July 2010: Paper Monster in Philadelphia

This summer, Vincent Michael Gallery will combine two of my favorite things: PaperMonster and Philadelphia. The New Jersey based artist is back with a new collection of prints and paintings. Here are the details:

“'PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy' is the latest titled of PaperMonster’s solo exhibition opening July 2^nd in Philadelphia, PA at the Vincent Michael Gallery."

"PaperMonster will show over twenty new works of stencil art collages on canvas full of powerful portraits of women exploring themes of strength, fear, passion, and mystery."
"Several portraits are woven together with combinations of women and animals; each speaking to the strength, ferocity, and power that women carry within."
"His collage work within each painting allows the audience to develop their own perception and theories as to who these people are and what they hide."

"PaperMonster will also be having an artist talk on July 24^th from 2-4pm covering his thoughts on stencil art and the art world at large."

Cool, man! Here are the goods:

“PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy”
Vincent Michael Gallery
1050 N. Hancock Street Suite 63
Philadelphia, PA 19123
1-877-291-11387

Opening Reception: Friday, July 2nd 6-9 PM
Artist Talk: Saturday July 24th 2-4Pm
Show available from: July 2nd- July 31st

July 2009: Philadelphia With aRKS

I'm looking at grad programs for next year and Philly is definitely a possibility. I visited once last year and it was a good time. Some people consider Philly to be the fifth borough of NYC because there's so much happening at once. Street artist aRKS loves decorating the City of Brotherly Love. Today, he explains the story behind his tag. He writes:

"Who wouldn't want to decorate a boring surface? I have been experimenting with the graffiti medium for the last 6-7 years. I started with sticker art in May '05. I would walk around the streets of Philadelphia and notice these character stickers: El Toros, Under Water Pirates, Malics, Morgs, etc. They were not only everywhere, but they were also extremely creative and different. One summer, my roommate suggested I make a character of my own that we could stick up together. That's exactly what we did."
"For my character, aRKS, I incorporated my love of sharks with my love of art. I also tried to incorporate an awareness of the brutal practice of shark finning that is destroying the world's shark populations. At first, we would only go out well past midnight armed with only a dozen sticks. That number eventually grew and the time kept getting earlier and earlier. Now I actually prefer the daytime. Nighttime seems more mischievous and more attention-grabbing. Now I will go out with around 100 sticks when I'm on a 'sticker mission' or I will have at least a pocket full when I am casually walking around."
"Why do I do it? First of all I do not encourage the act of vandalizing personal property. People pay good money and taxes on the things they own and they shouldn't have it altered unwilling by someone who is trying to express themselves. I once saw a row of cars where the entire side was tagged. I know if it was my car I would have been PISSSSSSED. I am a follower of 'Treat others the way you want to be treated.'"
"I feel that if there is empty space on 'municipal property' like street signs, newspaper boxes, light poles, etc., then it is a prime location to display art. I mean why not? People pay $$$ to walk around a gallery and look at art, so why wouldn't you want to walk around everywhere you go and view art... for FREE? Thats what I love about it. Sticker artists make their art for free for everyone to view and expect nothing in return. We are literally decorating an otherwise boring surface free of charge. Who else would do that? I understand people still see it as vandalism and destruction. They wonder what gives us the right to 'decorate' something that is not ours. I would agree but I'm sure that if Michelangelo, Picasso, Van Gogh, or any other famous artist wanted to make something and place it on the back of a stop sign, there would be no controversy."

"Anyways, I stay active on Flickr. It's unbelievable the following that this site has for the art. I also continue to make stickers in the central Pennsylvania area and Philadelphia. I am currently involved in a Sticker Scavenger Hunt being hosted by Josh and am featured in the book Going Postal by Martha Cooper."

"For more information on shark finning go to www.stopfinning.org, www.sharkwater.com, or www.sharks.org."

"Thanks for this opportunity, Illicit, and stay hungry."

You're welcome, aRKS! I'll have to give you a shout if I'm ever back in your city.

P.S. I also love this link from my friend Mawena. Who knew Japanese rice paddy farmers had a penchant for rural street art?

May 2008: Philadelphia

Last May, I visited Jess, one of my best friends, in Philadelphia before her graduation. When I told people I was going to Philly, I was greeted with many a puzzled looked. “Why?” they asked. “Don’t set foot in West Philly,” they warned. “You don’t even like cheesesteaks!” they gasped. With so many pieces of advice, I didn’t know what to expect. 

My impressions of Philly were mixed. I like seeing a city on foot, so walking is my favorite mode of transportation. I didn’t heed warnings to stay away from West Philly and, lo and behold, I did not die. I was impressed by the city’s mixture of cultures; each street held a mélange of restaurants, shops, and businesses. 
But after midnight, I did feel a bit of tension on the bus ride home. Maybe it was because I was “forewarned”, but I was upset with myself for feeling this way. I wanted to like Philly, but parts of it left a funny taste in my mouth. (Maybe it was just the Cheeze Whiz). In any case, I feel like I still have a lot to learn about the City of Brotherly Love. 
From an artistic standpoint, Philly was a great time. Jess was sweet enough to find a book on mural culture in her library. I jotted down a few notes, but stumbling upon a giant piece was much more exciting. Stickers, wheatpastes, and throw-ups peeked out from behind dumpsters and chain-link fences. 
One of my favorite finds falls outside the parameters of traditional ‘street art.’ A local artist covered his entire house in a mosaic of found glass, tile, and other materials. (I need to dig up more pictures; the one on my desktop doesn’t do it justice.) Apparently, you can go inside for a fee, but I preferred to examine the structure from outside the gates. The sheer dedication and creativity required for such a project is remarkable. 
I think this house embodies my impressions of Philly. In the strangest of places, you’re bound to make the most interesting discoveries.