November 2009: "Go Get Your Shinebox" at Brooklynite

Yesterday, I checked my inbox and was greeted with a note from PaperMonster. Always one to give Illicit a shoutout, he hopes everyone in the NYC area will come check out his latest group show. He writes:

"On November 21^st Brooklynite Gallery will open 'Go Get Your Shinebox'. This group show will feature over 100 works from artists all looking to answer the question of how to survive in these economic times by creating their own interpretation of a 'Survival Box.'"
(For those of you that are wondering what the hell a shinebox is, think 1930s Depression-era America. Lots of kids out shining shoes and you had to put your feet up on something, hence shinebox: a portable toolbox and footrest in one. Needless to say, these are some pretty flashy shineboxes.)
"Brooklynite Gallery has commissioned some of their favorite established and emerging artist to take on this challenge and the responses are breathtaking."
"Artists such as Dain, Miss Bugs, PaperMonster, Anthony Lister, Ben Eine, Jace, Thundercut, Skewville, Ben Frost, Jon Burgerman, Specter, Skewville, Know Hope, Kosbe, Gaia, Ben Frost, Hush, and many more have all created a one of a kind box, each taking the concept of the show one step further."
"You can view the entire lists of artists participating and more information by visiting Brooklynite Gallery's site."

Thanks, PaperMonster! For my NYC folks, hit this up! The show runs through December 19, so get your shine on while you have the chance. Tonight, I'm off to see El Ten Eleven in New Haven. If you're there, say hi! I look like...well, like myself. Trust me, you'll know me.

October 2009: Peru Ana Ana Peru in Brooklyn

No matter what you think of the artwork, one thing's for sure: Peru Ana Ana Peru gets up. From big pieces to small stickers slapped on any surface, you can't walk a block in NYC without seeing the name. This week, the art moves indoors as the Brooklynite Gallery presents the artist's solo show. Here are the goods:

"Brooklynite Gallery presents: '...And Then We Jumped into the Abyss of Numbers: Memories in Absurdity From the Bowels of Peru Ana Ana Peru'. The show runs from October 17-November 14. The opening night reception takes place on Saturday, October 17 from 7-10 pm. The evening features special musical guest Bomb Squad (of Public Enemy)."

"Brooklynite is located at 334 Malcolm X Blvd Brooklyn, NY 11233. Directions: A train to Utica, exit at head of train, walk to Malcolm X Blvd, take left, go two blocks, gallery is on Malcolm X between Decatur and Bainbridge.)"

"We will present multi-media paintings/drawings, sculpture and installations, as well as a host of video art pieces all telling strange narratives that will be loaded with an array of bleeps and blips, and non-sequiturs the likes of piñatas, shaving cream, goats, wolfwomen, baby heads, ballpoint pens, Rubik's cubes, birthday parties, insects, whiskey, wine, boxing gloves, and bows and arrows, just to name a few."
"As a much added bonus, the soundtrack to the opening night event will be performed by Bomb Squad [Hank Shocklee; Future Frequency], which is the force behind Public Enemy and some of the most significant albums of all time. They'll perform a preview of the new upcoming album of futuristic dub and live electronics."
"For those outside NY, the opening will be streamed live at the Brooklynite Gallery website (just click on LIVE TV). Hope to see you there."

Thanks, guys! If you can't make it to the opening, be sure to check it out online. For more photos, visit Peru Ana Ana Peru's Flickr.