Artcards Review » Shepard Fairey

Lookers at “Shred” Curated by Carlo McCormick

Helen Homan Wu — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 21:12:32 +0000

(Gee Vaucher 2010)

The group exhibition appropriately entitled Shred curated by Carlo McCormick opened yesterday at Perry Rubenstein. This slightly informal exhibit houses an eclectic collection of collage work (i.e. Jess, Bruce Conner, Leo Fitzpatrick) mixed with edgy urban art (i.e. Swoon, Shepard Fairey). The show is definitely a stand-out, drawing downtowners (there is one Dash Snow piece) as well as skateheads from the Lower East Side. Although collage as a medium is not something new, lately it’s seems to be resurfacing and Shred exhibits a rare grouping of established artists together next to emerging local artists. I’m a fan of the ex-Beatnik Bruce Conner (1933-2008) who produced inspirational works in a diverse range of mediums from found materials collages to experimental film-making. Also drawn to the newcomer Leo Fitzpatrick’s subtle assemblages, which at first sight doesn’t seem like much, but on closer inspection they reveal a hint of wisdom.

(Leo Fitzpatrick 2010)

It is interesting to see that the curator Carlo McMormick being senior editor of Paper magazine, brings to light the art form of deconstructing preconceived media. It isn’t high art, which normally people view from a distance, but an art form that speaks directly and intimately to the viewer in an abstract way. At the opening are full of curious lookers sucking in oddly familiar images, getting a dose of rebellious behavior. And my little indulgence lies in observing how people looks at or responds to that.

(Dash Snow 2006-7)

(Swoon, 2010)

May Day Opening at Deitch Projects Recap

Helen Homan Wu — Sun, 02 May 2010 16:07:57 +0000

Last night was the opening to the Deitch Project’s final exhibition – May Day. It features Shepard Fairey’s portraits of cultural icons including Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Keith Haring, the list goes on. “The overall idea is the steps that individuals take to make art, change culture, change politics,” says Fairey supporting the concept behind the show. The line to go inside was around the block on this warm summery evening. People seem to be really excited to see the artist, the art, and to be a part of this New York moment. I realized the power of Shepard Fairey has reached out and beyond to gather an eclectic mix of people, which was the most interesting aspect of the opening. I met a team of indie filmmakers from Yugoslavia doing a documentary on street art traveling across the ocean to do spot interviews including this one with Fairey (more details about this film to come). Here are the photos and video recap from last night.

May Day opens today at the Deitch

Helen Homan Wu — Sat, 01 May 2010 19:58:06 +0000

(courtesy Deitch Projects)

When I saw the huge Shepard Fairey mural going up on Houston and Bowery a few weeks ago, I was definitely surprised. By now, if you know Fairey’s work and you saw the wall, you’ll probably agree that these are more of his known propoganda images, and not fresh new work. After a bit of investigation, I came to realize that it’s part of a grand scheme including an exhibition at the Deitch, which opens today titled May Day, and the Obey conceptual pop up shop located in the Lower East Side. It’s a clever way to tie it all together and market both art and products simultaneously and instantaneously. May Day is on view at the Deitch from May 01, 2010 — May 29, 2010. Here is a video interview of the artist with Wnyc.