Werc // “Spirit Man”
Introducing artist Werc’s “Spirit Man,” a new limited edition Giclee fine art print. The series is an edition of twenty 22″ x 22″ signed & numbered giclee prints on cotton rag paper.
The piece “Spirit Man,” is a portrait that speaks of discovery, knowledge, rituals and symbolism. All the American Spirit cigarette packages that make up the background of the painting were all smoked by the artist. Each package has been carefully stripped from the word “American” and left only with the word “Spririt” from the title.The artist sees the manipulative charge of these two talismanic words that trigger certain spiritual aspects of being within people. In an act of commercial intervension, Werc takes back the word “spirit,” which has been prostituted in consumerism, in order to empower himself and the viewer.
“Werc is at the forefront of the new generation of Chicano painters. ”Spirit Man” displays great technique and mysterious meaning and leaves it open as to what that meaning is, the hallmark of great art. He is one to watch.” – Cheech Marin
Werc’s work comes from two places, border culture because he was born in Ciudad Juarez, and grew up in El Paso, TX; and graffiti, his urban teacher, because the streets were his training ground as an artist. Werc’s passion for graffiti allowed for new inspirations to transform his artistic career. Werc paints, collages and designs based on inspirtations that come from broad issues of labor, border culture, logos, symbols, architecture, urbanization and the nostalgic humor among immigrant cultures. He is specifically inspired by the creative informal economies of street vendors, the archetypal language of design, and the beauty of developing sustainability in communities. This enables Werc to create collective public art projects with intentions of dissolving all borders and deceptive forms of seperation.
In his paintings, he explores aspects of duality and the politics of identity by hunting and gathering found objects that later become part of his creations. In his public art walls, Werc plays with the preconceived notion of advertisement and the idea of always being sold something. In his street art, he transforms experiences of mass consumption, with the beautification of public spaces. In all of Werc’s work, there is a response to negative customs and a re-affirmation of consciousness that create artworks that reflects social change.
To purchase “Spirit Man” go to:
For U.S. Orders: http://bit.ly/pp73cs
For International Orders: http://bit.ly/no9iLv
For more information about Werc check out:
http://www.wercking.com
Follow Ltl Monster:
http://www.facebook.com/ltlmonster
Werc & Gera – “El Pa Chuco”
A new mural named “El Pa Chuco” by artists Werc & Gera in Downtown El Paso, TX on the side of the San Carlos Building.
323East Gallery presents: Lyrics curated by Glenn Barr
Here’s some pictures from Lyrics, curated by Glenn Barr, which just opened its doors at 323 East.
Participating Artists Include:
Jeff Soto
Michael Segal
THH70
Gary Taxali
Cammy d’Errico
Travis Louie
Davin Brainard
Chris Riccardi
Brandt Peters
Kathie Olivas
Joey Seeman
Bask
Lisa Petrucci
Rick Morris
Chet Zar
Trevor Young
Mark Dancey
Bryan Cunningham
Marie Blanco Hendrixx
Chris Dean
Brandi Milne
Calef Brown
William Wray
Yumiko Kayukawa
For more information about the exhibit and artwork check out: 323east.com
Peace Corps 50th Anniversary Shepard Fairey Print
The Peace Corps has released a commemorative print by prominent artist Shepard Fairey in commemoration of the agency’s 50th anniversary. The print is based on a 2009 photograph of a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, and is symbolic of the work of more than 200,000 Peace Corps volunteers who have served in 139 countries since 1961.
“I’m inspired by the work of Peace Corps volunteers around the world. Volunteers share their creativity and compassion with their local communities,” said Shepard Fairey. “I hope this poster inspires the next generation of volunteers.” Fairey’s sister served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PRINT AND WHERE TO PURCHASE CLICK HERE
Lyric Curated by Glenn Barr
Music and its lyrics can always stimulate our emotions and it can have us contemplating a visional narrative. Lyrics have been known to be the fodder of some of the greatest works in the world. This exhibition will illustrate the artists personal transcription from a songs lyric to canvas.
Participating Artists Include:
Jeff Soto, Michael Segal,THH70, Gary Taxali, Cammy d’Errico, Travis Louie, Davin Brainard, Chris Riccardi, Brandt Peters, Kathie Olivas, Joey Seeman, Bask, Lisa Petrucci, Rick Morris, Chet Zar, Trevor Young, Mark Dancey, Bryan Cunningham,, Marie Blanco Hendrixx, Chris Dean, Brandi Milne, Calef Brown, William Wray, Yumiko Kayukawa
Opening Reception, Saturday, March 19, 2011
March 19th – April 19th 2011
@ 323East Gallery – Royal Oak, MI
links:
www.323east.com
Legendary Automotive Designer and Artist Camilo Pardo Releases Special Valentines Day Limited Edition Art Print.
Legendary Automotive Designer and Artist Camilo Pardo Releases Special Valentines Day Limited Edition Art Print. 60 Unique and individual art prints available to the public for 1 week only.
Camilo is back for his second release on 1xRUN with an evolution of his Targets silkscreen series with Open Targets. This new Camilo collection features a well-delineated beauty (shades of Emma Peel) in the foreground and a kaleidoscope of varied designs in the background. That’s right – each print is unique unto itself with each one boasting a different background motif painted by Camilo. One of Camilo’s signature racing girls screen printed over the top of each uniquely painted backgrounds.
WHAT: “Open Targets” – 60 limited edition art prints, 19 x 26 inches on archival cotton paper
WHERE: www.1xRUN.com Online sale, available for 7 days only
WHEN: Starts – Monday, February 14, 2010 – 12:00 pm (EST)
Ends – Monday, February 21, 2010
COST: $80.00 Each
BIO: The art that Camilo Pardo created over the years is all over Detroit. Indeed, a considerable amount of it is present on our freeways at any given moment of the day. The one-time head of Ford Motor Company’s Living Legends unit and designer of the Ford GT, Pardo put verve in the steel curves and reminded us that a car’s first internal combustion takes place in an artist’s mind. It’s external beauty is born there as well. That mind has not ceased from creative labors, even if they’re no longer entirely devoted to Motor City mojo.
Camilo’s paintings and drawings bespeak both his love for linear perfection and his fascination for the manner in which those “lines” deliver aesthetic satisfaction to the viewer. His works genuinely seem to move – and they are energized by what is obviously a rich understanding and respect for popular culture and traditional disciplines. In less talented hands, such a seeming contradiction of forces would negate the best efforts. Pardo makes them reconcile, complement each other, and dance together.
LEARN MORE: www.1xRUN.com
Werc ~ GeraLuzLove
El Paso-based artist Werc just recently finished this new wall entitled, GeraLuzLove. (location: El Paso, TX)
Links:
http://wercking.com
Photos courtesy of Joseph Lozano
The International J Dilla Tribute Art Contest Announces Artist Joe Buck As The WINNER And Release Signed Print Series!
Ma Dukes and The J Dilla Foundation are proud to announce that the “So Far To Go” International J Dilla Tribute Art Contest has come to an end, but the movement continues. Artists and fans around the world were invited to come together and celebrate the life of legendary producer James Dewitt Yancey, also known as J Dilla, to raise awareness of The J Dilla Foundation through artistic expression. After three months, 141 artists entered original artwork inspired by J Dilla on www.art4dilla.com. Thousands of fans and supporters from 112 countries and territories participated, and the people have chosen a winner.
The top voted submission is entitled “J DILLA the SpeciaLIST” which was created by artist and designer Joseph “Joe Buck” Buckingham. Joe’s artwork, “J DILLA the SpeciaLIST” will be produced as a limited edition, Giclee print series, signed by Joe Buck and J Dilla’s mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey. This signed, limited edition print, as well as special lithograph poster and t-shirt are exclusively available for sale at www.art4dilla.com. All proceeds will be donated to The J Dilla Foundation to help fund their ongoing programs.
Artist and designer, Joseph Buckingham was born in Germany, raised in Queens, New York, and is presently living in Long Island, New York. Joe describes his style of painting as “Pop Art, Fauvism, Primitivism and sometimes Abstract.” Over the past twenty years, his true passion has always been painting, even though he has worked on designing branding material and music packaging for a long list of clients such as Fubu, Baby Phat, Echo Red, George Clinton and De La Soul. Noted milestones include the artwork for De La Soul’s “Saturdays” and “De La Soul is Dead” albums. Joe was also part of the founding team that created Fader Magazine. He also Illustrated two of the first ever Hip Hop children’s books with Scholastic “Think Again” written by Doug E Fresh and “Hope” written by Shaggy
“Joe has always been more than an artist. joe Buck himself is “ART”. What we view as his amazing illustrations are his children!” “The poster feels like a blueprint into Jay Dee’s very soul. His watchful eye looking at me as i read and stand in awe over all of his work listed.The illustration Joe served goes beyond 2Dimensional” -Pos / De La Soul
“A remarkable illustration worth more than its one thousand woven words. You witness Dilla’s private conversation to Joe transcribed for educational public domain.” “Fine art from a fine artist. Joe is a master. This should be used as Dilla 101 for years to come”- Damu The Fudgemunk / Redefinition Records
The contest may have come to an end, but the movement continues. The J Dilla Foundation, along with La Famiglia, 323 East and 5e Gallery are proud to announce that they will be hosting a group exhibit, showcasing artwork from around the world inspired by J Dilla. The exhibition will be held at 5e Gallery in Detroit, MI (USA) and will open to the public in May of 2011.
There is an open call for submissions from artists around the world. All mediums of artwork are welcomed. Artists interested in presenting original artwork inspired by J Dilla for consideration for this special tribute art exhibition can submit images of artwork and general information via email. Artists should include detailed information about their artwork and interest. To submit your art work for consideration, send an email to ArtShow@art4dilla.com with: artist name, an image of the work you would like to submit, size, medium, and your location. More details regarding the exhibit will be released at a later date.
The “So Far To Go” International J Dilla Tribute Art Contest was organized by La Famiglia & 323East on the behalf of The J Dilla Foundation. Supporting sponsors include; Jakprints, 5e Gallery, Crewest Gallery, RX Fresh, Ironlak, Fatbeats, Bombing Science, Fusicology and Ohm Creative Group.
Official Contest Site: http://www.art4dilla.com
Order Prints, Posters and Shirts: http://www.art4dilla.com
For more information about The J Dilla Foundation go to: http://www.jdillafoundation.org
MadC – 700 Wall
This massive wall by MadC is done and covers over 680m2 of wall space.. MadC is known for massive and detailed concept walls. This year she broke her own record and painted her biggest and most elaborate concept wall ever. Just herself, without help.
700 Wall – Final Update from Molotow on Vimeo.
“And for those out there who like numbers a lot: some days I went up and down the ladder more than 500 times; fell off the ladder 4 times; counted in days I painted more than 4 months every day at least 10 hours; I used 1489 cans; 158 different colours; 600+ caps; 3 different kind of caps, 100 liters primer; 140 liters exterior paint; painted at temperatures from +2C° to +38C° in sunshine, rain, storm, day and night; painted my biggest and smallest piece so far and overall painted my name far more than 100 times on this wall. I’m curious if anyone will guess or find out how many there actually are. I made only one exception from solely painting MadC pieces on this wall. Special place in my heart – special place on my wall.” ~ MadC
Camilo Pardo Releases Limited Edition Print Series
Automotive designer and artist Camilo Pardo releases limited edition art print. 45 Unique and individual art prints available to the public for 1 week only. This Pardo collection features a well-delineated beauty (shades of Emma Peel) in the foreground and a kaleidoscope of varied designs in the background. That’s right – each print is unique unto itself with each one boasting a different background motif painted by Pardo. One of Camilo’s signature racing girls screen printed over the top of each uniquely painted backgrounds.
The art that Camilo Pardo created over the years is all over Detroit. Indeed, a considerable amount of it is present on our freeways at any given moment of the day. The one-time head of Ford Motor Company’s Living Legends unit and designer of the Ford GT, Pardo put verve in the steel curves and reminded us that a car’s first internal combustion takes place in an artist’s mind. It’s external beauty is born there as well. That mind has not ceased from creative labors, even if they’re no longer entirely devoted to Motor City mojo.
Pardo’s paintings and drawings bespeak both his love for linear perfection and his fascination for the manner in which those “lines” deliver aesthetic satisfaction to the viewer. His works genuinely seem to move – and they are energized by what is obviously a rich understanding and respect for popular culture and traditional disciplines. In less talented hands, such a seeming contradiction of forces would negate the best efforts. Pardo makes them reconcile, complement each other, and dance together.
LEARN MORE: http://1xrun.com/upcoming/Her_Targets
The Claim I’m A Criminal
The Southern California Library will dedicate its new mural “They Claim I’m a Criminal” on this year’s International Human Rights Day. The Library worked with long-time L.A. artist Man One, with input from a community group of scholars, activists, and neighborhood youth, to design and create the mural, which highlights the work of Mothers Reclaiming Our Children (Mothers ROC) and the Coalition Against Police Abuse (CAPA), and its co-founder Michael Zinzun.
The Southern California Library documents histories of community-led resistance to challenge racism and other systems of oppression, and sustain possibilities for freedom. The Library holds the historical documents of the groups featured in this mural, which all are welcome to come and use.
The artist, Man One has been involved with the Graffiti Art movement since 1987. He began his artistic journey tagging on the streets of Los Angeles, then got a degree in Fine Arts, and with his newly inspired passion helped to change the way the world interpreted graffiti and urban art. Today, his artwork reaches internationally, having been featured in venues throughout the world. He also owns and runs Crewest, the only L.A. based gallery dedicated to the upliftment of Graffiti Art.
Speakers at the dedication will include Geri Silva, Director of Families to Amend California’s Three Strikes (FACTS), who was a founding member of Mothers ROC, and Bilal Ali, Community Organizer for Coalition L.A., who worked in CAPA for many years.
For more information about Man One go to: http://www.crewest.com
For more information about the Southern California Library and the event go to: http://www.socallib.org
The 10th Annual Fresh Produce Invitational
The 10th Annual Fresh Produce Invitational Group Exhibition & Sale will be held this Friday at Anno Domini in San Jose, CA. Over 30 artists from around the world have created hundreds of original works of art for this highly anticipated annual exhibition and sale. The artists were invited based on their unique artistic vision and contribution to urban contemporary arts and culture.
All art is generously priced $250 and under and may be taken home at the point of sale on a first come, first served basis.
Opening Reception: Friday, December 3, 2010
Preview opens at 7pm, Sale begins at 8pm
Exhibit/Sale on view in the gallery through January 8, 2011
Exhibit/Sale continues online through January 31, 2011
Agotoc (Chile)
Aitch (Romania)
Sofia Arnold (US)
BASE23 (Germany)
Bon (Thailand)
Christian Breitkreutz (US)
Able Brown (US)
Mia Christopher (US)
DEM (Italy)
Megan Diddie (US)
Dimitri Drjuchin (US)
Kate Durkin (US)
Mike Egan (US)
Faber (Perú)
Gilbert1 (France)
Hyuro (Argentina)
Agostino Iacurci (Italy)
Brad Isdrab (US)
Kislow
Klone (Israel)
Daniel Jesse Lewis (US)
Jeremiah Maddock (US)
Nick Mann aka doodles (US)
Ginger Markley (US)
Dale “VN” Marshall (UK)
Virgilio Neto (Brazil)
Pellet (US)
Pochta (Russia)
Brian Raszka (US)
Christian Robinson (US)
Saddo (Romania)
Saner (Mexico)
Skount (Holland)
Sztuka Fabryka (Spain)
Lucien Shapiro US)
Collin van der Sluijs (Netherlands)
Barron Storey (US)
Dimitris Taxis (Greece)
Derek Weisberg (US)
ZeroCents (Israel)
Opening Reception is part of the South FIRST FRIDAYS monthly art walk, December 3, 2010. View the full schedule of exhibitions at participating venues:
http://www.southfirstfridays.com
POSE – Soundset festival
This is old news, but it was new to us. The image is the work of POSE, from earlier this year at the Soundset Festival in Minneapolis. The footage below features more from the event.
4th Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle Re-Cap
4th Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle – 2010 from Estria Battle on Vimeo.
We know all the people involved in organizing this put in work, so we just wanted to share this. Here’s a video re-cap of the 4th Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle which was held this past October in DeFremery Park, Oakland, CA.
Gaia – Waverly Development
Here are some images and video footage detailing the third installment of Gaia’s Legacy project, James Rouse is imposed with his own words back onto one of his first development projects in Waverly, Baltimore. Built in 1957, the Waverly development was one of the very first Urban Renewal sites in the United States. Housing stock designated as slum land was cleared for around 300 units and a small shopping center and was originally reserved for white families only.
Waverly Development from Gaia on Vimeo.
Gaia - Waverly Development
La Parada Vol. 3 – Pics & Thanks
We just wanted to post a few pics from this past La Parada (First Fridays – El Paso). Mad respect to The DA, DJ Seoul (Detroit Techno Militia & Bang Tech12), One Man Jazz (Boombox – LA), Rob Bass & System A., all the artists from Mad Vizual Poetz and Notorious Tattoos, and of course all the beautiful people that came out to celebrate with us. Can’t wait till next month.
Marxist Glue – 11/11
The Marxist Glue Art Show at Hold Up Art in Little Tokyo is coming to a close. If you’re in LA on CLOSING PARTY will be held on 11/11 at hold up. Robbie Conal, Mear One, Shark Toof, and more. Check it out.
MARXIST GLUE 2010 from Karl Marks on Vimeo.
For more information about Marxist Glue:
http://marxistglue.com
As The Days Pass By – J Dilla Contest Update
As you may know, there is currently an international art contest in tribute to the legendary producer and recording artist James Dewitt Yancey, J Dilla. Over 80 artists from around the world have submitted artwork. And the people vote. Its all online. Please take a moment to read about the contest, the rules, and of course the cause. The contest is a campaign to raise awareness and funds for The J Dilla Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on helping fund inner-city music programs, and provide scholarships to students attending schools that have progressive music curricula.
We wanted to take a moment to let you know, I don’t know who is winning. We’re not going to tell either in till the contest is over, it wouldn’t be fair. I’m not even going to ask. We did want to share a few of the artists work with you and hope that you would take the time to check out some more and vote. Voting ends in the end of Decemeber which gives a good amount of time to spread the word. We are hoping that if you have not voted, you will. And maybe even share your favorite submission with your friends and family, tell them they should check out the contest and vote too. Make your vote count! When voting, take in to consideration that some of the artists submissions do not completely fit the contest rules and are being assessed.
The top voted contestants artwork will be produced as a limited edition print series, signed by the artist and J Dilla’s mother (Ma Dukes). There will be a lithograph poster series as well. Pre-orders are available now for signed prints and posters. If you can support, please pre-order yours today and contribute. Proceeds from the contest go to The J Dilla Foundation to help build and support their ongoing efforts. Both series will be limited.
On the behalf of The J Dilla Foundation, 323 East and ourselves, we wanted to thank all the artists and fans that have already participated in some way and pre-ordered prints. We also wanted to thank our sponsors for being part of this and announce that we wanted to welcome Jakprints to our list of official sponsors, who has recently become our official printing company for the contest as well. There will be more information to come posted in www.Art4Dilla.com.
We hope that if you are a fan of J Dilla, the power of expression, art and music, that you will find this contest as important as we all do. Are only hopes are to raise awareness, spread knowledge and contribute. Help us reach out to all ends of the earth. Thank you again, keep updated between now and Christmas and spread the word. We can’t wait to see who wins.
For more information about the contest, to vote and for pre-orders go to:
http://www.art4dilla.com
For More information about the J Dilla Foundation check out:
http://www.jdillafoundation.org
Free Download: New Jack Kings
Two of Michigan’s dopest emcees—T. Calmese (Subterraneous Crew) and Vaughan T (Athletic Mic League) — have joined forces with vocalists Mayer Hawthorne, Buff 1, Aloe Blacc and producers 14 KT, Zo! and Nick Speed to craft a coming of age story inspired by the infamous era of high top fades, eye brow parts and house parties affectionately remembered as New Jack Swing.
Dowload the Free Album Here:
http://newjackkings.bandcamp.com/
Via RCDLBL
Update \\\ J Dilla Tribute Art Contest
If you’re not up to speed, there is an international art contest in tribute to J Dilla. La Famiglia, 323 East, Ma Dukes and the J Dilla Foundation have created the contest to raise awareness and money for the J Dilla Foundation.
Artists from around the world have been invited to create original artwork inspired by the legendary producer and the fans vote to decide the winner. The top voted contestants artwork will be produced as limited edition giclee prints (signed by the artist and J Dilla’s Mother, Ma Dukes).
The Mission of The J Dilla Foundation is to help fund inner-city music programs, and provide scholarships to students attending schools that have progressive music curricula.
The foundation was started by Maureen Yancey, mother of acclaimed producer James “Jay Dee aka J Dilla” Yancey. J Dilla was a Grammy award winning record producer and artist who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Michigan.
Even thought the contest is already underway, artist registration and voting will continue in till the end of December. We encourage artists to create something and enter. We encourage fans to spread the news, sit back and check out the artwork, and vote. Share your favorite submission on facebook and twitter. We are all very excited about the amount of support and interest people have had.
Proceeds from the contest go to the J Dilla Foundation and the prints are available for pre-sale. Thank you to all the artists, fans, and the media who have reached out!
Official Contest Site:
http://www.Art4Dilla.com
The J Dilla Foundation:
http://www.jdillafoundation.com
Customs: Captain America Dunks
This pair of Captain America Dunks were customized by Sole Junkie. Somehow we didn’t notice him posting these, but we still had to share them with you.
“So Far To Go” J Dilla Tribute Art Contest
Ma Dukes and the J Dilla Foundation, along with La Famiglia Magazine and 323East are proud to announce “So Far To Go,” an official J Dilla tribute with an international art contest. This contest is an invitation to fans around the world to gather, contribute to and celebrate the life of one of the most influential recording artists and producers, James Dewitt Yancey, also known as J Dilla.
This is how it works. Artists are invited to create original artwork (any medium) inspired by the legendary J Dilla. The contest launches as of Thursday September 30, 2010. Artists will be able to register at Art4dilla.com and upload their artwork. Each contestants artwork will be given a unique profile with in the contest site and The People Vote. The top voted contestants artwork will be produced as a poster and limited edition Giclee print series signed by the artist and J Dilla’s mother, Ma Dukes. All proceeds from the “So Far To Go” Official J DIlla International Art Contest will be donated to the J Dilla Foundation to help fund their ongoing programs. It’s free to enter. Free to vote. There will be cash prizes. All rules, regulations, and additional information will be detailed in the official site when the contest launches Sept. 30th.
The Mission of The J Dilla Foundation is to help fund inner-city music programs, and provide scholarships to students attending schools that have progressive music curricula.
The foundation was started by Maureen Yancey, mother of acclaimed producer James “Jay Dee aka J Dilla” Yancey. J Dilla was a Grammy award winning record producer and artist who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Michigan. According to NPR.org, he was one of the music industry’s most influential hip-hop artists, working for big-name acts such as Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, Common and Janet Jackson.
J Dilla passed away in 2006 after long suffering with Lupus and the rare blood disease TTP. “Dilla was about love in many formats,” Maureen states. “One of the things he wanted me to do with his legacy was to use it to help others… kids who were musically gifted but had little hope due to poverty.” It is the foundation’s hope that by funding and encouraging such progressive music curricula, young prodigies, and music enthusiast alike will have the tools and support they need to flourish and become successful within the entertainment industry. The importance of urban music in academia is also heavily stressed.
The foundation encourages styles such as hip-hop, R&B, and soul to be studied and cultivated in higher learning institutions along with other celebrated genres such as classical, jazz, and rock. Maureen proclaims, “The J Dilla Foundation seeks to be a staple in the movement for progressive music education. We also hope to be leaders in the efforts to enhance and develop arts programs in urban communities.”
For more information about the “So Far To Go” International J Dilla Art Contest go to (official site and contest launches September 30th, 2010): www.Art4Dilla.com
The “So Far To Go” International J Dilla Art Contest is organized by La Famiglia Magazine and 323East Gallery on the behalf of Ma Dukes and the J Dilla Foundation. Sponsors include Fat Beats, Bombing Science, Ironlak, Crewest, 5e Gallery, RX Fresh, Fusicology and Ohm Creative Group.
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