Event Description |
Since Basquiat, artists have continuously crossed the line between the streets and fine art galleries. On October 9, Thumbprint Gallery will cross this line with “Magnetism, The Power of Attraction,” which features the artwork of Maxx Moses and Isaias Crow. These artists combine elements of “graffiti” with a “fine art” sensibility. Moses, also known as Pose2, has his roots in graffiti, which he merged with figurative and surrealist elements. Crow, on the other hand, had an illustrative background and transitioned into graffiti, and then into fine art.
Pose2 describes his work as a fusion of “Wild Style” and fine art. Wild Style refers to a complicated and intricate form of graffiti, which incorporates interwoven and overlapping letters and shapes, including arrows, spikes, and other decorative techniques. “Check out my present work,” the artist says. “My colors are brighter and my concepts are more related to nature but my designs still carry the energy of the streets.” Although Pose2’s artwork may be shown in a fine art gallery it still contains elements of an urban environment.
Pose2, born in the Bronx and raised in Yonkers, New York, earned a BA degree in Business with a minor in Fine Art. He has painted murals and exhibited in Dubai, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Paris, Osaka, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The artist has also been featured in various books, films, magazines and videos.
Crow draws inspiration from people and their surrounding environment. This can include a variety of sources from textures of old buildings with weathered down walls to mountains and other shapes and colors surrounding daily life. The artist sees details in life’s surroundings which people normally overlook, such as the “beauty in the layers within a puddle of water on a concrete or dirt floor” or “shadows and light reflecting off a window at the corner store.”
Crow, also known as Crol, branched off from traditional illustration to graffiti at thirteen years old. He was inspired by heavy metal music and his cousin from Los Angeles who introduced him to the city’s emerging graffiti scene. After years of painting on the streets in New Mexico, Crow obtained a BA in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of San Diego in 2009. He attended college while simultaneously creating a strong portfolio of public art, fine art, and digital paintings. In 2008, he created The Prizm Process, which is an organization providing public programs and services through art, culture, and civic engagement.
The opening reception for show will be at Thumbprint Gallery on October 9 and will start at 6pm and run until 10pm. Complimentary wine and appetizers will be served. Event entry is free and open to the public. The artwork will be on display until November 7. Thumbprint Gallery is located at 2637 University Ave. in North Park.
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