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| Anonymous
Graffiti 1 |
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Street
Art by Iconic Urban Artist, Banksy 2 |
Contemporary urban art is
a visceral and exhilarating movement that can no longer be ignored. Vilified
by some, and championed by others the evolution of the art-form has a storied
past. In its infantile stage the art was a method for neighborhood gangs to
mark their territories. "Tagging" was soon taken up by street artists
and art-school students who enjoyed the notoriety and competition of seeing
who could leave their mark in as many locations as possible. As the popularity
of tagging grew, artists who wanted to stand out were forced to think big, both
literally and figuratively. This led to a flurry of sophisticated pieces covering
everything from alleyways in Philadelphia,
to subway
cars in New York City.
By the 1980s, the
sheer volume of urban artwork found on city streets led to a crack-down by municipal
officials in large metropolitan areas. Ironically the crack-down strengthened
the movement by sorting out true artists from petty vandals. Artists determined
to express their creativity, continued their work, completely disregarding the
potential legal pitfalls of their actions. Eventually, public officials around
North America acknowledged the sociological merit of the art form. Soon, cities
began to sanction select walls for urban art use, and artists were free to express
themselves without fear of persecution.
Today, the curiosity for
and appreciation of urban art from art-house circles and the pop culture world
at large has led to the opening of literally hundreds of galleries all over
the world that showcase the movement. This WorldWeb.com
Travel Guide article will highlight some of the most innovative and well-respected
contemporary urban art galleries on the west coast of the United
States.
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| The
Work of the Artist Collective, Faile 3 |
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WASHINGTON
STATE
Seattle
BLVD
Opened in 2006, BLVD is the brainchild of a group of urban art enthusiasts that
include the owners of Seattle
bars', the War
Room and Viceroy
Lounge. Nestled between the respected pop-surrealist gallery Roq
La Rue, and hipster hangout Shorty's,
this gallery has hosted installations by artists such as Justin Bua, Oliver
Vernon and Damon Soule . Although relatively new, BLVD has become a welcome
addition to the Seattle art
community. This may be due in no small part to the variety of collaborative
projects it sponsors.
Bherd
Studios
Influenced by Picasso-era cubism and urban design, this studio displays the
work of artist in residence, John Osgood. Taking a cue from other galleries,
Osgood populates the walls of Bherd with pieces big and small. This allows discerning
art enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of his work regardless of their budget.
Recently, this gallery has begun to sponsor shows by visiting artists.
Experience
Music Project
Acknowledging its contribution to the rise and cultivation of Hip-Hop, the EMP's
installation, Yes
Yes Y'all: The First Decade of Hip-Hop features a special section on
urban art. Contained in the exhibit are artifacts such as an original sketch-pad
from urban art pioneer Lady Pink, as well as several examples of artwork found
on New York City subway cars and block-party posters. This exhibit will be on
display until May of 2008.
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A
Collaborative Piece by David Ellis, Faile and Swoon 4 |
OREGON
Portland
Street
Level
Recently relocated, Street Level has featured some of the West Coast's most
innovative and inviting exhibits. One past installation included posters and
stickers from over 10 international street artists that completely covered Street
Level's interior. The gallery is also known for their workshops, in which local
artists are encouraged to create murals on the gallery's exterior walls.
Fifty
24PDX
The Portland branch of the popular Upper
Playground offshoot Fifty
24SF, this gallery features bimonthly displays of contemporary urban
art's most exciting new talents. Past shows at this gallery have included work
by icons such as Mear One, and the artist-collective, Faile. Fifty 24PDX also
carries select Upper Playground apparel and is located close to the popular
Portland lounge,
Saucebox.
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High-Art Acceptance
In early 2007, an original composition by noted contemporary urban
artist, Banksy, fetched over $500,000 at an auction in London. The sale
is further proof of urban art's maturation and the legitimacy of the galleries
that exhibit it.
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CALIFORNIA
Sacramento
The
Toy Room Gallery
Highlighting punk and skate culture's contribution to contemporary urban art,
this gallery is situated just off of Broadway. Priding itself on providing a
pretention-free environment, the gallery adorns its walls with as much art as
possible. The Toy Room also sells a large selection of clothing, vinyl toys
and art accessories.
A
Bitchin' Space
Opened by local artist, Gale Hart, this gallery hosts the collaborative works
of several of Sacramento's local talent. Several artists contribute to each
piece on display at the gallery, resulting in pieces full of depth and style.
A Bitchin' Space only opens its doors on the second weekend of every month,
and always with new collaborative pieces to view.
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An
Opening Night Gala at New Image Art Gallery 5 |
San
Francisco
White
Walls / The
Shooting Gallery
Influenced by the pop-surrealist periodical Juxtapoz, Justin Giarla opened these
conjoined galleries in order to exhibit the art he loves. The two galleries
span approximately 4,000 sq ft (1,200 sq m) and has exhibited works by local
artists such as Jeremy Fish and Ogi. White Walls and the Shooting Gallery are
located in the TenderNob district and are within walking distance of the hip-hop
influenced, Element
Lounge.
Fifty
24SF
The art gallery component of the Upper Playground urban boutique, and housed
two doors down, this gallery features monthly exhibits from the world's most
popular urban artists such as Shepard Fairey, Dalek and David Choe. Fifty 24SF
recently released the documentary The Run UP, a film about the current state
of contemporary urban art. The documentary is available for purchase at the
gallery.
Receiver
Gallery
Situated in San Francisco's Mission District beside the Blackthorn
Tavern, this gallery has a large windowed front that creates an inviting
setting for visitors. The gallery has played host to artists such as Chris Pew
and Nancy Chan. Receiver also carries artist apparel, and hosts a weekly podcast
featuring music and news about the San Francisco art community.
Los
Angeles
The
Lab 101 Gallery
Emphasizing group exhibits, this gallery can be found on Washington Boulevard.
Events at Lab 101 often contain the work of artists from a variety of mediums,
making every visit an eclectic one. Past contributors to the gallery include
California native Sam Flores and television personality Jason Lee.
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| An
In-Progress Mural by Mear One 6 |
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New
Image Art Gallery
Since 2000, the New Image Art Gallery has showcased a veritable who's who of
contemporary urban art. Past shows have seen the all-star trio of Faile, Swoon
and David Ellis work together to turn the gallery's interior into one massive
mural entitled "The Burning House". Another event saw the legendary
Mear One create a mural on the gallery's exterior as party-goers watched in
awe.
ThinkSpace
Gallery
Established in 2005, ThinkSpace quickly dove head-first into the contemporary
urban art scene. Inside and out the space is covered with murals by artists
such as Mear, Ekundayo and the London Police. ThinkSpace has been profiled multiple
times in Juxtapoz magazine and Sour Harvest, an online periodical.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Nrgiza; Graffiti Stylaz;
Berlin, Germany
- Matt Whitby; Banksy
Stencil in Brick Lane, West End; London, England
- Robert London; "Sinful
Pleasure" by Faile; London, England
- George Tapia; c/o
New Image Art Gallery; The Burning House by David Ellis, Faile and Swoon -
Opening Night Event; Los Angeles, CA, USA
- George Tapia; c/o
New Image Art Gallery; The Burning House by David Ellis, Faile and Swoon -
Opening Night Event; Los Angeles, CA, USA
- c/o Thinkspace Gallery;
Mear One Mural; Los Angeles, CA, USA
