Portion of the installtion view of Lisa Leone’s ‘Then’ opening tonight.
Also there will be signed copies of our first gallery exhibition catalog available tonight. Only 100 made. Each photo with text from Lisa Leone. Printed by Icon.
Available online with signed exhibition poster Monday. Please check back.
Opening May 11th to June 10th, 2012.
rsvp: lisa_leone@hvw8.com
New photo exhibition documents hip-hop’s moments of truth.
Before hip-hop was an industry, it was a community.
THEN, a new solo show from photographer Lisa Leone, is a deeply personal portrayal of the last days of hip-hop’s innocence, of a culture caught between an intimate past and a global future.
Born in the Bronx and raised throughout New York City, Lisa Leone has been surrounded by hip-hop culture for virtually her entire life. By the late eighties, as a widely published photographer, she was in a unique position to capture a behind the-scenes perspective on the spirit of collaboration that fueled hip-hop’s early artistic triumphs. “To see a young Nas in the studio with Q-Tip, Premier and Large Professor was not only inspiring,” she reflects on one of the candid photos included in the show, “it is ‘the decisive moment’.”
THEN explores a series of such moments through the eyes of the young artists that would go on to become the hip-hop generation’s biggest stars: Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Wyclef Jean, Run DMC, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Rosie Perez, the Roots, Queen Latifah and many others.
But these are not mere portraits. Each image captures a unique interaction between an individual and their environment, and is supported with text drawn from new interviews with the subjects themselves.
“It was still fresh and we, the generation of that movement, still dictated what it was and meant to us and not the mass media. MTV wasn’t calling the shots. We were still telling them what the rules were.”
– Rosie Perez
“THEN is a testament to the natural eye and passion of a real New Yorker, presented now through the collected three decades of her work and experience.” – Eric Haze
“No one…can fail to be moved by Lisa Leone’s evocative portraits of Hip Hop legends captured in the midst of their young lives…set in those moody South Bronx scenes of abandonment that was their home.” – Henry Chalfant, producer of “Style Wars”
With Support from A.D.D.Martketing, Mumford Brewing Co., Museo Silver Rag, ICON and Vantage Process.
Music by JEREMY SOLE (89.9 KCRW, Afro Funké, theLIFT)
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery,
661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Inquiries: 323-655-4898 or Info@hvw8.com
www.hvw8.com
View full press release
Photographs from Lisa Leone. Look for her inaugural exhibition at HVW8 Gallery in early 2012.
Alvaro Ilizarbe
Geoff McFetridge
Brent Rollins
Parra
Yogi Proctor
Kevin Lyons
Charles Munka
Winston Tseng
Matt Irving
A few photos of the ‘We Was Them Kids …” Exhibition currently on display until Dec. 20th.
Email info@hvw8.com for purchase inquiries.
“We Was Them Kids …”
Group Exhibition
Kevin Lyons
Parra
Geoff McFetridge
Matt Irving
Winston Tseng
Yogi Proctor
Charles Munka
Brent Rollins
Alvaro Ilizarbe
A collection of works from friends of the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery.
Curated by Tyler Gibney
Opening Friday, Nov. 11th, 7pm to 10pm
Exhibition runs through Dec. 20th, 2011
rsvp to: WeWasThemKids@hvw8.com
Thanks to Bushmills, Vantage and PBR.
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave. L.A. Ca 90036
Hours: Tues to Sun, 1 – 6pm
www.hvw8.com
323 655 4898
Over the past four years, the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery has hosted a variety of exhibitions and performances at its West Hollywood location, ranging from internationally acclaimed street artist Anthony Lister (July 2011) to musical performances with Snoop Dogg and Dam-Funk (Feb. 2011).
With “We Was Them Kids …”, HVW8 curator Tyler Gibney pulls together some of the finest contemporary artist/ designers to have exhibited at the HVW8 Gallery in recent years.
Works range from Amsterdam resident Parra’s post-pop imagery of highly saturated colors, vibrant hand-drawn letters and worlds inhabited by hybrid, surreal characters to Geoff McFetridge’s communicative pieces in sculpture, drawing and design that echo with humor and insight. Yogi Proctor proliferates decoys. These works span a variety of mediums, appearances, and approaches, de-stablizing notions of “originality” and “artist” with wit and agility.
From Brooklyn, Kevin Lyons brings his sharp tongue together with sharpie, stepping away from his A-List clientele as Creative Director of the internationally known ad agency Anomoly, to have some fun with his madhouse of characters and type. Complex Magazine Art Director, Brent Rollins (best known for his Boyz In The Hood and Mo Better Blues logos as well as being one of the creators of Ego Trip) continues his visual relationship between design and music, while Miami’s Alvaro Ilizarbe’s work explores space, energy, and tension through hypnotizing large scale black and white patterns.
Winston Tseng and Matt Irving depart from their skateboard and design backgrounds with original work, and French born/Hong Kong resident Charles Munka (well known in Los Angeles for his work with Flying Lotus) brings his post graffiti stylings to round out this exhibition. HVW8 Art + Design Gallery is proud to present this international set of artists and designers, whom, like Parra after his 2012 SF MOMA exhibition, might not be as accessible in an intimate gallery setting in the near future.
The How Original Show by Parra.
Dutch artist Parra returns to Los Angeles’ HVW8 Art + Design Gallery with The How Original Show. An exhibition consisting of all new work in the form of drawings and paintings, revealing the process of sketch to final piece. Each work is an original, a departure from his well known numbered silkscreen editions.
Parra (b.1976) is best known for his curved post-Pop imagery, highly saturated colors, vibrant hand-drawn letters and worlds inhabited by hybrid, surreal characters. Celebrated by galleries and championed by an underground following from the outset, Parra has quickly become a respected and eclectic artist worldwide. Working across drawing, painting, animation and sculpture, Parra creates an enigmatic and instantly recognizable style that defies easy categorization. Parra is cofounder of cult apparel label Rockwell Clothing and a member of electronic music group Le Le. Parra lives and works in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Exhibition opens Thurs, Sept 15th at 7pm.
RSVP at parra_original_show@hvw8.com
Show Runs Sept. 15th – Nov. 6th
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave. L.A. Ca 90036
Original Artwork will be available for purchase.
mexican drink
12 by 9 inch
Watercolor and Pen on Paper
Images from the past week of Anthony Lister getting ready for Friday’s opening.
photos Max SSLA and Ty G HVW8
Kutmah “Two Soups And A Honeybun” debuts May 12th
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
(661 N. Spaulding Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036)
6pm – 9pm | FREE | All Ages
RSVP: rsvp@thehitandrun.com
JUSTIN ‘KUTMAH’ MCNULTY was born in Brighton, England and moved to the United States when he was twelve years old. KUTMAH grew up in Hollywood, California where he earned his reputation as a talented underground artist & DJ. As an intrinsic member of the Los Angeles-based music collective dublab, KUTMAH launched his seminal club Sketchbook in 2004, which forgedroots of the now-infamous L.A. beat scene.
On May 5th 2010 without any advanced warning and based on no criminal activity, armed U.S. Federal agents entered KUTMAH’s home and arrested him. Kutmah was incarcerated for two months under immigration charges. Sparking the FREE KUTMAH campaign, a collective of artists, friends and fans rallied for the release of the well-respected artist. The incredible global support behind the FREE KUTMAH campaign showed the power of his presence in modern art & music. Upon KUTMAH’s release, he was immediately deported to the UK where he currently resides.
It was during his time spent locked-up that KUTMAH sought solace in art, drawing to keep sane with only a short pencil and his laminated ID card. The frustrated and emotional impact of his imprisonment and deportation have come to fruition with “Two Soups And A Honeybun”, the full collection of 37 drawings KUTMAH created in prison. “Two Soups And A Honeybun” debuted in London at 18 Hewett Street gallery on January 19th 2011. To celebrate the initial exhibition KUTMAH also launched “The New Error”, his exclusive three-part mix cd series released with long-time collaborators Hit+Run.
The Los Angeles exhibition of “Two Soups And A Honeybun” debuts May 12th at HVW8 Gallery in Hollywood. For KUTMAH’s hometown reception he has created “The New Error Vol. 2”, an exclusive 80-minute mix cd, as well as a limited-edition screenprinted poster, and 92-page art book of the entire “Two Soups And A Honeybun” collection. KUTMAH’s global art tour will culminate in Japan this summer with a special month-long showing in Tokyo, alongside record shop in-stores and an official opening night afterparty with djs and live performances.
Over the last year KUTMAH has toured Europe, djing shows with Saul Williams, The Gaslamp Killer, Flying Lotus, Gonjasufi, The Cinematic Orchestra, Dabrye and others. KUTMAH also has forthcoming records out onStones Throw, Brainfeeder, Poo-Bah & All City Records in 2011.
CD:
“The New Error Vol. 2” is a four-part mix containing 25 unreleased beats
by MADLIB, FLYING LOTUS, DAKIM, JEREMIAH JAE, MONO/POLY, DIBIA$E, SHLOHMO,
SHAFIQ, EPROM, LORN & more, plus an original productions by KUTMAH
featuring JON WAYNE and ZACKEY FORCE FUNK, as well as two dozen additional
tracks including J-ROCC, JAMES BLAKE, LAZER SWORD, BROADCAST, MR. OIZO,
VINCENT GALLO and OUTKAST. KUTMAH will celebrate the release on May 11th
in London at Rough Trade East with an in-store launch party including dj
sets by himself, OM-UNIT, TAPES, BLUE DAISY, CHERRYSTONES, PATCHWORK
PIRATES and live screenprinting by Hit+Run.
SOUNDCLOUD: http://soundcloud.com/hit-run/kutmah-the-new-error-vol-2
Artwork from Joking Victim is now on display featuring work by Dust La Rock, Angela Boatwright, Kareem Black, Bruce La Bruce and JK5.
An exclusive 7” vinyl single featuring a new version of Jokers Of The Scene’s “Joking Victim” along with a remix by Vin Sol and a HVW8 ‘Joking Victim’ T-shirt is also available for purchase.
Price list below. View opening night photos here.
Short film created by Kareem Black and Dust La Rock for La Rock’s 4.14.11 exhibition “Joking Victim” at HVW8 Gallery in Los Angeles. Featuring Gillian Bowling, Tina Le Noble and Dust La Rock. Edited by Todd Thoenig from Mother New York. Musical score curated by Jokers Of The Scene.
Dust La Rock
Joking Victim Exhibition
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
www.hvw8.com
323.655.4818
1. Bleeding – 32 x 22″ – Photograph – Angela Boatwright, JK5, Dust
La Rock – $450.00 – 2011
2. Column – 32 x 22″ – Photograph – Angela Boatwright, JK5, Dust La
Rock – $450.00 – 2011
3. Machine – 22 x 32″ – Photograph – Angela Boatwright, JK5, Dust La
Rock – $450.00 – 2011
4. Brothers – 32 x 22″ – Photograph – Angela Boatwright, JK5, Dust
La Rock – $450.00 – 2011
5. Oddfellows – 32 x 22″ – Photograph – Angela Boatwright, JK5, Dust
La Rock – $450.00 – 2011
6. Bondage Wings – 72 x 36″ – Ink, blood on paper – Dust La Rock –
$1500.00 – 2011 (sold)
7. Baphomet Blotter – 27 x 18″ – Ink, blood on paper towel from
Baphomet tattoo session –
JK5, Dust La Rock – $500.00 – 2011
8. Bondage Cross – 21 x 25″ – Ink on paper – Dust La Rock – $700.00 – 2011
9. Joking Victim – 32 x 22″ – Ink, blood, urine on paper – Dust La
Rock – $900.00 – 2011
10. Matryoshka Plugs – 25 x 21″ – Ink on paper – Dust La Rock – $700.00 – 2011
11. Death Daul – 21 x 25″ – Ink, blood on paper – Dust La Rock – $700.00 – 2011
12. L.A. Zombie Print – 18 x 24″ – 3 color giclee – Dust La Rock
– $70.00 – Edition of 10 – 2011
13. Baphomet Print – 10 x 14” – 2 color gradated silk screen – JK5 –
$30.00 – Edition of 20 – 2011
14. Joking Victim 7” record – Jokers Of The Scene & Vin Sol mixes –
$10.00 – Edition of 100 – 2011
15. Joking Victim t-shirt – 2 color silk screen – $23.00 – 2011
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery presents: Original Installation and Work by Raif Adelberg
F**K I LOVE YOU LOS ANGELES
October 2, 2010- November 1, 2010
Opening Reception Saturday October 2nd 7:30 -10pm
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave. Los Angeles, California
p. 1 323 655 4898
www.hvw8.com
www.raifadelberg.com
www.fuckiloveyoushop.com
with Support from American Rag Cie, the Standard, PBR
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 1 PM – 6 PM & by appointment
Step inside the HVW8 Gallery and see artist / designer Raif Adelberg transform the space into a punk rock flophouse.
Channeling CBGB, Barbara Kruger, and Vivienne Westwood, the space Raif creates is called Dead Boys Clubhouse.
It’s an environmental space that pops up around the world and creates this incestuous gang.
Bratty, caustic, and in-your-face, that’s the surface of Adelberg’s art, pop imagery that comes together in paintings and silkscreens on canvas, wood, paper and clothing. But look a little closer and you will see that FUCK I LOVE YOU is all about perception and free will. “To look at things in a negative light is a choice. When you get upset you’re really relinquishing your power to the subject matter. It’s all about the power of choice,” he says.
While Adelberg’s intent isn’t to shock you, he also won’t mind if you are…and you wouldn’t be the first. At a recent show in London (Doyle Devere Gallery) he grabbed the attention of the local bobbies who demanded that the words “FUCK I LOVE YOU” on the gallery walls inside be covered up. “It’s interesting that such a positive message can be viewed in such a negative light, I think more people need to say FUCK I LOVE YOU. Its amazing to me a simple gesture can receive such a reaction either way,” says Adelberg.
Statement
DEAD BOYS:
The Dead Boys were an American punk band from Cleveland, Ohio. Among one of the first bands to play punk rock, the band was initially active from 1976 to 1979, they reunited several times until a so far permanent break-up in 2005. Moving to New York City at the encouragement of Joey Ramone, the Ramones’ lead singer, the Dead Boys quickly gained notoriety for their outrageous live performances. They frequently played at the legendary rock club CBGB and in 1977 they released their debut album, Young, Loud and Snotty, produced by Genya Ravan. Their song “Sonic Reducer” is often regarded as one of the classics of the punk genre, with Allmusic calling it “one of punk’s great anthems.”
CLUBHOUSE:
Main Entry: club·house Pronunciation: /klŭbhous/ Function: noun Date: 1746
1. A sort of community center for people with mental disabilities. Ideally, people can reside somewhere
else and go to the clubhouse during the day for practice in basic skills that might get them a job – yard
work, secretarial skills, cooking and cleaning, etc…
2. A building that is occupied by a social club
PUNK:
Main Entry: 1punk Pronunciation: /pŭngk/ Function: noun Etymology: origin unknown Date: 1596
1. Archaic: PROSTITUTE
2. [probably partly from 3punk]: NONSENSE, FOOLISHNESS
3. a. A young inexperienced person: BEGINNER, NOVICE; especially: a young man b: a usually petty
gangster, hoodlum, or ruffian
4. A young person, especially a member of a rebellious counterculture group.
5. A style or movement characterized by the adoption of aggressively unconventional and often bizarre or
shocking clothing, hairstyles, makeup, etc., and the defiance of social norms of behaviour, usually
associated with punk rock musicians and fans.
READ MORE:
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed the perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock. They created fast, hard-edged music, typically with short songs, stripped-down instrumentation, and often political, anti-establishment lyrics. Punk embraces a DIY (do it yourself) ethic, with many bands self-producing their recordings and distributing them through informal channels.
By late 1976, bands such as the Ramones, in New York City, and the Sex Pistols and The Clash, in London, were recognized as the vanguard of a new musical movement. The following year saw punk rock spreading around the world. Punk quickly, though briefly, became a major cultural phenomenon in the United Kingdom. For the most part, punk took root in local scenes that tended to reject association with the mainstream. An associated punk subculture emerged, expressing youthful rebellion and characterized by distinctive clothing styles and a variety of anti-authoritarian ideologies.
The classic punk rock look among male U.S. musicians harkens back to the T-shirt, motorcycle jacket, and jeans ensemble favored by American greasers of the 1950s associated with the rockabilly scene and by British rockers of the 1960s. The cover of the Ramones’ 1976 debut album, featuring a shot of the band by Punk photographer Roberta Bayley, set forth the basic elements of a style that was soon widely emulated by rock musicians both punk and nonpunk. Richard Hell’s more androgynous, ragamuffin look—and reputed invention of the safety-pin aesthetic—was a major influence on Sex Pistols impresario Malcolm McLaren and, in turn, British punk style. McLaren’s partner, fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood, credits Johnny Rotten as the first British punk to rip his shirt, and Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious as the first to use safety pins. Early female punk musicians displayed styles ranging from Siouxsie Sioux’s bondage gear to Patti Smith’s “straight-from-the-gutter androgyny”. The former proved much more influential on female fan styles. Over time, tattoos, piercings, and metal-studded and -spiked accessories became increasingly common elements of punk fashion among both musicians and fans. The typical male punk haircut was originally short and choppy; the Mohawk later emerged as a characteristic style. Those in hardcore scenes often adopt a skinhead look.
In eastern Canada, the Toronto protopunk band Dishes had laid the groundwork for another sizable scene, and a September 1976 concert by the touring Ramones had catalyzed the movement. Early Ontario punk bands included The Diodes, The Viletones, The Battered Wives, The Demics, Forgotten Rebels, Teenage Head, The Poles, and The Ugly. Along with the Dishrags, Toronto’s The Curse and B Girls were North America’s first all-female punk acts. In July 1977, the Viletones, Diodes, and Teenage Head headed down to New York City to play a four-day showcase at CBGB. Punk rock was already beginning to give way there to the anarchic sound of what became known as No Wave, although several original punk bands continued to perform. Leave Home, the Ramones’ second album, had come out in January. September saw Richard Hell and The Voidoids’ first full-length, Blank Generation. The Heartbreakers’ debut, L.A.M.F., and the Dead Boys’, Young, Loud and Snotty, appeared in October; the Ramones’ third, Rocket to Russia, in November. The Cramps, whose core members were from Sacramento by way of Akron, had debuted at CBGB in November 1976, opening for the Dead Boys. They were soon playing regularly at Max’s Kansas City. The Misfits formed in nearby New Jersey; by 1978, they had developed a style known as horror punk.
WELCOME TO DEAD BOYS CLUBHOUSE
About HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
Established in 2005 in Los Angeles by Tyler Gibney with Addison Liu, the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery is a studio/gallery space for HVW8 and friends, and based around the spirit of collaboration. The current mandate is supporting avant-garde graphic design such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra (April 2007 + April 2009), American designer Brent Rollins (August 2007), Swedish design SSON (Sept 2007), Kevin Lyons (June 2008), Ray Noland (August 2008), the Enjoi Pop-Up Shop (March 2009), Michael, Kevin and Geoff (Michael Leon, Kevin Lyons and Geoff McFetridge Nov. 2009), the Megane Zine exhibition featuring Ed Templeton (Jan. 2010), Mos Def Ecstatic Moments (Feb. 2010) and most recently The Disaster show featuring Lance Mountain, Thomas Yu and Skypager.
Upcoming Artists/Exhibitions include Charles Munka (Ques), Noah Butkus, Bill McMullen, Brent Rollins, Dust La Rock, Grotesk, Free Gums and Swifty.
The Gallery is located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., West Hollywood, Ca. 90036. Ph. 323 655 4898, Tuesday through Sunday, Open 1 to 6pm.
Artists:
Parra
Geoff McFetridge
Kevin Lyons
Michael Leon
Brent Rollins
Lance Mountain
Skypager
Winston Tseng
HVW8 Art Installation
Thomas Yu
To purchase or inquire about any works please contact Tyler Gibney at Tyg(at)hvw8.com
Celestial Beings by Alvaro Ilizarbe / Freegums
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Opening: August 21, 2010, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
http://gallery.hvw8.com/category/current/
http://www.freegums.com
HVW8 presents Celestial Beings a solo exhibition by Alvaro Ilizarbe / Freegums. For this show Alvaro painted large wooden pieces portraying large forces that lie in the space around us. With a variety of finely painted lines Alvaro draws upon space and shapes to transform the gallery into a a portal to a parallel dimension.
Bill McMullen:
Checks Cashed
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Opening: July 31, 2010, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Closes: September 14, 2010
http://gallery.hvw8.com/category/current/
“Bill McMullen wields a light-saber wit all his own… Think Bruce Nauman meets blaxploitation: funky but chic, subversively milking high art for cheap laughs.”
– Flavorpill
Checks Cashed is the new gallery show by beloved/notorius artist Bill McMullen, opening July 31st, 2010 at Los Angeles’ HVW8 Art + Design Gallery. Checks Cashed is all about subverting history with absurd pop-cultured imagery. The new work from the Southern California bred, NYC-based McMullen embraces both Situationism and situation comedy, landing in between with its confrontational black-and-white monochrome language of punk rock flyers and escort-service ads. It’s at once familiar, entertaining, and disturbing, especially to a new generation of consumers who’ve never had to deal with anything like the economic failure, war, or the environmental disasters of today.
McMullen is renowned for his witty, pointed combination of high art presentation, graphic design immediacy, and street art’s confrontational boldness. He’s as well known for his KidRobot toys, Adidas designs, and Beastie Boys album covers as he is for his gallery shows, and he blends that provocative sensibility into Checks Cashed. Rooted in the visual language familiar to those living paycheck to paycheck, Checks Cashed picks up where McMullen’s previous exhibition at L.A.’s Constant Gallery, 2009’s Hype, Hustle, Rip Off, left off (“Fantastic cutting-edge art – definitely worth seeking out,” SlamXHype raved; “McMullen’s work ultimately resonates because it does more than brand, copy, market, and elevate,” noted Limité). But where Hype… demonstrated McMullen’s multimedia ADD (turning R2D2 into a boombox, reconfiguring Starbucks and Coca-Cola logos into camo combat gear) in his new work, McMullen strips away his relentless, Times Square-meets-Roppongi color palette. Instead, he focuses on the iconic, harsh black-and-white half-tone of old-school newspapers and pre-Internet Xeroxed ‘zines –
even down to painting the exhibition walls black, contradicting the traditional gallery “white cube.”
Here, McMullen combines the radical photomontage of Barbara Kruger and John Heartfield, the pop appropriation of Richard Prince and Andy Warhol, and the irreverent cut-and-paste sampling of hip-hop – all with the flavor of someone known for, say, designing Method Man album covers. Ultimately, Checks Cashed compels because of that same contradiction: putting his money where his mouth is, McMullen balances conceptual toughness with advertising’s seductive surfaces and the irreverence of urban culture. – Matt Diehl
Slippery People
New Works by Noah Butkus
Opening Night: Saturday June 19th 7 – 10pm
with support from Stussy, The Standard and adidas.
bio:
Growing up, Noah found himself spending all of his time with skateboards and comic books. This is where he found all his inspiration, and for the most part still does. Aside from art and design for the band Death Threat, his first widely recognized output appeared on graphics for Burton Snowboards. This work was followed by commissions for posters, ads, catalogs, and product applications from a wide variety of companies.
INTERVIEW OPENER:
There is an intangible feeling of nostalgia embedded in so much of Noah Butkus’s work. It’s a quality that’s vividly displayed in his stark black and white illustrations and whimsical paintings, but nearly impossible to explain, and his illustrations often delve into darker, even stranger territory. Mysterious hooded men disembowel one another with swords while jousting on skateboards; squishy, intestine-like tubes (with tongues) serpentine through homes that are actually hamburgers; and skull-faced men with empty eye sockets look on, faces melting. And while it may sound like the work of a deeply troubled mind, Butkus flawlessly pulls it of, treading a thin line between serious and surreal.
A child of the 1970s, and a self-taught artist, Butkus cites comic books as a key influence on and inspiration for his work. But not just any comic books, Mr. Butkus has standards, referencing the output of artists who dominated the scene in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Illustrators like Jim Steranko, Moebius, and Richard Corben are among the names he quickly rattles off. But there is more to Mr. Butkus than illustration, he is also a successful graphic designer, having done work for a range of clients from Burton Snowboards (where he honed his design skills) to Stussy to Nike. And while Butkus mentions that he’s been drawing most of his life, he claims he originally got the bug to pursue art after doing t-shirt and album cover art for his brother’s hardcore band, Death Threat . A five-year stint in the trenches at a screenprinting shop followed before he broke off to design snowboard graphics at Burton.
Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Butkus now lives in Manhattan. At 32, he has already paid considerable dues in the art world. No longer tied to a company desk he spends his days at his studio, balancing commercial and personal work. In recent years he has also begun exhibiting his work in both solo and group exhibitions. Having worked with Mr. Butkus in the past, he contributed a page to an anthology I edited in 2005 called Young & Reckless , I wanted to catch up with him and talk at greater length about his work. I hope you enjoy.
here’s the rest of the interview
http://matthewnewton.us/madeyoulook/noahbutkus#6slideshow-325-field_multiimage
Blog links:
MONDAY, May 24th 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
“One Way or Another”
Currated by Isaac McKay-Randozzi and Sandro Grison
There have been countless exhibitions of the art inspired by skateboard culture. Decks and shoes adorned with the paint splatter from our favorite skaters from yesteryear. Showing that not only does skateboarding breed creativity, but with it astounding prowess. In recent years professional skaters such as Ed Templeton, Jason Lee, Mark Gonzales, Chris Pastras and Jason Adams have carved their own ways into the world of art with favorable reviews. Now and for the first time ever Color Magazine brings together the artists who make up the skateboarding world today, as we see it. Representing the wide spectrum of the industry, these artists come together for the pure love of a skate-trip.
Greg PNut Galinsky (Vans), Andrew Pommier (Momentum Wheels, RVCA), Michael Leon (Commonwealth Stacks), Mark ‘Fos’ Foster (Herion Skateboards/Altamont Clothing), Todd Bratrud (High 5/Nike), Ben Horton (Slave Skateboards), Donny Miller (Vans/Skate Mental), Michael Sieben (Volcom/Roger) and Mat O’Brien(Krooked/SLAP) will be traveling from around the country and the U.K. tothree cities showing the wonderful and inspirational work they do. Others like Dennis McNett (Anti-Hero/Vans), Travis Millard (Fudge Factory Comics),Geoff McFetridge (Solitary Arts/Girl), Andy Jenkins (Girl), Matt
Irving(adidas, Delphi), and Eric Anthony (4 Star Clothing/Girl) are contributing art for these one-night shows starting in Los Angeles at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery, then Escapist in Kansas City, MO ending at the No Comply Skate Shop in Austin, TX.
SHOWS:
Saturday, May 29 (7 – 10 pm)
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave.
L.A., Ca 90036
323 655 4898
Opening night Photos HERE.
Exhibition photos HERE.
Friday, June 4 (6-11pm)
Escapist
405 Southwest Blvd.
Kansas City, Mo 64153
816 842 2504
Monday, June 7 (6-11pm)
No Comply
812 W. 12th St.
Austin, TX 78701
512 804 0472
“One Way or Another will feature some of the most talented folks in the skateboarding industry. Each artist involved is donating their valuable time, skill and resources to inspire the next generation of creators.”
– co-curator Isaac McKay-Randozzi.
During the tour they will be camping out, skating local spots and cavorting with each community on the most grass roots level.
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Eric Anthony, Todd Bratrud, Mark Fos Foster, Greg Pnut Galinsky,
Ben Horton, Matt Irving, Andy Jenkins, Michael Leon,
Geoff Mcfetridge, Travis Millard, Donny Miller, Mat O’Brien,
Dennis McNett, Andrew Pommier, Michael Sieben
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These are the artists behind the brands, making the graphics for companies that have inspired us for many years. The premise of this group show serves to reconnect these artists with what got them where they are at in the first place: their skateboards. With support from Vans shoes, on May 28th they trade in their comfortable studios and desks for a snug ride in a van (generously provided by Volcom clothing) with over 100 pieces of art, a dozen skateboards and camping gear to embark on a classic skate-trip across
part of America. Bringing one-night-only art shows to L.A., Kansas City, and Austin.
“The unique thing about this group is that they are widely known for their art and work for skateboard companies and little known [due mostly to their own authority] for their action on their skateboards.”
ABOUT CONTRIBUTOR:
Working with non-profit organizations, Contributor aims to provide “skateboards for all” underprivileged and at risk youth in lower-income neighborhoods. Their mission is to encourage successful outcomes through the addition of skateboarding as a positive reinforcement.
http://www.wearecontributors.com
PRESS CONTACT:
Morgan Pharoh
morgan@rawmaterialcom.com
714 791 0777
NEW WORKS by Charles Munka
Opening Night: Saturday May 22nd 7 – 10pm
Music courtesy: Andrew Meza, Brainfeeder and surprise special guests.
Born in Lyon, France, Charles Munka (aka Ques) was raised and studied art in the city before living much of his adult life in Asia. Initially making the move to Japan to work in the video game industry, he later moved to Shanghai and now currently resides in Hong Kong.
A member of the French art collective, LCP United, Munka’s style is strongly influenced by hip-hop and the progressive L.A. beat scene. His gateway to the westside came via Andrew Meza of BTS Radio in LA, who in thoroughly modern fashion met through MySpace in 2005. The two began collaborating on logos and designs for the music being played on the program and subsequently, Munka became the visual voice of the BTS sound and later led to his partnership with Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder collective. Using mixed media, Munka’s work captures a new style of art that blends more traditional aspects of graffiti and his identification with contemporary and historical imagery from film, video games, abstract expressionism and pop art.
He was widely recognized for his ‘Finest Elements’ series of animated representations of artists such as MF DOOM, Madlib, J Dilla, Flying Lotus and RZA, among other notable producers and MCs.
Munka has toured extensively throughout Asia, America and Europe creating his art live at Brainfeeder events and most recently, during Samiyam gigs in Korea and Shanghai.
Munka is currently coming off of an extremely successful art show in Kanazawa, Japan with Los Angeles based producer/artist, Teebs. The two displayed and collaborated on several pieces for the event, many of which are now in private collections.
For more work by Charles Munka, visit: http://www.lcp-united.com
With support from adidas, the Standard Hotel and LA Record.
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave.
90036
On Friday April 9th the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery will be hosting the Heel Bruise book launch for the last batch of Disaster zines. Celebrating its origins in counter culture youth movements and DIY bookmaking, the Disaster zine highlights the art of Lance Mountain, Thomas Yu, and SkyPage. The final edition comes signed and numbered with a Disaster zine tee shirt. Also on display will be a selection of new works from the three contributing artists, and sounds courtesy of Ras Dynamite (aka Lance C. Mountain).
Book quantity is limited, early arrival suggested.
Designer/artist Thomas Yu received a B.A. in illustration from the Art Center in 2000 and went on create artwork for Warner Brothers Music, broadcast graphics for FOX entertainment, as well as designs for Stussy, HUF, The Firm, and Listen skateboards. Yu has been credited for creating art for Nike SB identity and is currently the brand manager and creative director at Heel Bruise.
Skypage’s work has been recognized in book publications: Graffiti L.A, Graffiti World, Bay Area Graffiti, and Parallel strokes. He has also been featured in the pages of Mass Appeal, XXL, Big Time, ANPQuarterly and Arkitip. Currently living and working in Los Angeles, Skypage creates large scale public works and medium format studio works.
Professional skateboarder, perennial art maker, innovator, and inventor, Lance Mountain spent his formative years creating board art, and concepts for skateboard industry pioneers Dog Town, Santa Cruz, and Powell Peralta. He would later continue on to form his own team, The Firm, as well a continue to contribute art for Hosoi, Flip, Stussy and Nike S.B. The decorated skateboarder/artist holds Transworld’s 2007 Legend Award and continues to pursue his passion, aiding in the development of several skate parks in and around the greater Southern California area.
The Disaster Exhibition/Zine Launch this Friday, April 9th at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery. Drinks and music from 7 – 10pm.
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave.
L.A., Ca 90036
323 655 4898
links:
ONE WEEK PHOTO EXHIBITION CELEBRATES MOS DEF’S TWO GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR “THE ECSTATIC”
Mos Def: Ecstatic Moments – Photographs by Cognito, Opens Jan. 30, 2010
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 25, 2010) – HVW8 Art & Design Gallery, Union LA & Frolab present a photo exhibition entitled MOS DEF: ECSTATIC MOMENTS. Photographer, filmmaker, visionist Cognito showcases rare performance and behind-the-scenes images captured during the two year journey of making and supporting the June 2009 release of “The Ecstatic” (Downtown Records.)
This special one-week exhibition features candid photographs of Mos Def, including images from visits to the Cape of Great Hope, South Africa, performing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a powerful series of US Summer Tour “end-of-the-night posse shots” featuring such artists as Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, and even a surprise guest appearance by the legendary Shuggie Otis. Cognito has also immortalized Mos Def in bright moments from “The Ecstatic” studio sessions with producers Madlib, OH NO, Preservation & Georgia Anne Muldrow. The photographs in this exhibit, soon to be published in book format, are offered by Mos Def to his family, friends and fans in order to share the many “ecstatic moments” he experiences while creating, recording, traveling and performing around the world.
Regarded as one of the most insightful artists of our time, musician, activist and actor Mos Def has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike with a celebrated body of work that has crossed all artistic genres-from music to the Broadway stage, film and television. In 1996, Mos Def became an underground favorite in the hip hop world, which lead to the recording of “Black Star”, his legendary collaboration with Talib Kweli, whose debut release would become one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of its generation. The following year Mos released his solo debut, “Black On Both Sides”, which was certified gold and credited by critics with bringing hip-hop back to its soapbox roots. His latest album, “The Ecstatic”, has been lauded by critics as one of the top albums of 2009 and has garnered two GRAMMY Award nominations in the categories Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance for the single “Casa Bey.”
Over the past twenty years, Cognito has contributed immensely to the propagation of Hip Hop culture–from concert promoter to FatBeats record store operator to touring the world as a member of the underground group massinfluence. Most consistently, Cognito is known for documenting legendary hip hop artists such as De La Soul, Talib Kweli, MF DOOM and Kanye West on both still and video media. He has filmed MF DOOM for the Gorillaz live DVD, documentaries on both Talib Kweli and Goodie Mob, and a music video for rock diva Nikka Costa. Though their friendship began over 10 years ago, Cognito has acted for the past two years as the “official archivist” for Mos Def. Cognito is well known within the Hip Hop community for his ability to connect artists for significant collaborations. Examples include his roles as A&R for the Black Eyed Peas’ remix album “Renegotiations”, bringing Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Large Professor and DJ Jazzy Jeff to the project. Cognito also worked as consulting producer on the recently aired documentary on music sampling entitled Copyright Criminals, securing Pete Rock, De La Soul, Mr. Len & Bobbito Garcia for their priceless insight. Cognito is the co-founder of Frolab.com, a marketing, design and production collective based on the concept of “frolaboration,” formed with graphic designer and photographer Jewell Green.
Mos Def looked to the multiple dimensions of his life for inspriation for the album “The Ecstatic”. His album is named after the book by Victor LaValle, and a still image from the groundbreaking 1970s film Killer of Sheep by Charles Burnett is used as the cover artwork.
A private VIP opening reception will be held at the HVW8 Gallery, Friday January 29, 2010, 7 – 10pm hosted by Frolab with music by Mos Def’s DJ, Preservation. RSVP at ecstatic@frolab.com
The exhibition will be open to the public from January 30, 2010 through February 6, 2010 at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery, located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles CA, 90036; open Tuesday to Sunday, 1 – 6 pm or by appointment. (323) 655-HVW8(4898)
In addition to the photo exhibition, there will also be a limited edition t-shirt produced in conjunction with style destination Union LA. The t-shirt is available exclusively at their boutique, located at 110 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 549-6950. Union LA is one of the only US retailers for Japanese brands Neighborhood & Visvm, worn by Mos Def in many of the photos on display.
Established in 2005 in Los Angeles by Tyler Gibney with Addison Liu, the HVW8 ART + DESIGN GALLERY is a studio/gallery space for HVW8 and friends. The current mandate is supporting avant-garde graphic design such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra (April 2007 + April 2009), American designer Brent Rollins (August 2007), Swedish design SSON (Sept 2007), Kevin Lyons (June 2008), Ray Noland (August 2008), the Enjoi Pop-Up Shop (March 2009), Michael, Kevin and Geoff (Michael Leon, Kevin Lyons and Geoff McFetridge Nov. 2009) and most recently the Megane Zine exhibition featuring Ed Templeton (Jan. 2010).
For more info:
www.frolab.com/ecstatic
www.hvw8.com
www.unionlosangeles.com
A few examples of artwork from the upcoming Megane Zine art show Jan. 9th featuring Ed Templeton, Jun Oson, Anamachy painting, Shinpei Onishi, Maya Nukumizu, Yu Nagaba, Ly, Hidehito Shinno and Koichiro Takesue.
More information and artwork on the Gallery website. A custom Ed Templeton shirt will be available for the opening. Check back for details.
Opening Jan. 9th
Megane Zine is a regular publication aimed at introducing artwork of young, up-coming Japanese artists to the United States. “Megane” is Japanese for “glasses”, Megane Zine focuses it lens on the inspired achievements of these fantastic artists.
Megane Exhibition and Release Party: HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Tel: 323.655.4898 January 9th, 2010, 7-10PM
All ages welcome.
Recent links about the show:
SHIFT MAGAZINE
http://www.shift.jp.org/en/blog/2009/12/megane-zine-2/
MOOKS
http://www.mooks.com/report/2009/12/megane-zine-2/
JEANSNOW
http://jeansnow.net/2009/12/17/megane-zine-2/
PLUS 81
http://www.plus81.com/plus/review/megane_zine_2nd.php
PANORAMA
http://blog.shop.pnrm.jp/?eid=215626
Opening this Saturday, Nov. 7th at 7pm. RSVP at MichaelKevinGeoff@hvw8.com.
Music will be provided by Danny Holloway.
Wine will be courtesy of Bear Flag Wines and beer courtesy of PBR.
Danny Holloway has over 30,000 45s. He’s been collecting them since the age of 5. In the 70s, Holloway worked in the inner sanctum of Island Records in London and recorded Bob Marley, produced the Heptones album Night Food, helped signed Burning Spear and worked with Toots & The Maytals, Lee Scratch Perry and other founding fathers of roots reggae and dub. Danny has traveled the world to secure unusual records to add to his collection. You can hear his mixes at Dublab.com/Holloway.
Michael, Kevin & Geoff
New works on paper from three old friends from Los Angeles.
Opening Saturday, Nov. 7th, 7pm to 10pm
Exhibition runs through Dec. 20th, 2009
rsvp to: MichaelKevinGeoff@hvw8.com
HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave. L.A. Ca 90036
Hours: Tues to Sun, 1 – 6pm
www.hvw8.com
323 788 4898
For Press inquiries contact Kim Parker: kparker@hlgrp.com
Gallery website: www.gallery.hvw8.com
Michael Leon
Michael is an artist and graphic designer. He is also a product of the skateboarding scene of the late 80s, early 90s. Both of these facts leave Michael in a unique place within the worlds of art and graphic design. He has the education and discipline of a trained professional, but embodies the freedom of thought and Do-It-Yourself tenacity of a skateboarder. A combination which has produced impressive work in many forums and mediums — from paint to print to photography to music.
His artwork has been exhibited internationally in numerous exhibitions. He was a co-creator of Commonwealth Stacks, Rasa Libre, and Nike’s Tech Pack. He has contributed art direction to Fourstar Clothing, Girl Skateboards, and most recently, Nike SB.
The 20 prints/paintings for “Michael, Kevin, and Geoff” were created in London over one week. They also mark the first time Michael has exhibited his “Untitled (Skull behind Sunglasses)” image. A process that involves re-questioning the same imagery with each painting; similar to how a skateboarder makes decisions about execution each time he approaches the same curb.
Michael Leon was born in 1974 in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from CalArts in 1997. He is currently based in Portland, Oregon.
http://michaelleonstudio.com
http://www.commonwealthstacks.com/
Geoff McFetridge
McFetridge is an artist based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Canada, he was schooled at the Alberta College of Art and the California Institute of the Arts. He is part of the Beautiful Losers Exhibition, and makes solo exhibitions from Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, London, the Netherlands and Japan. Instinctively ignoring creative boundaries, McFetridge is a truly multidisciplinary artist and “an all round visual auteur.” From poetry to animation, from graphics to 3D work, from textile and wallpaper to paintings, McFetridge has complete control over these widely divergent disciplines.
Understatement is central to the impact of his work, inviting participation. It gets through the filters by offering the viewer an opportunity to play with a puzzle for a moment, a puzzle that doesn’t have one simple answer. Often imitated, but never equaled, in the past ten years, Los Angeles-based McFetridge has created in his work and in his commissions a unique imagery, which is detailed and abstract at the same time. Full of hands and teeth, objects and animals, hands and heads.
In the field of Graphic Design, McFetridge won public acclaim when he was still a student, winning awards from the Art Directors Club and ID magazine for his student work. From 1996 to 1998, he was art director of the famous underground Beastie Boys magazine Grand Royal. He has worked independently since then he has started the design studio Champion Graphics which has done projects for numerous clients.
McFetridge has created a double helix of personal and commercial art projects, blending disciplines and purpose in almost every project he does.
“McFetridge is well-known within the graphic design community for imagery that is economical and spare, yet powerfully communicative. Geoff developed motifs echo themes found in sculpture, such as the relationship between man-made and natural forms, the interplay between two and three dimensional space and visual conundrums” said Michael Darling, Seattle Art Museum Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.
“He is part of a new generation of designers who are eager to leap the old divides between image and product, design and art, the flat page and the moving image.” Paul Warwick Thompson, Director, Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum
www.championdontstop.com
www.solitaryarts.com
www.pottokprints.com
www.thedirectorsbureau.com
Kevin Lyons
“Kevin stands as the dirty cousin to Geoff McFetridge and Michael Leon. While he is embracing of their culture, he is forever pitted the opposite against their form. While Geoff has chosen success and money as well as artistic freedom, Kevin has stewed in mediocrity, retail galleries, and limited time spent on self. While Michael has chosen authenticity and hipster form making, Kevin has fallen into work so juvenile that it is never referenced nor stolen. In the end, Kevin might just well be the only ‘Beautiful Loser’ here.” – Jennifer Smith, Art Director, Art Papers International Art Magazine
Kevin Lyons is a 1992 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design where he received a degree in film. After working for Nickelodeon/MTV as an Associate Producer, he co-founded the NYC based design firm, stereo-type which for two years was responsible for much of the graphic look of the New York City underground Hip-Hop and Acid Jazz scene. This included the logo design for the long standing NYC based club, GIANT STEP. Stereo-type’s client list also included Soul Kitchen, 555 Soul and the LA-based, Brass Recordings. After receiving his masters degree from CalArts in 1998, Lyons has gone on to work for Nike, both in and out of house, was the former Art Director of Urban Outfitters on two separate occasions, and has been Art Director of Girl Skateboards subsidiary, Fourstar. He was also the original US Art Director for TOKION Magazine and maintains long-standing freelance relationships with Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Stussy and Stussy Japan, Beams Japan, HUF, Nieves Books, Stones Throw Records, Commonwealth Stacks, and long-time friend and collaborator NYC artist, SSUR.
A typographer, an Art Director, a designer, a teacher, and a father. In 2001, he was named as one of “The Top Forty Designers Under Thirty” by ID Magazine. His work has been published worldwide from Thrasher to The Face to Lowdown to Anthem and Refill. He has shown worldwide including solo shows in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo. He has written articles for the AIGA Journal, as well as addressing the AIGA on two occasions including once as a published recipient of its Fresh Dialogues Series. He has also held teaching assistant positions at both RISD and CalArts, and has been a visiting critic at the Yale Graduate School of Design. He was an Assistant Professor at the Pratt Institute teaching Typography from 2000 -2002. Most recently, Lyons was the Design Director of the legendary Stussy and then Creative Director for the alternative retail giant, Urban Outfitters from 2003 – 2007.
He is now the Design Director for and Managing Partner of New York City based Anomaly, a brand incubating, marketing juggernaut with plans on running the world. He also produces three clothing lines; Atlantis, We Free Kings, and the third under his personal namesake, NATURAL BORN. All are distributed globally. Currently, Lyons also maintains his own small experimental graphic project also under the namesake, Natural Born and often can be found collabing with his two daughters drawing type and bumping Twin Hype.
www.bonethugsandtypography.com
www.anomaly.com
www.naturalborn.com
About HVW8 Gallery
Established in 2005 in Los Angeles, the HVW8 ART + DESIGN GALLERY is a studio/gallery space for HVW8 and friends. The current mandate is supporting avant-garde graphic design such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra (April 2007 + April 2009), American designer Brent Rollins (August/Sept 2007), Swedish design SSON (Sept 2007), Kevin Lyons (May/June 2008), Ray Noland (August 2008) and the Enjoi Pop-Up Shop (March 2009).
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Few shots of Parra’s exhibition at HVW8. More to photos to come.
On display at 661 N. Spaulding Ave, Los Angeles, Ca, 90036
Tues. through Sunday, 1 – 6pm
“Is that a Gun My Friend?” New Works by Parra. The opening party is Saturday, April 4 and the exhibit runs through May 9. HVW8 Art + Design Gallery is located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles CA, 90036; open Tuesday to Sunday, 1 – 6 pm or by appointment. Parra will be creating new original works exclusive to the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery.
32-year-old Dutch illustrator and designer Parra has decorated the Amsterdam underground with his playful, bizarre graphics that span a broad base of themes, from introspective to audacious and bawdy. The mostly self-taught artist channels vintage forms, yet with a decidedly modern, post-pop approach and a distinctive, hand-drawn feel. His vibrant images and typography can be seen on prints in various exhibitions around the globe, on a flyer for a club near you, on the sleeve of a record, or on limited-edition tees and sweaters.
Parra’s characteristic style has also extended into his music career with electro-rock group LeLe. Their most popular track “Breakfast” features Parra’s typography and imagery set in motion to the song’s pulsating beats and comical (and slightly naughty) lyrics. Feel free to check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-zfbDHipG8
RSVP to parra_rsvp(at)hvw8.com
To view Parra’s previous exhibition LALALA at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery please go HERE.
More information on Parra can also be found on his website HERE.
Thanks to everyone who come out the Got Next opening last night. The show will continue through out the weekend. More photos from the opening HERE.
