A few weeks back, we were invited to Oz Comic-Con in Perth . Having never been to a comic/fantasy/sci-fi convention, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. Comics are awesome, so why had I not been to a Oz Comic-Con before? I guess I thought this would be an event for hardcore science fiction fans and people who would make my comic knowledge feel like the small, pathetic, underfed creature it is.
As we neared the Perth Convention Centre we began to encounter Batmans, Pikachus and anime characters. Holly hell, people really dress up? I was SO excited! Upon entry we were greeted with what looked like a full house; stalls, shelves upon shelves of comics and a cast of patrons that were a mishmash of every cool movie, comic book and TV show I’d ever seen. All this and I hadn’t even got to where the Comic-Con special guests were. Macgyver was there, Macgyver!!!
I could prattle on about how great it was and how deep my regret is that I had not attended a Oz Comic-Con before but times is short yo. I gotta get started on my costume for next years Comic-Con.
Who: William Shatner, Jason Momoa, Richard Dean Anderson, Justin Randall, Nicola Scott, Patricia Quinn, J.G Hertzler and many, many more talented people. What: Oz Comic-Con Perth Where:Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre, 21 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth WA 6000 When: Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of March 2013
Kyle Hughes-Odgers, aka Creepy, has been a notable player on the Australian art scene for some time now. Known predominantly for his street art, the past few years has seen Kyle stretch out of what would have been quite a comfortable space to stagnate in.
Personally, having been at the opening of his previous exhibition, ‘You Just Have Your Eyes Closed,’ I had thought at the time that this was it – he’d done it. I hadn’t ever seen Kyle’s work in a ‘hey, that’s fine art’ kind of way but the magnitude of pieces, the continuity of the exhibition and the evolution of his style were all firm indicators that Kyle had established himself in the fine art world. As the old adage goes – If it’s not broke, don’t fix it – I had assumed that style wise, Kyle had hit his peak. His work was honest, appealing and respected. ‘You Just Have Your Eyes Closed,’ was two years ago. In that time Kyle has continuously evolved and his work, both fine art and street art, has blossomed. He has travelled and exhibited extensively, his craft has matured and his skill has grown exponentially.
It’s been two years since we last spoke, can you tell us briefly what youv’e been up to in that time?
I’ve been a bit of a drifter – traveling for projects and painting walls. NYC a couple of times and I had my first European solo show in Berlin and worked on my first children’s book ‘Ten Tiny Things’ published through Fremantle Press in Australia and some film projects with Chad Peacock.
Your upcoming show, ‘A Thousand Lights From A Hundred Skies,’ opens this Friday at Turner Gallery. What’s the story behind the title and can you tell us what to expect from this exhibition? Will there be as much content as you had in your first show at Turner Gallery, which was something like over one hundred works?
The show title is named after the largest painting, which is 284 x 876cm. It’s an abstract aerial view of a non-descript city at night. There are 27 paintings in this exhibition; there is a lot more work in the individual paintings than my last Turner show. Which had 113 paintings but a lot of them smaller, simpler works. I wanted to make a more focused, intense body of work.
You seem to be able to switch easily between large scale murals and small delicate work. Which do you prefer why?
I prefer both. I like spending time in the studio to focus and create a body of work for months and to contrast that quietness with painting outside on large-scale mural projects. It pushes me creatively to work in different locations, across different scales, mediums and textures.
In the last two years or so, you have been producing artwork in your own name as opposed to ‘Creepy’. Is that a conscious decision to differentiate between your street art and fine art?
Yes. I was 22 when I first started making street art under the name ‘creepy’. That was almost 10 years ago now and a lot has changed. I was associating the alias ‘creepy’ with one particular creative activity, but my work has crossed into a wider spectrum of many different projects and mediums both inside and outside.
It just seemed logical to start working under my real name for any project I’m involved in.
In Feburary of 2012 you had your first European solo exhibition, ‘If We Can’t Control the Boat…’ at Okazi Gallery in Berlin. Can you tell us what the show was about and how you managed the logistics of having an exhibition so far from where you are based? How were you received?
‘If we can’t control the boat, let’s control the ocean” was a fairly bleak title. The show was a look at the obsession some humans feel to be in control, although in reality we can merely only ‘steer the boat’ so to speak and there are many things out of our control. It was a reminder that we are essentially clinging to a rock that orbits around a ball of fire somewhere in an infinite universe. It’s easy to forget that. Logistically it was pretty straightforward, I painted 80% of the work in my studio in Australia and worked on an installation and few works when I was at the gallery. The show was received well and has led to other projects.
You’ve been involved in some pretty heavy weight international group shows of late. Can you tell us about some of the exhibitions you’ve been involved in? Any stand out shows or artists you’ve showed besides?
It’s always good to be involved with international group exhibitions, especially being based in Australia. It’s great to have the opportunities to be showing work along side other artists I have respected for a long time. A few highlights would be the ‘BRIGHT’ tradeshow in Berlin, MMX Berlin gallery week, ‘Street Art Saved my Life:39 New York stories’ in L.A and the Kingbrown show last year in NYC.
In 2012 you spent a little time in Port Hedland, which is primarily a mining town in the Pilbara region of W.A. Can you talk about how that opportunity came about and what you got up to?
The Port Hedland project is part one in a long running idea to paint in very unique and remote Australian locations. It’s something I want to do through out my life. I think the isolation and space is fascinating. I’ve always wanted to work on painting projects that showcase this landscape and remoteness. I’m interested in how these places and projects would be received by people from other cultures living in high density urban environments, New York City, Paris, Tokyo etc. The best way to do that is through film and the internet.
Through FORM the opportunity to travel to Port Hedland and paint 2 large murals came up. I wanted to go exploring and find some other unique places to paint while I was in the Pilbara. Filmmaker Chad Peacock was commissioned to come up with me and document the project. We spent 9 days up there painting and filming the murals in town and exploring the desert. Id been given a few hints of possible places to paint in the desert and what we found was better than I had imagined. The abandoned double decker bus was an amazing wreck to come across and a very interesting object to paint, I would love to know how it got to be out there.
The two murals in the Port Hedland were supported through BHP Billiton’s Community Grants Program and by FORM. The two walls were kindly ‘donated’ by Port Hedland Police Station, Westpac Bank and Richard Noble with support from Boom Sherrin.
July last year saw you illustrate the book ‘Ten Tiny Things,’ by Meg McKinlay. How did that come about? What was the process like for you?
It was great – I have always wanted to work on a childrens’ book so I really enjoyed the process. Fremantle Press sent me Meg’s story when I was in New York in 2011 to see if I would be interested in working on the project. The story resonated with me, encouraging people to be more observant and appreciate the interesting things that surround us everyday, to be more active and to get us out of our comfort zones.
I treated it like an exhibition and dedicated a set amount of time in the studio to painting the book.
Hidden Shoal have just relesed a video by Chad Peacock of your mural work in Cambodia. How did you come to be involved in this? How was did the experience of painting in Cambodia and what did the locals think of you and your art?
Chad was heading up there for another project and he asked me if I wanted to go on a trip and we could paint and film on his days off. I had never been to Cambodia and really wanted to visit Angkor Wat. I ended up painting a few different spots on the trip but the footage used for the Apricot Rail video clip is just from one particular day of painting. The wall I painted is on the side of a school that teaches English and provides one meal a day to the local Cambodian kids from the near by village.
It was about an hour from Phnom Penh and we had to catch a ferry and go on motorbikes to get to there, so not many tourist get to this place. It ended up pouring down near the end of the day and we knew the last ferry was leaving so I had to finish the wall in the rain. A few of the locals helped me out and we got it complete in time. It was an amazing day and great to meet some of the kids from this area and speak to some of the locals who are doing very important work there.
Cambodia is an amazing country and I was so glad to have the chance to visit.
Last Saturday the live auction and art show, One Sugar To Go, was held at The Claremont Hotel in Perth.
The turn out was mighty impressive as was the number of bids for some awesome artwork. All the proceeds went to the Leukaemia Foundation and while the final tally is yet to be made, I’m certain that One Sugar To Go raised a fair chunk of dough for this worthy cause.
A few weeks ago we checked out the See-Saw exhibition at The Butcher Shop. This all Perth exhibition was to celebrate Open House Perth. Most of the works were on vintage timber saws (hence the name) and it was impressive to see how the different artists had worked with their canvas.
Although The Butcher Shop is a small venue, the recently added outside area gave a comfortable social space to the event. Let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as annoying as trying to see an artwork with some dude’s scone in the way. The gallery was left free for the perusal of the awesome art, while the chitchat and catch-ups were carried out in the courtyard – win-win.
I loved that The Butcher Shop had included a program for viewing legal street works, done as a part of the exhibition. After all, See-Saw is a celebration of architecture, landscape and public art. Street art plays a huge part in the personality of a city and it’s always good to see it represented in a positive way.
Still time to check the show out for yourself, be quick though – exhibition ends the 25th of November.
This Saturday The Claremont Hotel will play host to the 3rd annual live art auction event – One Sugar To Go. 28 diverse artists make up this years line-up, with proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation.
“Born from the desire to make a real and positive contribution to the local cultural landscape whilst engaging community support for those affected by cancer, One Sugar To Go is an annual Perth event dedicated to celebrating life and some of the things that make it great: art, a vibrant culture and good times.
In operation since 2010, One Sugar To Go consists of an art exhibition focusing on new forms of creative expression such as Illustration and Street Art. Artists from across the globe donate their time and talents, utilising the humble takeaway coffee cup which they rework and transform into stunning works of art. Their creative offerings are available for sale via live auction on the night of the event with proceeds donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.
A unique art display staged in conjunction with a night of entertainment featuring DJ’s, live performances and special guests,One Sugar To Go attracts a wide and engaging audience as it showcases a truly eclectic cross-section of contemporary culture. This is not your average art event.’
I’m so excited to be attending this event, auctions make me crazy competitive and there’s little chance I’ll be able to contain myself. Though, when we’re talking awesome art and a great cause, I’ll have no problem putting my money where my mouth is.
Who: El Deejo, Lady Bananas, Tomahawk, Dennis De Groot, Art By Destroy, I’m The Boss, Chris Nixon, Nia May, E.L.K, Dwight O’Neil, Hi8us, Sanida, Shime, Custards Mc Seedly, Chloe Sellars, Andy Quilty, Teeaitchenkay, Fieldey, Konfucius, Miss Jane, The London Police, Dibs, Miss Tones, Yolanda Stapleton, Mow Skowz, Mekel, Dania Shihab What: One Sugar To Go Where: The Claremont Hotel, 1 Bay View Terrace, Claremont, Perth When: Saturday 24th of November at 7pm till late
The Butcher Shop have put together an exciting all Perth group exhibition, ‘See-Saw’, which celebrates Open House Perth.This is the first year that Perth has been a part of the ‘Open House’ program, which is a celebration of Architecture, Urban Design and Public Art.
“The focus of Open House Perth is to provide a better understanding of high quality design through the principles of advocacy and education. Open House Perth will introduce a program of destinations, events, talks, competitions and exhibitions that celebrate your city. The 2012 building program includes an exciting range of residential, commercial, hospitality, civic and performance spaces ranging from the early 20th century to recently complete projects. Selected projects will promote a better understanding of contemporary, historic and sustainable design within the city by showcasing a cross section of world class projects on a local, national and international stage.”
The Butcher Shop has put together this exhibition not only to focus on and celebrate Perth artists, but to highlight the positive contribution legal murals can make to the feel of an urban environment. As well as a conventional exhibition at The Butcher Shop, ‘See-Saw’ also includes works on the streets of Northbridge by artists Straker, Deathbot, Amok Island, Yohyo, Jackson Harvey and Fecks.
Who: Fecks, Deathbot, Sarah McCloskey, Pawk, Mow Skwoz, Amok Island, Yohyo, Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Straker, Brenton See, Cheeks, Jackson Harvey What: See-Saw Where: The Butcher Shop, 276 William Street Northbridge, Perth When: Exhibition opens Saturday 3rd of November from 6pm and runs till Sunday 25th of November
Paper Mountain was a great choice of venue, not only is it central, it’s also a clean, blank canvas of a space. Sean Morris made ample use of this, setting out the works in a coherent and well thought out fashion. You certainly wouldn’t have know that this was Morris’s first foray into curation.
Walking up the steps to the venue, we were greeted by a defaced Justin Bieber poster, which kind of set the pace for the night. Although we had arrived in the first 20 minutes of opening, Paper Mountain was already crammed with eager art lovers fawning over works by artists that included Yohyo, The Yok, Mel Stringer, Michael C.Hsiung and Sheryo.
‘Let’s Go, Magic Weirdo’s’ was an awesome exhibition that piqued the interest of both art lover and average Joe alike. Off the back of such a successful show, I’m hoping it’s not too long before Sean Morris puts together another exhibition.
This Thursday, Paper Mountain is set to host one of the most hotly anticipated shows Perth has seen in recent years . With an international lineup of 23 artists curated by Perth’s own art dude, Sean Morris, ‘Let’s Go, Magic Weirdos’ promises to be the show you can’t afford to miss.
Morris has been one of Perth’s best art exports of late, featuring in some heavy shows both in Oz and across the pond. With his solo show, ‘Be Sweet Deadbeat’ coming up in early December (Melbourne), it’s nothing short of amazing that Sean has managed to pull together such a tight show.
“While the work of the “Magic Weirdos” encompasses a range of artistic styles, each artist involved shares what Morris calls a “defiant, fearless approach to art making.” Regardless of physical location; together they inhabit a world where rules are made for breaking, and the paradox of conventional art is thrown out of the window.
‘Let’s Go, Magic Weirdos’ sets out to harness, cage and present to the city a collection of exciting new work unleashed by crazed and beating minds from across the globe.”
This exhibition is sure to be an unapologetic, knock-down-drag-out art show that takes no prisoners.
Who: Stevie Gee, Ghostpatrol, John Malta, Ambird, Mel Stringer, Kyle hughes-Odgers, Manuel Donada, James Unsworth, Michael C.Hsiung, Jon Boam, Sean Morris, Luke Pelletier, Eric McHenry, Yohyo, Ryan Ady Putra, Cammy Yo, Cheeks, Evie Cahir, Calliope Bridge, Sheryo, Ican Harem, Mariana Moyses, Eveline Tarunadjaja, Yok What: Let’s Go, Magic Weirdos Where: Paper Mountain, 267 William St, Northbridge, Perth When: Exhibition opens Thursday 25th October from 6pm to 9pm and runs till Sunday 28th October
Invurt webzine provides information on AustralAsian street, urban, illustrative, graffiti and other genre defying, nu-contemporary art to readers around the world. It specialises in events and artists who are working, displaying and visiting Australasia – particularly with a focus on exhibitions, live art and other events the artists are partaking in.
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