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Streets: Aaron Li-Hill (Los Angeles)

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Tomorrow night (February 7th) in Los Angeles, Aaron Li-Hill will be presenting a new body of work at the C.A.V.E. Gallery in Los Angeles entitled Carbon. Focusing this time on his series portraying themes of man versus nature, in particular habitats threatened by the effects of industrialization, he has mirrored the new paintings with an impressive new mural. Take a look at more shots below... Discuss Aaron Li-Hill here.

Overtime: Feb 2 – Feb 8

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More stories from the week that ended Feb 8 (click on bolded words for more information):
  • Images and information up for Israel Lund's exhibition at The Power Station.
  • RIP: Walter Liedtke, who died at the age of 69 after he was killed in the Metro-North train crash.
  • RIP: Carl Djerassi, who died at 91. He was the inventor of the birth control pill and a avid art collector.
  • Islamic State burns and destroys historic collections on science, culture, poetry and children’s books in Mosul.
  • Several galleries and dealers receive subpoenas from Manhattan DA’s office requesting sales and shipping records.
  • Michael Torres destroys $100k worth of statues and artifacts at East Village church.
  • Frank Gehry to no longer build crumpled paper bag buildings ever again.
  • UK government export bar placed on recently rediscovered Claude Lorrain painting.
  • How can the art market be regulated and is this really needed?
  • Tania Bruguera detained in Cuba for at least 60 more days.
  • Pratt student's sketch of masturbating man helps police catch a sex offender.
  • Georgia State University art project shuts down major highway in Atlanta.
  • Free admission offered at Louvre as French archaeologists protest and 100 protesters block the ticketing area.
  • Barbara B. Allbritton sues the US for wrongly taxing her family $40mil over artwork that never changed ownership.
  • Brian Boucher writes a weird article about Jamian Juliano-Villani and appropriation.
  • Photographer accused of plagiarism actually took the same picture just moments apart.
  • National Gallery director Nicholas Penny booed by staff over privation plans.
  • More about the events surrounding mattress performance artist Emma Sulkowicz's rape accusation.
  • NY mayor Bill de Blasio plans to build 1,500 affordable artist work/live spaces by 2024.
  • Hrag Vartanian discusses his trip to Los Angeles.
  • The Broad Museum to open on Sept 20 and have a sneak peak on Feb 15.
  • University of Texas, Austin to build Ellsworth Kelly-designed Austin building.
  • Indian wall hanging rescued by art appraiser from the scrap heap goes on show at the V&A.
  • Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge to unveil what it believes to be Michelangelo's only surviving bronze sculptures.
  • Selection of ~150 paintings from North Korean artists from Frans Broersen's collection shown in South Korea museum.
  • National Gallery aims to integrate Corcoran works to its collection while keeping its legacy alive. What happens to the works they do not acquire?
  • Cold war missile launcher installed on the terraces of the Hayward Gallery in London.
  • Smithsonian American Art Museum leading a group of 14 US institutions in an effort to build online American art database.
  • Colgate University receives go-ahead to construct a Center for Art and Culture, designed by David Adjaye.
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art receive five important French paintings from museum patron Helen Tyson Madeira.
  • Honolulu Museum of Art welcomes Healoha Johnston, its first dedicated curator for Hawai‘i-based art.
  • Yvon Lambert in talks with Vence mayor about housing some of his holdings at the Château de Villeneuve.
  • ArtNews writes about the New Museum’s 2015 Triennial.
  • A look at the Institute for Totaled Art.
  • Rudolf Staechelin sells Paul Gauguin's Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry?) reportedly for $300mil.
  • NY Times writes about Phillips' Editions sale.
  • Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern art sale posts highest total yet for that department. Christie's sale totals $222.8mil.
  • Christie’s upcoming Post-War and Contemporary day sale has lots by three artists fresh to auction market.
  • Noël Coward collection of paintings and objects to be sold by Christie's.
  • Eric Clapton consigns his Cy Twombly painting to auction in London.
  • A look at the market for Monet paintings.
  • Bruno Bischofberger to unveil 250k square foot art complex in southeast Zurich.
  • Artsy writes about the Art Los Angeles Contemporary art fair.
  • ArtForum visits Paramount Ranch art fair. Paris,LA also takes a look.
  • T Magazine writes about the Mexico City art fairs.
  • A look at Hooper Projects and what its artists think of Los Angeles.
  • Profile of Danny First and his space, called the Cabin.
  • Gunnar Hoglund talks about collecting.
  • Is the art market in a bubble because of the high level of concentration in value in its top artists?
  • Eleven Rivington now represents Marsha Cottrell.
  • New art storage facility, Uovo, opens in Long Island City, Queens.
  • Adrian Ghenie selected by Romania to represent it at the Venice Biennale.
  • Dan Colen solo will be inaugural show at Venus over Los Angeles.
  • Ross Simonini interviews Richard Aldrich.
  • Frank Magnotta show at Junior Projects is a ArtForum critic's pick.
  • Interview with Scott McCloud about The Sculptor.
  • Christopher Bollen writes a novel set in Long Island art world.
  • A look at Luc Tuyman's show at David Zwirner.
  • Five artists and architects shortlisted to design monument to commemorate Polish people who saved Jews.
  • Artspace interviews Jose Dávila.
  • Ben Davis looks at the On Kawara retrospective at the Guggenheim.
  • Interview with Urs Fischer.
  • A look at Parker Ito's show at Chateau Shatto's temporary warehouse space.
  • Profile of Rick Rocamora.
  • Olafur Eliasson confirmed as the final judge of The Space/WIRED Creative Fellows Programme.
  • Jerry Saltz wins Columns & Commentary award at National Magazine Award dinner. He is interviewed about Street Art Throwdown and his time on TV.
  • Roberta Smith visits group shows around New York. She also reviews Devin Troy Strother's show at Marlborough Chelsea.
  • SFAQ[Projects] releases Barry McGee poster.
  • Lazarides releases new editions by Lucy McLauchlan.
  • You can buy your very own Gnome Chomsky the Garden Noam.
  • Big names from the entertainment industry attended the Los Angeles art fairs.
  • Kim Kardashian commercial appears to appropriate Richard Prince's Instagram prints.
  • Nobilified takes Super Bowl players and depicts them in classical paintings.
  • Paul Robertson and Ivan Dixon, of Rubber House Studios, creates pixelated Simpsons animation.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Mural Overview (Part I)

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At 10am on Monday, Feb 9th, the mural painting part of POW! WOW! Hawaii 2015 officially begun with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony at the Lana Lane headquarters in Kaka'ako in Honolulu. After the ceremony, the artists picked up their paint and needed equipment and started working on their designated walls. With 100+ international and local artist in attendance, this years event crossed the borders of Kaka'ako district. And while some artists were painting over freshly buffed walls from previous years, the others were creating works at new locations. Visitors of the festival can witness some rare and very unusual collaborations, such as Esao Andrews and Aaron Horkey (seen above), as well as see some true legends of street art live in action. Varying in their styles and techniques, the works range from Maya Hayuk's thick, drippy paint weaving, Strok's stencils, Hottea's yarn installations, Alexis Diaz's ink wall drawings, and an entire list of spray can or paint brush masters. From large scale murals by D*Face, Doze Green or Akut, to smaller interventions by Ernest Zacharevic, this year's event covers most of the aspects of the world wide phenomenon that is urban and street art as well as classic graffiti. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss POW! WOW! Hawaii here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Olek

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Currently displayed prominently in front of the Honolulu Museum of Art is the latest evidence of Olek's crocheting prowess. The iconic outrigger canoe utilized by the Hawaiian people was transformed by the New York-based Polish artist with her signature technique for POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here). Head over for a look yourself at the details as well as going inside to check out James Jean's massive new mural (more on this later). Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss POW! WOW! Hawaii here. Discuss Olek here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Mark Dean Veca

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Invited in for POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) for the first time this year, Mark Dean Veca (interviewed) took several days to paint a wall featuring his signature version of “Toile de Jouy” style patterns on Cooke Street in the Kaka'ako district of Honolulu. Because of the industrial nature of the area, the work from the Southern California-based artist and other participants in this year's event are always a welcome addition in beautifying the local environment. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss Mark Dean Veca here. Discuss POW! WOW! Hawaii here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Natalia Rak

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Working on one of the larger walls for this year's event, Natalia Rak managed to be among the first ones to sign her piece. After three solid days on the cherry picker, the Polish artist rounded up this dreamy piece featuring a female character embraced by an albino tiger. Famous for her play with colors and using over saturated tones, this piece was created using different shades of purple and similar colors. Juxtaposing the sharp outlines of the female characters against the almost over exposed fur of the wild cat, Natalia created a nicely centered composition for her POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) debut piece. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: D*Face

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Another piece that was among the first ones to be finished and signed at this year's POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) is a new large mural by D*Face. Continuing his series of Roy Lichtenstein inspired works, the British artist created a mural showing a female character crying over the fact that her boyfriend can't surf. Fully themed around Hawaii's most famous past time, the image includes several details that reference the island paradise - a flower in girl's hair that has D*Face's signature wing symbol, waves, and a snapped surfboard in the background. Painted with thick, solid and sharp lines, with a basic and quite minimalist color palette, this piece can be seen in person at 570 Dillingham Boulevard in Honolulu, a bit of a ways away from the other murals around the Kaka'ako area. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss D*Face here.

Overtime: Feb 9 – Feb 15

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More stories from the week that ended Feb 15 (click on bolded words for more information):
  • Jamian Juliano-Villani's solo exhibition at Museum Of Contemporary Art Detroit now on view.
  • RIP: Rex Ray, who died at the age of 59 after a long illness.
  • RIP: Tomie Ohtake who died at the age of 101 due to cardiac arrest brought on by pneumonia.
  • Alfred Momaday prints, thought to be stolen, found in New Mexico meth lab.
  • Rudolf Staechelin Family Trust remove 18 loaned masterpieces from Kunstmuseum Basel.
  • Molly Crabapple is being monitored by the FBI and they have a huge file on her.
  • Investigation still underway for student who shut down Atlanta streets with public art project.
  • Long-lost painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci confiscated from a bank vault in Switzerland. Carlo Pedretti denies attributing the work to da Vinci.
  • Trial of Picasso's handyman Pierre Le Guennec and his wife, Danielle, begins in France. Witness doubts that Picasso gave him the works as gifts.
  • Damien Hirst just cashing in on his name nowadays?
  • Black history museums in the US encountering difficulty.
  • J. Paul Getty Trust having trouble bidding against ultra-wealthy for artwork.
  • D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shelves plan to turn former Franklin School downtown into a contemporary art museum.
  • Jeff Koons show at Musée du Louvre was cancelled due to "lack of funding".
  • Sam Taylor-Johnson directed Fifty Shades of Grey film met with protests from various groups and organizations.
  • Luke Brugnara, charged with stealing $11mil. in stolen art, escapes federal custody. His lawyer may leave him. He's now recaptured and back in custody.
  • WallStreetDaily suggests investing in stocks and bonds instead of art.
  • The rise and fall of Anselm Reyle is a study in the dangers of investing in art.
  • Gifts by philanthropists to museums/libraries and performing arts in the US dropped slightly in 2014 for top 50.
  • Lawsuit challenging the admissions policy of the Metropolitan Museum in New York dismissed in court.
  • ICA Miami loses interim director Suzanne Weaver after five months.
  • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum director Anne Hawley plans to step down at the end of the year.
  • West Kowloon Cultural District Authority chief executive Michael Lynch to leave his position in August.
  • Shauta Marsh to vacate her position as executive director of the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Whitney Kimball moving on from Art F City and probably the art world at large.
  • Art world connections from HSBC’s secretive Swiss banking arm accounts leaked.
  • Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and National Gallery of Art ban selfie sticks.
  • Artnews shares How 8 Art World Power Couples Met and Fell In Love For Valentine's Day.
  • The New School for Drama establishes the Arts Integrity Initiative to study censorship.
  • Thomas C. Danziger and Georges G. Lederman provide advice for those under investigation for sales tax evasion.
  • A look at Marlene Dumas' show at Tate Modern.
  • Crystal Bridges Museum yet to announce purchases of Georgia O’Keeffe and Jasper Johns works at auction.
  • The Fondation Beyeler may construct a new building to expand its museum in Riehen. Paul Gauguin retrospective there includes long-lost sculpture.
  • The Met hosting a meeting of museum leaders from 15 countries in April to discuss various worldwide museum issues.
  • The Chinati Foundation receives $750k from the Lannan Foundation to support the Robert Irwin Project.
  • Centre Pompidou to host pop-up locations all over France.
  • MOCA adds four new trustees to its board.
  • Björk releases the trailer for Black Lake in anticipation of her MoMA show.
  • V&A museum raises £5mil to buy four bronze angels originally made for the tomb of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.
  • How should museums develop, acquire, and exhibit video games?
  • What does Qatar's $300mil. Paul Gauguin acquisition say about the country's financial resources?
  • United Talent Agency to start a division, headed by Joshua Roth, that will represent artists for projects.
  • Christie's acquires Collectrium for $16mil.
  • Adam Lindemann discusses art as an investment.
  • Kenny Schachter talks to ArtTactic about the London auctions.
  • Colin Gleadell reports on the Sotheby's London evening sale. Judd Tully also has a report.
  • Colin Gleadell reports on the Christie's London evening sale. Judd Tully also has a report.
  • Judd Tully reports on the Phillips London evening sale.
  • Work by artists born after 1980 did well at auction this week.
  • Artspace lists the 10 of the Best Artworks at Zona Maco 2015. It also has the artists to watch at Material.
  • Jho Low revealed to be buyer of $49mil. Basquiat Dustheads painting.
  • Did Steve Wynn turn down a $60mil. offer for his Jeff Koons Popeye sculpture that he purchased for $28mil.?
  • Matthew Day Jackson selling a condo he renovated in Brooklyn for $11mil.
  • Aby Rosen pays $55mil. for 190 Bowery building Jay Maisel bought for $102,000 around 1966.
  • Interview and home visit with Henry Relph.
  • Emerging artist's PR firm publicizes auction result.
  • Ai Weiwei to film (via Skype) vignette set in Berlin about estranged son.
  • Dwyer Kilcollin M+B and LA><ART shows at park and in the gallery reviewed by ArtForum (PDF).
  • Interview with Alex Ito.
  • Darja Bajagić's works on the cover of Mousse Magazine.
  • ArtInfo looks at Petra Cortright's show at Foxy Production.
  • NY mayor Bill de Blasio nominates Hank Willis Thomas for the Painter seat of the Public Design Commission.
  • Cayetano Ferrer is the winner of the 2015 Faena Prize for the Arts.
  • Artspace interviews Alec Soth.
  • Andrew Russeth checks out some art shows and events in New York.
  • What's in Christian Grey's art collection in the 50 Shades of Grey film?
  • Former NBA player Desmond Mason has a successful second career as an artist.
  • Artnews places Brian Williams in scenes from art history.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Tristan & Matt Eaton

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: ROA

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ROA debuted at POW! WOW! Hawaii 2015 (more coverage here) with a double piece painted just outside of Lana Lane studios. Familiar with using architectural elements and obstacles wisely in his work, he made a great use of the corner wall he was painting on. The creatures of choice for this mural was the nautilus and hermit crab, both native species of the Hawaiian islands. The Belgiun artist said he had a wish to paint a nautilus for a very long time, but until now he was never painting in a part of the world where they live. The final image features the two shellfish embracing eachother in what can be seen as a hug or a fight. Using rollers and spray cans, ROA left a very recognizable mark with this piece in the Kaka'ako district. After Hawaii, he's is heading to NYC to start working on his upcoming solo show there. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss ROA here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Maya Hayuk

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One of the most popular pieces painted for this year's POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) came from Maya Hayuk, who recently completed her mural in the Kaka'ako district. Working with her assistant for four solid days, the New York-based artist applied layers upon layers of thick colorful paint, creating another signature piece that quickly became one of the favorites among visitors. Due to her incredible energy and positive attitude, her wall was one of the more interesting ones to visit during its making. With tunes pumping from morning till late night while Hayuk and her assistant having great fun working, the scene would often turn a little block party by the end of the night. This energy was definitely transferred onto the wall through layers of drippy bright paint that woven together resulted in a psychedelic pattern that was just as photogenic as the artist. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss Maya Hayuk here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Akut

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Working on a slightly smaller section of the same wall as Doze Green (more on this later), Akut from Herakut, finished his large piece after 3-4 long days of work. Usually working as a part of duo, German-based artist had to find a way to paint this large piece by himself. This situation also inspired him to create an image of a wrestling toy man, feeding a small baby through a bottle completed with the text "my real challenges were outside of the ring." This emotive piece refers to the big and important challenges that everyone goes through in their everyday lives, besides their professional accomplishments. The artist first created a background made of recognizable lettering that is very similar to Brazilian pixadores tags, and then painted the main image over that. Mixing the raw and almost expressive, rough parts with more detailed, almost photorealistic sections, Akut created a striking piece that many can relate to due to its message. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss Herakut here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Fafi

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Legendary graffiti and street artist Fafi, attended this year's POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) for the first time. Known for her playful & sexy female characters and colorful work she's been creating for decades, she was inspired with Hawaii to create a more conceptual, installation style piece. She first painted two of her characters on a wooden panel, before cutting them out. Than she installed them on a fence nearby festival base Lana Lane and decorated them with numerous colorful flowers. This mix of her flat, illustrative imagery and plastic flowers, resulted in a rich, almost altar-like piece. Helped by local kids as well as her own son, the French artist definitely enjoyed creating this piece and seeing visitors taking photos next to it. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss POW! WOW! Hawaii here. Discuss Fafi here.

Jose Parla Studio By Snøhetta

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It looks like the Norway-based company Snøhetta recently designed and oversaw the renovation of an expansive new studio for Jose Parla. The former Brooklyn warehouse was divided into two sections - "the arena" and "the nest." The first is a double-height workspace for the NY-based artist's increasingly large projects (see Barclays Center & One World Trade Center), while the other is an elevated lounge space that overlooks the other. Photo credit: Jeff Goldberg / ESTO (via Dezeen). Discuss Jose Parla here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Angry Woebots x Nosego

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Another interesting collaboration created on this year's POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) was the one by Nosego and Angry Woebots. These two artists joined their recognizable visual languages together in a colorful visual explosion created at the festival's headquarters at Lana Lane. Due to its busy location, this piece took a while to be finished, and the dedication that both artists had to finish it on time is something to admire. Worked on until late in the night, even in the rain, the final image is an elaborate surrealist mural, showing Woes' angry pandas entwined by Nosego's pattern built creatures. The piece was further upgraded by small characters painted by their friends, and participating artists, Sainer from Etam Cru and Caratoes. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal and artists. Discuss POW! WOW! Hawaii here. Discuss Nosego here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Case Maclaim x Smithe

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Mixing their two different but very compatible styles, Case Maclaim from Germany and Smithe from Mexico created one of the most interesting pieces on this year's POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here). The imagery they chose was a commentary about the preservation of coral life and the effect of human activity on its future. Smithe painted a detailed illustrative part showing a human head with coral for brains, surrounded with different organic & surrealistic elements and creatures. Case wrapped this image with a series of his recognizable photorealistic hands, using similar colors which blended these two styles into one. The contrast between Smithes' solid colors, outlines and detailed work, against Case's transparent, over saturated, but superbly painted hands, makes this piece one of the most elaborate and well executed ones at the festival. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal & @arrestedmotion_sleepboy. Discuss Case here.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Sever

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One of that artists this year for POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) that painted in a location off the beaten path was the MSK-affiliated Sever. The graffiti writer who made his name in Atlanta and has been known in the past to use his skills in a satirical way (see Street Art Is Dead mural) once again came up with some clever imagery for this wall in Kaka'ako. Take a look some more detailed photos below... Discuss Sever here.

Viewpoints / Openings: Dran — ‘Public Execution’ pop-up show in Soho, London

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It's been some time since Pictures On Walls has organised an art exhibition. The previous one was in December 2013 with the Shok-1 solo show, X-Rainbow. Last year, POW gave up its premises on Commercial Street in East London. With a permanent show space no longer retained, the number of print releases in 2014 restricted to a small handful (by Paul Insect, Maya Hayuk and Invader), and plenty of competitors arriving on the street art scene eager to fill the void, many wondered what the future had in store for the pioneering company. Those on POW's mailing list were therefore caught pleasantly off-guard when, shortly after midnight on Thursday 5 February, they received an email announcing a surprise opening later that same day in an empty shop in Soho. Public Execution would be the first UK exhibition by French artist and DMV crew member, Dran, since Marks & Stencils (covered) and I Have Chalks (previewed) in November and December 2010. The twist was that the work had not yet been produced. Instead, for the duration of the event, Dran would be "creating an art show from scratch in full public view". The invitation confirmed that once all the artwork is completed, the show "will close immediately." With Saturday 21 February announced as the final day, presumably Dran will keep painting until the evening of this date. [caption id="attachment_271094" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Day 1 (5 February): Opening night queue outside Dran's 'Public Execution' show. Day 1 (5 February): Opening night queue outside Dran's 'Public Execution' show.[/caption] DSC01254_P.Nguyen DSC01258_P.Nguyen As a concept, Public Execution​ is refreshing. Focus is shifted away from static end products. And greater emphasis is placed on the process, finding art in the act of creation. In spirit it's similar, and possibly a conscious nod by Dran, to ritualistic sandpainting. The exhibition also brings to mind the proverb, "Life is a journey, not a destination." By its very nature, it encouraged repeat visits in order to follow the progression and evolution of the body of work throughout the show. DSC01262_P.Nguyen The opening for this pop-up was a surreal, bemusing experience. Upon entering the disused shop space, people were greeted by white walls and a white ceiling spraypainted with images of different-sized blank canvases. It was less of an art show than a show of support for an artist by his fans at the initial stage of his project. Perhaps akin to being in a crowd cheering on runners at the start of a marathon, or a celebration held just before construction of a new building commences. Those hoping to purchase artwork on the night were without luck. They had to make do with the complimentary white wine, ale, artisanal bakery bread, cherry tomatoes on the vine, and a full wheel (weighing an estimated 35 kg) of French Gruyère​ — which must be the equivalent in cheese of an average weekly salary. [caption id="attachment_271101" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Cheese galore. Cheese galore.[/caption] DSC01251_P.Nguyen DSC01280_P.Nguyen Contrary to what had been suggested on the POW invite, Dran himself wasn't schmoozing or painting on the night. This was perhaps the main disappointment of attendees at the opening, although it's also consistent with the POW modus operandi, which often favours a haphazard approach of last-minute changes, improvisation and a bit of chaos. Either charming or frustrating, depending on one's mood or personality type. What's also clear is that, had the artist been making the rounds that evening, he would have been mobbed with requests for sketches. The atmosphere in turn would have been very different, and probably much less cordial. [caption id="attachment_271105" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Day 2 (6 February) Day 2 (6 February)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_271104" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Loading 2%. Loading 2%.[/caption] DSC01303_P.Nguyen DSC01290_P.Nguyen As an exception to the images of blank canvases, Dran had painted a gallery receptionist on the wall by a counter supporting a faux laptop and pens. In addition, a mixed media canvas was on display, measuring around 40" x 30" and called Milky Way. It featured a boy wearing clothing made of junk-food packaging — perhaps a reference to nutrition in contemporary Western society, or a take on sayings like "You are what you eat" and "Clothes maketh the man." [caption id="attachment_271108" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Gallery receptionist. Gallery receptionist.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_271107" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]'Milky Way'. Mixed media on canvas. Visitors can make an offer for this work, which doesn't need to be monetary. The artist will then choose which offer to accept. 'Milky Way'. Mixed media on canvas. Visitors can make an offer for this work, which doesn't need to be monetary. The artist will then choose which offer to accept.[/caption] Anyone attending Public Execution can make an offer for the above work on canvas, to be written on a slip of paper and placed in a box located nearby. The one considered most interesting or desirable by Dran will be accepted in exchange for the artwork. Bearing in mind the character of the artist, it seems unlikely that a mere financial offer would be successful in securing the piece. This audience participation element is fun, as well as being a statement. The onus of being creative isn't solely the responsibility of the artist. Rather, exhibition visitors are positively encouraged to use their imaginations (or discouraged from letting their imaginations go to waste). AM decided its own offer for Milky Way would consist of open-ended queries, for future reference and reflection, regarding an emphatic interjection overheard on the bus journey to the show. Questions: Does the exclamation "Jesus Motherfucking Christ!" suggest the son of a god had an Oedipus complex? If so, could it be linked to some void resulting from his supposed virgin birth? Causation or mere coincidence? [caption id="attachment_271112" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Day 7 (11 February): Let there be colour. Day 7 (11 February): Let there be colour.[/caption] DSC01444_P.Nguyen DSC01468_P.Nguyen DSC01443_P.Nguyen [caption id="attachment_271117" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Loading 21%. Loading 21%.[/caption] With the last brush stroke or spray from the can to take place immediately before the closing, Public Execution certainly isn't the most convenient of shows for visitors. Unless they're at the venue on Saturday evening just before the doors shut, even London-based Dran fans will be unable to see in person the exhibition in its fully-completed state. However, what the show has offered were opportunities to witness Dran producing work in real time. This is comparable to visiting the studio of an artist while they're busy painting, something the general public is rarely, if ever, given the chance to experience. In an age where artists often seem to pander to the wishes and demands of their audiences and collectors, it's also quite encouraging to find some still playing by their own rules, and even changing the rules along the way. Ultimately, they are the creatives who command the greatest respect — those who don't succumb to being mere crowd-pleasers, and who choose to be the organ grinders rather than the performing monkeys. [caption id="attachment_271111" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Work in progress. Work in progress.[/caption] DSC01454_P.Nguyen Our understanding is that Dran was given carte blanche by POW for this exhibition, free reign to do as he pleased. He'll also decide upon the fate of the artwork produced during the show. Sell it, keep it, or destroy it. The choice is his, and apparently his alone. We look forward to seeing how it all ends. [caption id="attachment_271119" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Small detail spotted on one wall. Small detail spotted on one wall.[/caption] More progress shots to come in follow-up posts. Public Execution is at 35 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1. The exhibition closes today, Saturday 21 February, at 7 p.m. Text and photographs by Patrick Nguyen.

Overtime: Feb 16 – Feb 22

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More stories from the week that ended Feb 21 (click on bolded words for more information):
  • Landon Metz show opens at James Fuentes. Metz discusses the show with Interview Magazine.
  • RIP: Sheila Caro, artist and wife of Anthony Caro.
  • Michael Asher's only permanent outdoor work destroyed by man welding a sledgehammer.
  • UN Security Council bans all trade in artifacts from Syria, accusing IS militants of looting to raise funds.
  • Dispute over Cornelius Gurlitt's will delaying efforts to research works and process restitution cases.
  • Prosecutor in the case against Picasso's electrician, Pierre le Guennec, requests five-year suspended prison sentence.
  • José Manuel Fernández Castiñeiras, former electrician, given 10-year prison sentence for stealing the Codex Calixtinus.
  • Artists, including Deller, Barlow, and Atkins, sign open letter in support of the cultural boycott of Israel.
  • Musée Maillol closes as management company files for bankruptcy after falling attendance and rising debt.
  • 19 artworks removed from the sculpture park at Kalagram, Chandigarh due to objectionable content.
  • Noah Charney explains how anyone can fake a Banksy work for under $10.
  • Stolen painting actually not a real Francesco Guardi piece.
  • Omega appropriates Ahmed Mater's Magnetism piece and is being sued by the artist.
  • What should be the ethical requirements for licensed architects?
  • Santiago Calatrava-designed Oculus World Trade Center transportation hub $2bil. over budget and seven years late.
  • Sergio Fusetti, lead restorer at Basilica of Saint Francis, denies that his team permanently damaged series of frescoes.
  • Restoration Service of the Museums of France (RSMF) authenticates rare self-portrait by Francisco de Goya.
  • Gin Wong-designed 76 Station in Beverly Hills awarded landmark status.
  • The gallery scene in Los Angeles during Oscars week.
  • Was Cézanne really the father of modern art?
  • Speculation on who might be behind the Instagram account @freeze_de.
  • Alanna Martinez pines for art's golden age.
  • In-progress images of the Broad Museum building.
  • Santa Monica Museum of Art searching for new location, possibly outside of city limits.
  • 35 artists, including Mark Grotjahn, Barbara Kruger and Shepard Fairey, donating works to benefit MOCA.
  • Robert and Renee Belfer donating over 300 ancient Greco-Roman and Near-Eastern glass vessels to The Israel Museum.
  • The Strong National Museum of Play in NY is building a hall of fame for video games.
  • The Tate posts images of landscapes by convicted child abuser Graham Ovenden back on its website.
  • Artnet takes a look at the 10 best works of art in New York museums.
  • Frank Stella's Inflated Star and Wooden Star installed at The Royal Academy of Arts.
  • Three major Alexander McQueen exhibitions will open its doors in London next month.
  • Andrea Zittel exhibition coming to Palm Springs Art Museum in March.
  • George R.R. Martin pledges $2.7mil. to renovate disused Santa Fe bowling alley so that it can host a new art center.
  • Ken Griffin gives $10mil. to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago through his charity.
  • Officials in German state of North Rhine-Westphalia preparing plan to save Portigon AG's 400-piece art collection.
  • Gérard Faggionato closes his gallery joining the sales team at David Zwirner Gallery.
  • Amy Capellazzo discusses her advisory firm and the art market.
  • Kenny Schachter talks about the art market, his visit to LA, and the London auctions.
  • Edward Dolman discusses business at Phillips and also his competitors Sotheby's and Christie's.
  • Bob Bonis Archive with unseen photographs of The Beatles and Rolling Stones end up on eBay.
  • Darren Bader's conceptual work consisting of £10,211 sells at auction for a £10,000 hammer bid.
  • Ken Griffin revealed to be the buyer of $46.4mil. Richter at Sotheby's auction.
  • Is the market driving the resurgence of the painting medium?
  • Paddy Johnson's take on what United Talent Agency's representation of artists do to their work.
  •  stARTup Art Fair in San Francisco to have artist-manned booths where artists keep 100% of sales.
  • More galleries in New York moving from Chelsea to the Flower District.
  • Interview with the gallerist at Freddy.
  • Damien Hirst talks about collecting.
  • Profile of Robert Fraser.
  • Some of Jackson Pollock's secrets revealed after restoration of his Alchemy painting.
  • Peddy Mergui uses familiar brands and logos to reimagines everyday foods as designer groceries.
  • Pierre Huyghe wins 2015 Kurt Schwitters Award and $28,000 prize.
  • Interview with Brad Troemel on Artspace.
  • WWD writes about the John Currin opening at Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills.
  • A look back at Richard Ankrom's guerilla public service on LA's 110 freeway.
  • Q&A with M Lamar about Negrogothic.
  • Modern Painters has a feature on Kasper Sonne.
  • Playboy profiles and interviews Kehinde Wiley.
  • Dread Scott talks about Malcom X.
  • Widewalls looks at the work of Cali Thornhill Dewitt.
  • New Dr. Seuss book, What Pet Should I Get?, recently found and will be published.
  • Profile of Mariam Ghani, whose father is the president of Afghanistan.
  • Stefanos draws on and modifies Euro currency to depict economic and social instability.
  • María María Acha-Kutscher has been paying tribute to female activists in her series of illustrations.
  • Joy Pitts makes artwork using clothing labels.
  • Issue 50 of Visionaire includes artist toys by Kehinde Wiley, R Crumb, Noble & Webster, and more.
  • Guggenheim's Cookie Monster Instagrams inspire meme.
  • Artists that got their start in the fashion industry.
  • Chris Brown now an aspiring street artist. He sells two canvases for $25k each and another for $12k.
  • Pussy Riot's first song in English, Can’t Breathe, is about Eric Gardner.
  • Artnet has list of 12 Artists Who Do BDSM Better Than 50 Shades of Grey.
  • New trend of tourists taking nude pics at historic sites.

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: HotTea

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Probably most original and unique artist of this year's POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) was the Minneapolis-based HotTea. Known for his yarn installations on fences, he found a very original and harmless way of expressing himself on the streets. He created this technique after getting in trouble for doing graffiti but still wanting to be able to continue bombing, but not get in trouble. Thinking of his grandma's knitting skills, he found a way to incorporate this unusual medium in creating public works. His unique style and technique allowed him to make several of these pieces around the island, from North Shore to Waikiki. Using designs and lettering he created exclusively for this event, these interesting works are scattered around at undisclosed locations. However, his main installation was revealed after several days of extensive studio work. Built of three large round structures, this piece was his version of famousHawaiian beach sunset. Using all the shades from the sunset color spectrum, HotTea attached countless threads of yarn inside these structures, getting an impressive effect when these are lined up together. Photo credit: The artist & @arrestedmotion_sal.
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