LOOK INTO MY OWL

“Dark Doings”, the first solo exhibition in California for Dan Witz is the current show at the Carmichael Gallery in West Hollywood. The imagery is derived largely from a recent visit the artist made to the red light district in Amsterdam.

Dan Witz, Sarah (Bloody Fingers), mixed media on digital print on plastic, 2009.

Unauthorized artwork in public places has gone through many advances over the past several decades. It used to be the goal of graffiti bombers to to go large and loud with the intent of being seen. This attitude has by no means died but a subtler, perhaps more sublime aesthetic has begun to creep in affected considerably by the work of Dan Witz. His inventive urban treasures are reward for staying alert despite the daily grind.

Dan Witz, Mean Monkey, mixed media on digital print on plastic, 2009.

In the past, Witz has voiced an apprehension about showing his work in a gallery setting. Much of the pleasure that he derives from creating art comes from street level interventions in unusual places. “Dark Doings” seeks to integrate the power of the work in its accustomed habitat with the necessities of a proper exhibition space. Many of the prints are mounted on plastic, some have been marked and otherwise disturbed. The pieces have been either framed or mounted to unhinged doors. Photographic images of the prints in situ are also on view, extending the virtual sensation of “being there.”

Dan Witz, Scott (Photo), digital print on photo paper, 2009.

Dan Witz
Dark Doings
5 November – 3 December 2009
Carmichael Gallery
West Hollywood, CA

The first solo show in London from Jaybo (aka Monk) is up at Signal Gallery.

Jaybo (aka Monk), Ateles, 2009.

The French born resident of Berlin has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years. He co-founded Style Magazine and has also worked as an actor and musician. His recent efforts have been given over to the creation of art.

Jaybo (aka Monk), Mutations 1, 2009.

The medium for these works is spray paint on canvas. The aerosol arts have been traditionally limited to graphic character design. Jaybo exhibits a control over the can that advances these portraits into intimate territory. It is clear that he has captured more than simple likeness in the paintings for this show. Look closely and you will discover much about the soul of the subjects through the meditations of the creator.

Jaybo (aka Monk), Rainbow Eater 1, 2009.

Jaybo (aka Monk)
Headscape: Tales From the Drifters
17 July – 11 August 2009
Signal Gallery
London

The mysterious British Pop icon Banksy is opening a new museum show in his hometown of Bristol. This is not the first time that Banksy’s work has hung in a museum but it is his first exhibit with consent from the house.

Banksy Versus Bristol Museum, 2009.

The exhibition titled “Banksy Versus Bristol Museum” was installed in near complete secrecy. Museum staff and visitors were told that a movie was being filmed in the space while a stencil on the front door claimed, “CLOSED for essential maintenance work.”

Banksy Versus Bristol Museum, 2009.

This is the artist’s largest installation to date. It is a multimedia extravaganza with remnants of “The Village Petstore and Charcoal Grill” covered here last year. Several of the animatronic works appear as they did for the New York show but many have been revisited alongside an impressive body of new work.

Banksy Versus Bristol Museum, 2009.

Most of the three story Edwardian Baroque building has been appropriated for the exhibition. It should be an ironic clash of art and space but the new pieces in particular do not seem out of place.

Banksy Versus Bristol Museum, 2009.

For more info see the trailer below. The video features a walktrough of many of the major elements and some clips from the process.

Banksy Versus Bristol Museum
13 June – 31 August 2009
Bristol’s City Museum & Art Gallery