con 2009

Posted by stephen, August 4, 2009

Ron English (studio visit) andÂ 2esae and SKI ofÂ Destroy and Rebuild rocked downtown San Diego’s Wonderhaus with their live painting session during the launch party forÂ Planet Illogica, a social networking website focused on the creative arts community. Utilizing the bodies of some gorgeous models as their canvases, Ron transformed his female subjects with his pop-surrealist touch while the boys from Destroy and Rebuild gave them a little NYC flavor, hitting their subjects with throw-ups and some sick designs. Complementing the fine and graffiti art were Cirque […]

Preview/Setup: “Mom & Popism” @ Gawker HQ

Posted by juggernut3, August 4, 2009

This past weekend, we were invited to check out a very special project going on at the rooftop ofÂ Gawker Headquarters. The project “Mom & Popism” is a unique collaboration between Gawker Artists and Jim & Karla Murray (concieved/curated by Billi Kid)Â to remix some of the iconic NYC cityscape as seen in the book – “Store Front – The Disappearing Face of New York.” The goal is to blow up the classic storefronts that defined many parts of NYC in quasi-life scale on the rooftop […]

Interviews: Know Hope

Posted by Elisa Carmichael, August 3, 2009

When we were passed this fantastic interview between our friend Thomas Dunlap and Know Hope, we couldnâ€™t resist sharing it with you. The conversation took place during Know Hopeâ€™s recent LA solo show at Carmichael Gallery, “the times wonâ€™t save you (this rain smells of memory)“ (covered) and provides some insight into the artist’s creative process and the symbolism in his work.

FAME Festival: Sam3

Posted by Elisa Carmichael, August 3, 2009

We are always happy to see more photos from FAME Fest. Here is a new selection of pieces by Sam3. Check out that great Ericailcane piece from last year’s event peeking out from under the arch as he works! We love this beautiful monastery that the artists have been painting in; it really makes the work come alive. Read the rest of our coverage of FAME Fest here. More pics after the jump.