³A Distorted Lens² New work from David Flores and Lisa Alisa
July 18th August 8th Artist reception: Saturday, July 18th, 7-10pm
Los Angeles, CA LeBasse Projects is proud to announce, A Distorted Lens, a two-artist exhibition featuring gallery artists David Flores and Lisa Alisa.Both artists have worked with the gallery since the first group show hostedby director Beau Basse in 2005. Coming full circle, the artists are eachpresenting new bodies of work to open the summer season at LeBasse Projects new gallery.
While each artist works in a very ³Superflat² style they each have verydifferent cultural influences. In his first Los Angeles show since 2006,Flores delivers all new artwork that embodies his unique interpretation ofpop iconography. In addition to his paintings he has embellished dozens ofvintage fashion, music and news magazine spreads with his vision of theworld around him. Flores¹ stained-glass window style creates a warped viewof the pop icons he simultaneously idolizes and mocks.
Lisa Alisa also follows the superflat style laid out by Japanese artistTakashi Murakami, although her work tends to have much more obvious bite.Generally featuring thinly veiled self-portraits, her paintings are what sherefers to as ³new feminist² artwork. While bloody and violent, thepaintings are a metaphor for both the brutality of life and the desire forchange within the artist herself. There's a thick vein of dark, surrealhumor running through the image. More information on the LeBasse Projects website HERE!
Bwana was just on a little book tour in Europe, he came to London and had his book launchand signing at Concrete Hermet and then ventured off to Paris to ArtToyz.
Nows he is heading back to Portland for his book launch at Grass Hut, where heresides and works.
Portland Release Party: July 11, 6-9pm Book Signing, Pencil Fighting, Fart Knocking!!!
Grass Hut 811 E Burnside. Portland, Oregon
About Bwana:
Bwana Spoons has been making art, zines, comics, toys, shoes, t-shirts, cards, and pretty much anything you could imagine for a long long time. He's inspired a lot of us art-makers to take things to the next level. It's been a long time coming, but now he's got a book "Welcome to Forest Island". It's pretty awesome and you should totally have is in your library of eye candy.
Here are the newest creations from amazing sculptor Scott Radke. Keep an eye out for him in the Hunt & Gather art book which comes out this October from Mark and Batty press, Scott has a feature in the publication.
Last Thursday saw the opening of Jim Mahfood and Scott C.'s two man SUPREME BROSHIP exhibition at London Miles Gallery..reason for the late post is because I just recovered from the most awesome past 10 days ever. Both Jim and Scott flew on over to London along with Nerdcore's Jon Gibson and Derek Puelston. London had no idea just how much of a force these guys are, they came, they conqured and distroyed. They painted the city red..and I mean that litterally. They covered london and caused greatness to happen.
The opening reception saw a massive crowd crammed in to the gallery space and loads of laughs as viewers looked around and enjoyed Scott C.'s humorous watercolor paintings of ninjas playing ball, tree heads watering happy plants and awesome knights and giants. Jim and Scott's collaboration pieces are seriously so awesome, the combination of their two unique styles really works...its ozzing with style. The boys were buzzing the whole evening, signing comics, prints and talking with fans. Tara McPherson and Phil Corbett were in attendance showing some love!
If you missed it, then go by the gallery website and check the photos and the whole collection of artwork is there on line for your viewing pleasure.. it so worth 10 min. of your life .. so go now! www.londonmiles.com
Glowlab is pleased to present Drift, a group exhibition by artists Matthew Lusk, Santiago Mostyn, Javier Piñón and Swoon. The show is timed to coincide with the voyage of the Swimming Cities of Serenissima, a fleet of three intricately handcrafted vessels currently navigating the Adriatic Sea from the Karst region of Slovenia to Venice, Italy just in time to ‘crash’ the Venice Biennale. Glowlab has supported Swoon’s raft projects from their conception and the independent spirit of the rafts is the driving force behind this exhibition.
The title, Drift, refers to both physical drifting – a raft as it moves across the ocean – and the metaphorical drifting of transient communities and populations that live on the fringes of mainstream society. These contemporary nomads are icons representing the challenges and possibilities of forging identities in places both physical and emotional that lie far beyond where most are willing to venture.
Contact: Glowlab Director Christina Ray Phone: 718.388.5911 . Email: info @ glowlab.com
Exhibition dates: June 11–July 26, 2009 Opening Reception: Thursday, June 11 . 7–9pm Admission: free Gallery hours: Tuesday-Sunday . 12-6pm Location: 30 Grand Street between Thompson St. and 6th Ave. . Travel info: A/C/E train to Canal Street Event link: http://www.glowlab.com/glowlab/drift/
The solo exhibition "ShoeShiners" Opens tonight at Signal Gallery, featuring all original stencil artwork from the amazing C215, French street artists. This is a show that has got me very excited and Im really looking forward to attending the private viewing this evening.. Ill make sure to get some photos.
Here is the information:
The renowned and enigmatic street artist C215 (aka Christian Guémy) comes to Signal Gallery for his first ever London show. This show offers the UK public a rare opportunity to see a body of his work together in one place.
Graffiti is marking territory by catching attention to a name (then placing it at the wrong place) while street art aims at placing art in the right place, as if it should have been there forever. C215
About the show (words by C215) I have met many street shoe-shiners during my trips around the world. They represent the lower class of urban workers. Almost beggars, they construct their boxes from a light and cheap material, just one handmade box containing brushes and creams offering a job that less and less people need. When they get a customer, the working dynamic turns into a humiliating symbol - one bending before the other, polishing his shoes, while the superior one gets annoyed or bored, looking around. Shoe-shining, in French, gave birth to numerous ways of describing flattery: "polishing", "shining", "boots-licker"... The lost pride of real street shoe-shiners is easy to encompass with such words, but are we not all discretely licking arses everyday to promote ourselves?
About the artist C215 is a 35 year old street-art junkie living in Paris. His charismatic and political images pop up around the world - India, Israel, Brasil, Poland, USA, Senegal, Morocco and numerous European countries. He has a huge global following on the net – through his published images and videos on youtube, myspace and flickr.
Private View 18th June 2009 6pm - 9pm Open from 19th June - 11th July 2009 Tuesday – Saturday 12 – 6pm
Royal aka Juan Carlos Noria has been given a space on Format Magazine to speak his mind. His daily blog gives you insight in to the great art of Royal, but also a way to get to know him on another level, where he speaks his mind and shares his images and artworks. Go by and give some support and lets try to get his blog in the spotlight.
End of the Line is proud to host the London Meeting of Styles, showcasing the best of freehand Graffiti that the UK has to offer. We have invited a selection of the strongest painters from across the globe to collaborate with the Best of British in a live painting exhibition of epic proportions.
The event will span two days and is now an open air graffiti jam, dj's and beats on friday and live music and bands on saturday. The is a free event and open to all ages. Rodney P and Skitz, Lazy Habits, No1 Station and a host of London's finest will be pumping out Ska, Hip Hop, DubStep, Roots, Beats and Pieces for your ears.
Painters will be painting on hoarding, walls and specially built panels on Bacon, Cygnet & Sclater Street, at the beigel end of Brick lane. Blog for the event: http://endofthelinepresentsmeetingofstyles.blogspot.com/ Locations: Friday 5th / Saturday 6th june nearest tube station is liverpool street station on the central line. Addess is: sclater, cygnet and bacon street map: e1 6hr
London Miles Gallery in London has a show coming up that will have you shaken in your shoes with excitement.. well at least it has me very excited! Jim Mahfood and Scott C. are the Supreme Broship and are having their first collaboration show in London opening on Thursday June 11th, from 7pm to 10pm at the London Miles gallery, located in Notting Hill, London.
Both Jim and Scott will be in attendance for the opening, and I hear there will even be some live painting on one of those pretty females that Jim seems to easly attract.. I mean who wouldnt want to be painted on by Jim Mahfood and Scott C??? ummm.. Basically if you Live in London you have no excuse not to come to this!
All artworks will be avaliable on the london miles website for purchase, no matter where your located, you will be able to get your hands on some of the great art these guys have produced for this show.. The collaboration pieces are AMAAAAAAAAZING!!
Richard from PDX sat down with artist/ scuptor JShea 9 and wah la, this great interview was born. Get a cup of tea and have a read, it really is a nice insight in to the JShea's work and vision.
Did you always feel the call to be an artist ?
I've always enjoyed creating.......I studied illustration because I thought it might give me a better chance to work in the arts........that was my goal..............and still is.........make a living making art......weather its commercial.......personal........whatever......lock some skills in and earn while being creative......... after gigs in illustration.........sneaker design........puppet fabrication........and rock poster art, I began to focus more on my own ideas for personal art...........combining painting, sculpture, assemblage and installation........
Do you consider your self an urban artist and what is an urban artist?
no.....not really........i have done a fair amount street art in cities i've lived in..........but that kind of work i do is very subtle..........as i paint with brushes in lone corners of the city......its not like graffiti or wheat pasting ,where folks are "getting up" to be seen.......i just do little street paintings in my neighborhood.......you really have to look for them.......but its fun to go out at night and paint...........there's enough visual stimulation already with advertising.........sometimes when you see a little original painting mixed in.....it makes you smile.....i hope.....
urban artist.....? i always thought it was someone who had roots in graffiti...........or some other form of street art.........i know many artist's who consider themselves "post graph".... and they are amazing painters..............though i've never heard them consider themselves "urban artist".......even though they still go out and paint at night.......i think a gallery curator came up with that label.............
Even though you paint beautifully I see that you like to work with sculpture ?
For the past few years I've been focused on "my style of sculpture"........combining assemblage, found objects and clay modeling........because I enjoy all those forms of art............and felt no one was really combining all those mediums...........i love painting too.........but its limiting in many ways.......i guess i want there to more dimension to my work.....plus the process in making the sculpture is alot more involved ............i really enjoy its process......
Where do you find the unique pieces for them? I enjoy the process of scavenging through flea markets,thrift stores,and yard sales looking for junk........mostly old things.......broken and forgotten..........but they still have an essence of craft and quality to me.........maybe because most things made today are plastic and disposable.... made with no attention to detail or craftsmanship..............nothing is handed down like an old tool,toy or record .......its just thrown away....... READ THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW HERE ON PDX art forum
1000 Days, curated by Seth Curcio of Daily Serving.com opens on May 23rd at Scion’s 4,500 square foot Installation L.A. Gallery Space in Culver City. The exhibition celebrates the upcoming 1000th feature for DailyServing.com, an online contemporary art publication that showcases some of the most innovative contemporary visual artists working today. 1000 DAYS will present seven emerging artists in the United States whose work represents the graphic aesthetic and innovative artistic process for which the publication’s features are known. These artists, all of whom have been previously featured on the site, work in a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and new media.
The opening reception takes place May 23rd, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Scion Installation L.A. Space, 3521 Helms Ave. (at National), Culver City, CA 90232. The show will run until June 13th.
Tuesday, May 26th, Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles presents their newest exhibit "Quiet Storm." The show will feature all new works from artists Scott Campbell (NY), Krista Huot (Canada), ghostpatrol (Australia) and Roland Tamayo (LA).
This focused 4-person show does display a congruent theme in each of their works, a sort of petite touch of quaint and emotion easy on the eyes, but the similarity is extremely hard to put into words. And meet 3 of the 4 artists, as Campbell, Huot and Tamayo will be in attendance. This show will run until June 18th from . Opening Reception is May 26th from 7-10 Pm
Following the successful recent opening reception of the exhibition "Southern" AT Last Rites Gallery in New Yorkfeaturing artists Brian Viveros and Matthew Bone, Last Rites has announced the release of 2 prints, exclusive to Last Rites Gallery. The first is "Dirtyland 4", a giclee print, edition of only 12, signed by artist Brian Viveros. The second is "Southern" (image to the left), made from a collaborative painting by both Viveros and Bone. It is also a giclee print, edition of only 12, signed by both Viveros and Bone. Ohhhh I like!!
You can go to the store on our website and purchase these prints, and many others, via an easy to use paypal button here: http://lastritesgallery.com/store.php
Go have a look, they have some nice dark and oddly sexy prints on their website.
Signal Gallery are delighted to announce the Byroglyphics solo show, 'Domestic Science', at Signal Gallery. A full set of new images will appearer on this page nearer to the exhibition which opens on the 21st May.
Opening reception: May 21st, 2009 From 6pm to 9pm At Signal Gallery
Signal Gallery 96a Curtain Road London EC2A 3AA
Russ studied illustration at Leeds Met. University and has worked as a freelance illustrator and animation film maker since graduating. Recently he has made a huge impact on the 'Urban' art scene with his dramatic and stylish images. Russ will be producing a number of original canvases for the show. In the interim the gallery will also release some print editions of his work
"Byroglyphics has found himself in the fortunate position, within the space of a year, of being much in demand and greatly admired. It has been an interesting journey of discovery and self-discovery. The artist launched his career boldly by producing a series of stunning prints that he sold independently through the internet for £15 (including shipping). Very soon, the editions sold out and the Byroglyphics name was out there. From here, he has gone on to produce prints independently and show in several galleries, including his first solo show in Bristol. Byroglyphics (aka Russ Mills) is now an artistic force to contend with - already attracting a loyal following." Read MORE HERE!
Last Thursday evening saw the opening of Jeff Soto's first UK art show, Inland Empire. Stolen Space Gallery presented a beautiful collection of original artworks by artist Jeff Soto, Soto was even at the opening singing copies of his new art book release "Storm Clouds" and the extra special 5 color hand pulled silk screen print created just for the exhibiton.
The exhibition is on show until June 6th.
About the exhibition: "‘The Inland Empire’ is a politically charged exhibition focusing on the theme of recession in the area in which the artist lives and how it reflects what is happening all over the world. Conceptually it is the next step of Soto’s hugely successful and critically acclaimed Museum exhibit at the Riverside Art Museum, “Turning In Circles” in December 2008..KEEP READING HERE!
Coop's solo painting show opens May 29th, 2009 at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City. This is the first solo exhibition of new works from Pin Up rocken rollin artist Coop in over 3 years.
A Paper Tiger has just released their first print from Melissa Haslam, titled "Apparition". Ltd edition of 25
12"x15.5" signed and numbered
Archival textured fine art paper
"Apparition is a narrative piece exploring a fictional relationship between nature and a manufactured toy. The ghost-like girl brings the floral toy into a natural environment, causing the plants pollination process to break down when the bees become attracted to the toys floral fabric."
By painting exotic yet strangely familiar environments, Australian artist Melissa Haslam offers an escape to a romanticized, whimsical and yet slightly dark interpretation of the world. With an emphasis on narrative theme, her paintings are populated by beautiful, forlorn and mischievous women in fairytale-like scenarios. Check out her website for more work and info at
http://www.melissahaslam.orionvisuals.com Get your print HERE!
Timothy Hon Hung Lee is a 25 year old Virgo born in Sutton Coldfield, UK at the Good Hope Hospital. He is British with his family originating from Hong Kong. Timothy currently lives in Leeds and is chasing a lifelong ambition to become successful, a dream which I am almost positive he will reach in not that long of a time. I had a chat with him about his art, his goals and his up and coming group show at London Miles Gallery, titled Waking Aurora.
Lets begin...
So Timothy, What art school or training do you have?
I have done all the usual UK qualifications, Foundation level and degree in fine art. Im still toying with the idea to do an MA.
How long have you been drawing?
Like many artists its always been a part of me although I stopped for 4 years whilst at Unniversity to try other mediums paint, digital, sculpture.
When we last spoke I was amazed to find out just how long you spend on any particular piece of art.. you said up to 2 weeks or around 50 hours. Where does this strong attention to detail and dedication come from?
The most I have spent on a piece was over a month of non stop 8-10 hours a day. Why I spend so much time on a piece I have no idea. Everybody sees things in their own way when, im drawing I see sections that need to be finished to a level so that the rest of the piece works. Im not purposefully looking to fill my work with tiny details it is just how I draw. And the dedication I suppose is from the fact that I love what I do and don’t see the time it takes as a burden; it helps to resolve certain thoughts and feelings.
Exactly how to do you start a piece? Do you have an idea and sketch it out, or do you just go for it?
The ideas come when I least expect it and with different levels of clarity, some pieces draw themselves and others take little more time to reveal their truths. Either way it’s a case of outlining the composition with pencil then drawing ink pens.
So how did you get in to working with Ink as your main medium?
I think this is from my time spent in digital work. I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea that anything you do has no permanence. So Ink is a medium where to a degree you mark is definite there’s not much you can alter about them. I like what it stands for in a way, it is simple and direct.
Your Ink illustrations are extremely detailed and seem to be a very careful and delicate process , as Ink is a very unforgiving medium to use. How do you manage not to make mistakes?
The paper I work with can be extremely delicate and it takes a certain touch to be able to control your marks. In my eyes I always see areas where I think I have messed up but that’s natural to make mistakes; in drawing and in life. Im not concerned with mistakes I’m concerned with the bigger picture.
Can you explain a bit where your Asian influence comes from and why it is so present in your work?
Growing up in the UK and being of Chinese descent has played a big part in my identity. I literally feel split half British half Chinese. I see the Asian Influence as a way to reclaim and maintain the Asian heritage within me. I can get by in everyday Cantonese and understand more than I can speak, but im illiterate in Chinese which I feel is quite shameful. It is something im going to address. I know about Eastern culture but it is learnt through English it is only through art I can transcend this dichotomy.
How do you know when you’re finished with a piece?
It is natural, people always think of my pieces as intricate but to me it’s a reduction. Until what I see as my truth on the paper I stop.
What is your most productive time to work?
Its always at night. Its sounds strange but I work best when I shut down.
Up to this point, can you tell us a bit about how your art career has been going. What shows have you been involved in? Where are you currently being exhibited?
I feel really lucky and humbled with the people I have met so far. I have had my work in cities and galleries I have never been to. The Kids are Alright tour (which is happening as we speak) is something im very excited about. The idea of the tour is to push each artist outside their comfort zones working in different mediums and sizes. The tour goes on to the end of the year im looking forward to see what I create for each venue. Before these shows came into fruition I was not so different to what I do now. Just trying to make a strong body of work.
I personally would love to see you get in to painting. Do you think you will be movingtowards that in the future or are you standing by your ink illustrations for the moment?
For the time being I am focused in seeing how far I can push myself with ink and the possibilities of this medium. I will start painting again but I cant promise it will be any less time consuming. I think its important for an artist to not be a one trick pony.
Have you dipped in to painting in the past?
I used to paint in my teens a lot. They were never really any good but I feel now with an experience of visuals I can make that transition. I actually cant wait to paint again but its just finding the time; the right time.
I spoke to you before about getting prints made of your work, as I think your artwork would look fantastic in print form and also be very accessible to a much wider audience due to the price of course.. do you think that is on the list of things to do?
Definitely, of course only if there is a demand for my work. Art should be about sharing and inclusion not elitism.
How do you see the current “New Contemporary “ art world and how do you see yourself playing a roll with in this growing movement? (Hard question I know..but just would be good to hear your thoughts on this whole art culture and where you see it going, yourself included)
If you look at the Turner prize nominations and then the reactions of the public you can see there’s a gap. I have a problem with work that is catered for the art world.But it is so difficult to comment on an entity that is ever changing with so many variables.
I think and hope that art from cultures and countries that we are less familiar with will be much more of a presence in the art world. In terms of my work being part of this new contemporary movement, I really don’t know where my work sits. The only role I can play is my own.
What artists do you look up to? Influence you, and keep you going?
Theres so many… Damien Hirst, Francis Bacon, Rembrandt, Liu Zheng, Takato Yamamoto, Wong Kar Wai, David Lynch, Joel Peter Witkin, Haruki Murakami, Nick Cave, Bjork, Glassjaw. Theres many I have left out as I could probably go on for quite some time but when I think of any of these I think to myself; I’d like to be on one of these lists for someone some day.
Who in your life has been a huge influence on you outside of the art world?
My Uncle (Lee Man Sang) hes also an artist but I always give him a mention where I can. He’s very bohemian in his ways. It was my Uncles work I used to see when I was younger, I still remember his paintings vividly. I should have mentioned him above as his work probably moves me more than any other even though it’s a completely biased opinion. I get a lot of confidence from people who believe in me that’s really important, when its so hard to make it in this game.
Other than being an extremely dedicated and talented artist, what else do you do with your free time?
Music and films are a big thing in my life. I try to make as much noise just in house with the instruments we have got here (guitars and a set of drums). When not in solitude with my work, I make as much noise as possible. Im always spending my time on the net trying to discover new music I’d say im pretty open to all genres of music but still very particular with what I listen to. Im a pretty big film fan again its hard to say what films in particular. I always try to see things on the big screen the way they should be seen.
What trips or travels in the past have you been on that has really influenced you as a person? Travels, memories, places?
I once went to visit the Big Buddha in Hong Kong a few years ago. I think it was one of the powerful things I’d ever experienced. The Buddha is sat on a mountain overlooking Lan Tau island and I remember being silenced by it. The sheer size of the Buddha in relation to the mountains made me feel insignificant. But it was a truly humbling experience.
Where do you feel most at peace?
Theres a few here, The village where my grandparents live there are areas there that have been unspoiled for centuries. Also when im with my family and friends so that can be anywhere in thw world.
What would you say your addicted to? If anything...
Cigarettes I wish I wasn’t. When I have the money I buy a lot of clothes, shoes and bags. I sound very effeminate here but when I have the funds I shop.
It seems like 2009 will be a great year for your career, as your work is currently on tour on the “ KIDS ARE ALRIGHT “ Group show, and you are featured here at LONDON MILES gallery in a 4 person show, called Waking Aurora, along side Nimit Malavia, Yuta Onoda and Scott Belcastro. What do you have planned for us in May?
Im excited about this show as its kind of my first real show in the UK. There will be my new piece that Im working on as I type, which is a diptych. It’s a piece that is much more focused on composition I think so it’ll be interested to see the reaction. I think there will be a total of 4 or 5.
Your also a featured artist in Hunt & Gather, the art book publication that comes out this September internationally. How do you feel about all of this? How do you see the next few years working out for you?
I feel flattered as always to be included in any form of publication. There’s a sense of pride when you see that someone has seen something in your work worthy to share with others on your behalf. So I can’t thank you enough Tina. I hope the next few years I keep progressing with my work. I know I want to get a lot better than the level I feel I’m at right now. For 2010 I would really love to get more shows and a solo show would be a dream come true. Not forgetting to mention the paintings I have planned.
I never like to predict the future it never resembles what you imagine.
Where can people find more about your work? Buy your work? Ect..
My works can be seen at my site www.timleeart.com there are some prints on sale there and obviously you can see my works when I show at London Miles and I shall be there on the day of the show too.
Image to Right is the print Tim has for sale on his website,,go and get yours now! Its only 25£
“Of a Thousand Tears of a Thousand Songs”A2 sized Lithographic Print 130 GSM Limited Edition 100
