INVURT

We do love ourselves a great, throw down, no holds barred art battle – and when that battle includes a bunch of mad-rad graff artists all vying to take this years War Of The Walls title, you can be assured of a night of action!

Over two hours, five artists will spray they way through to the finish line, fighting all the way. Last years winner Adnate will be there judging, and you, the audience, also get your say. We don’t have any tips for you, we think it’ll be a pretty evenly matched – but you should get down there and support them all!

“The ultimate clash of the cans is back.

WAR OF THE WALLS returns Saturday December 3rd 2011, hot on the heels of last year’s explosive inaugural battle. Five urban street artists will emerge from the alleys and studios to go head to head in a duel of aerosol genius and a larger-than-life race against the clock.

WAR OF THE WALLS is stoked to welcome this year’s artists to the stage; RAD 11, ohnoes, Mr Reliable, eltoasto & Broes for an action-packed 2 hour showdown.

The illustrious DJ Tom Showtime will send the crowd on a trip with a culmination of hip-hop, funk and all things smooth. Industry experts including last year’s winner Adnate, Facter from Invurt.com and YOU, our most awesome audience, will judge these willing combatants and their works. Only one artist will rise from the battle to be crowned the champion of WAR OF THE WALLS. If you thought last year was huge, brace yourself; because this year they’re steppin’ it up.

This means War.”

Who: ohnoes, Mr Reliable, eltoasto, RAD 11 & Broes
What: War Of The Walls live art battle
Where: The Void, 1-35 Wellington Street, Collingwood, VIC
When: Saturday 3rd December 2011 from 7pm til 11pm

Check out the War Of The Walls website as well as the facebook page for more info.

You can’t swing a stick around this country lately without there being some kind of live art on display – it seems as if everyones doing it, and we fkn love it. Not only that, but the works produced at this one (there are also a whole range of pieces on exhibit) are up for auction alongside all of the live madness.

"Featuring live art by Bathcat, Skulk, Birdhat, Rebecca Murphy,
Andros, Cheung ha Lim,Ox,Vars, Bunkwaa, Dirt, Pete Strong, Shanta,Sokei, Resan, Terrible Horrible, WOLVES&OWLS and Many More
Painting Grounds is a live art collaboration by various street artists.

Gathering at one of Sydney’s largest artist-run spaces, Tortuga Studios in St Peters, on Saturday 26th November mob of graff, stencil, paste- up and illustration artists share panels and wallspace.
The old brick factory provides a distinctly urban, industrial backdrop
to the edgy relevance of a live art show and auction."

Mark our words, this will be a fun night! We can see live art love avalanche as being 2012s big thing, more and more events like this please!

Who: Bathcat, Skulk, Birdhat, Rebecca Murphy,
Andros, Cheung ha Lim,Ox,Vars, Bunkwaa, Dirt, Pete Strong,
WOLVES&OWLS and Many Many More
What: Painting Grounds, Exhibition, Live art & Auction
Where: Tortuga Studios, 31 Princes Highway, St Peters, Sydney, NSW
When: Saturday 26th November, from

Check out the facebook event page for more info on this event, theres also a pretty mad preview of some of the work in the show over at flickr.

It was a sad moment last week when I got the invite from the At Large crew about their closing down event this coming weekend. I knew it was on its way, but it was still lamentable when I got the invitation to their very last event – and I’m even sadder still that I can’t attend due to being in Perth for the weekend!

It’ll be hard to imagine Northcote without At Large Gallery – and I can’t help but say a few words about the people, shows, and the crew there. Please excuse me whilst I take a rare moment to talk on a personal level – and, in case you don’t want to read my shit, just jump down to the bottom of the post for all the info on the actual event!

I attended the opening of At Large (I’m pretty sure it was the first article I posted on this blog, actually), and I even had a piece in that very first show – I believe that was the first show in Melbourne that I had put a piece in since I’d moved here. I’d met the crew through a mutual friend pretty much as soon as I had first arrived in the ‘burn – two people whose own art I immediately loved, and who had, no, made, time for someone who was still fresh eyed and full for questions about Melbourne and its art.

As it happened, I also put some work into a few other group shows there, and, I had two of my own there also. The biggest moment, for me, was holding my first solo show, Inhabited Times, at the gallery – which was amazing and had an amazing turn out. I pretty much did the show because of the guys there, they inspired me – after years of drawing in books and never showing anyone the stuff I’d been doing, they made me so comfortable and were so encouraging that I couldn’t not – they helped me take my art out of my own private little world  – and since then, I haven’t looked back.

Invurt and the crew at At Large also put on the group show there, Cardbordia with a bunch of other great artists, it was so much fun covering the walls in Cardboard and making an instillation styled show – what a blast.

So, to say that the place has a special place in my heart is an understatement. At Large, the crew themselves and their many helpers, as well as the people I met through the gallery and its shows,  and those I became friends with along the way, were one of the inspirations behind my starting this whole website – if you’re a fan of Invurt, then there’s a part of thanks that should be directed to the At Large crew for what you see today.

Beyond myself, there is absolutely no questions as to what these guys did for the Melbourne art, and upcoming and established artists. You need to only look at the list of exhibitions they’ve held over the past three years to get an inkling as to the kinds of artists they helped promote and support, the shows that they worked on and the events that they also held. With names like Heesco, Adi, Simz, Mupz, Jak Rapmund, Nicole Tattersall, Mishap, Rachee Renee, Sketch City and so many more … take all those great shows, and combine them with a whole range of events, battles, workshops, live art, great tunes, good beer, great people – well.

So, in their own words …

"After three ears in Northcote, At Large are closing its doors at 208 High St!!

We have always run At Large as we felt fit, and through this unconventional practice have met some truly amazing Artists, DJs, Emcees, and some of the most chilled beautiful down to earth people here, (some of who are now our family.) We have run countless gigs, openings, exhibitions and festival days, and it has been a great hub for Artists and all sorts. The ride has been amazing and unforgettable, but for now we just need a break, and a new chapter to focus on our lives and our own art.

Mishap and Dopio will be back in 2012 curating and participating in battles and exhibitions, burning walls and getting drunk in your backyard. We would love to thank every single person who made the last few years what it was by buying a can of paint, sharing a beer or spliff, or coming to a show. We are humbled by the amount of support we’ve gotten from our big Melbourne fam, customers and regulars. It has been an absolute pleasure.

Please contact us through the At Large email or website for future projects, jobs, and the usual from now on ‘cos we won’t have a shop for too much longer but we are STILL AT LARGE."

Before they close their doors, however, there is the aforementioned closing party – and, as usual with the way these guys roll, it’ll be a fkn great night – art battle, and merchandise and art up for grabs at awesome prices!

"We are closed to pack up shop generally from now until the 26th so come hang out for the last time @ At Large on Sunday 27th Nov 2011, watch Getn Jigy, Twos and Glyphics battle it out, sink a few beers and check out the huge instore sale.

15-60% off EVERYTHING including

• brand new Sourpuss range of kooky kitchen ware, beach towels, skull cushions, lamps and unique gift ware you won’t find anywhere else
• all tees and streetwear
• custom graffiti lamps made by Jest
• ALL ART AND PRINTS by various Artists
• ALL IRONLAK 6 PACKS A FURTHER 10% OFF SO $40 EACH SIXER

We will also be selling most shopfitting and furnishings so if you see anything you like or need make us an offer!!

Hope to see you all there and thanks again for your love!"

See what I mean? Going out in total style!

Anyways, the silver lining about the gallery closing is also personal – I can’t help but feel a little lightened at the news knowing that this now frees up two of my mates to come painting with us on the weekends (which is the only time I get to paint due to this whole full time work bullshit!). They’ve already both taught me a lot – about painting, about Melbourne, and about a whole bunch of amazing artists and creative individuals that they tirelessly supported – and I really can’t wait to hit some walls with them now that they aren’t stuck in the gallery.

J & B – thanks for the beers, thanks for the shows, thanks for the support and for all you did for the Melbourne street art culture with At Large Gallery, we’re looking forward to seeing what you guys get up to next year – now, lets fkn paint!

Who: The At Large crew and live art battles from Getn Jigy, Twos and Glyphics.
What: Live art, sales and awesome fun times.
Where: At Large Gallery, 208 High St, Northcote, VIC
When: Sunday 27th november, 1pm til 6pm – and then closed forever!

Check out the At Large Gallery website, and the facebook event page for more information.

Well, we’re back up in Sydney for Outpost Project, and today we’ll be covering Secret Wars as well as new stuff on the island since we were here for the opening – Mike Watt vs Shannon Crees! Well also cover some of the “Graffiti Hiphop” event. . Both start at 2pm!

.. So jump in by hitting play below, say hello, and ask us some questions and if there’s anything you’d like to see just let us know!

With a huge range of international talent, Self Est. lands in Sydney this Thursday with a massive feast of art and works from both here at home, and across the seas. Curated by Joseph Allen Shea and Marty Routledge, who hail the event as "Contemporary Art From Outside The Institutions" Self Est. is another feather in the cap for Sydney, showcasing street art, graffiti, illustration, painting and everything in between.

"Self Est is a four day art event exploring contemporary art from alternative backgrounds. This first installment of Self Est (short for Self Established) investigates the study of letterforms and pavement-based education. Self Est presents art created outside the traditional academy that has infiltrated the institution.

These art forms may be self-taught, intuitive or born from marginal activities such as commercial art, graffiti or skateboarding. Taking motivation from these auxiliary artistic pursuits these artists bring unconventional and unique twists to fine art and are being recognised by galleries and institutions."

Look at the lineup of artists below, and tell me you don’t want to be there on every day of this event.

Who: Roid, Dmote, Horfe, Jeff Canham, Ben Barretto, Topsafe & Cameron McAuliffe
What: Self Est. – Contemporary Art From Outside The Institution.
Where: See below for the list of venues on each day of the event.
When: Show runs from Thursday November 17th til Sunday November 20th. See below for full details on whats on when

Thursday 17th, 6pm, Open till 20th Nov
Paintings and installations
by Roid, Horfé & Dmote
kind of — gallery, 72 Oxford St, Darlinghurst

Friday 18th, 6pm, Open till 2nd dec
Paintings and installations
by Jeff Canham & Ben Barretto
Gallery A.S. 53-55 Brisbane st, Surry Hills

Saturday 19th, 12-1.30pm
Conversations: A discussion and Q and A with Self Est. artists and experts on unconventional sources for fine art.
Ben Barretto (AUST) – artist
Jeff Canham (USA) – artist
Fred Forsyth (UK) – director of Topsafe & Crack & Shine
Cameron Macauliffe (AUST) – public art expert
Gallery A.S, 53-55 Brisbane st Surry Hills

Saturday 19th, 4-9pm
Murals by Roid, Horfé, &
sign painting by Jeff Canham
Kippax & Lt Riley st

Check out the Self Est. website, as well as the facebook page for more info.

Invurt went to Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange last night to see Pierre Lloga and Heesco do some live art for the event at Melbournes Docklands. It was a pretty interesting night, as Smirnoff went all out in creating a unique nightlife experience.

With four differently themed rooms, we found ourselves mostly in the “urban streets” with Heesco and Pierre scribbling their wall of ghouls, heros and ladies over a dancefloor blasting some of the freshest house tracks, all as people pedalled away through the streets of Italy on a virtual bike ride. The Paris/Milan room, with some of the hottest models strutting their stuff across a catwalk headed by some great DJ’s at the front was also fun. This room then led through to the Arctic wonderland,complete with industrial sized fans, snow machine from Dean Sunshines Snowmasters, and video games (Ah, theres just something about chicks and fans!).

Finally through a long corridor into the main massive Smirnoff rave, it seemed. With a big stage, swirling visuals, thumping sound system and impressive light show. Once Heesco and Pierre finished off their piece, the scafolding was removed and we got to see the piece in all its glory – theres just something about the combination of these two artists work that pops off the page, it was an amazing collaboration!

Smirnoff pulled all the stops to make this a massive night, and the Invurt crew enjoyed themselves immensely – so please enjoy the photos from the event … for more photos from the night, check out the Facebook Gallery on our page.

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For more photos from the night, check out the Facebook Gallery.

Having that love in the bones for our ancestral home in the West, seeing great art come out of there is always pretty cool – but couple that with an equally fine selection of artistry from the east coast just completes the awesome factor.

Taking nine artists from the west coast, and nine artists from the east coast, Bryan Dalli and Luke Thomas have forged an intriguing show, East West, which will be opening at National Grid Gallery this coming Friday.

Having seen a couple of the preview images from this show, it really is of the highest calibre, traversing street, illustration, painting stencils and more, it really has something for everyone. Even from the few preview images, there really does seem to be a cohesion amongst the works in the show. Taking those opposite counterpoints, and hand picking the artists by which to balance the theme looks like it has produced a really unique collection of new works.

“East West came to fruition one balmy summer evening in late 2010 when some light drunken banter between two like minded friends, (one from Yallingup, WA, and the other from Narrabeen, NSW), developed into a fully fledged group exhibition of artists from opposite sides of Australia.

Art loving east coaster, Bryan Dalli, and west coast creative all rounder, Luke Thomas, have culminated their artistic networks to curate an exhibition of nine artists from the west coast of Australia, and nine artists from the east coast of Australia.

“Louie and I saw a gap in art show space. There were no stand out events that brought together talent from such polar opposites, we felt the need to set the benchmark and bridge the gap” BD.

The exhibition showcases the assorted talents and artistic techniques of emerging to established artists, normally separated by geography, in a communal space. Each of the 18 artists were hand picked to compliment the groups dynamics, and to bring their own unique style and flavour to the event.

“We set out to select a broad mix of skills and artistic genres, so we pulled together friends and colleagues from different backgrounds and compiled a pretty hard hitting line up. The show has stencils and graffiti, juxtaposed with low brow art, and epic garage pieces.” LT.

There will be a live airbrushing display on the opening night with the final product being sold by silent auction. The 2011 East West event debuts in Sydney (11/11/11), with the show set to start touring coast to coast next year.”

Very nice indeed.

West Coast Artists:
Ian Mutch (Kingbrown), Jen Thomas, Holdfast Tattoo Studios Artists, Phil Smart, Suzi Q, Lauren Fenlon, Ryan Young, Nathan B, Saira Kwol

East Coast Artists:
Caspian De Looze, Bec Crockett, Emily Reid, Laure Ives, Nick Bazarow, Patrick Indo, Rad Dan, Sam Clark, Desmond Sweeney (Live Airbrushing)

What: East West Group Show
Where: The National Grid, 24 Chard Road, Brookvale, Sydney
When: Show opens Friday 11th November, 630pm and runs til December 2nd.

Check out the National Grid Gallery for more info.

UK artist Mysterious Al is visiting our shores for a little while, and whilst he’s here he’s been getting his paint on – obviously! We were stoked when we saw this event pop up tonight, looks like a pretty decent evening!

Having recently painted up the Spook Mag HQ, the pair are set to make their live-art-duo-debut this Friday night in South Yarra at the Spook/Shoreditch party

“The night will be sponsored by our Friends at Shoreditch, who have been giving away their fine suits over the last few weeks for us. Thanks bruvvas! And special guests for the night will be street artists Mysterious Al (UK) and Unwell Bunny (AUS) will be going one on one, Britain VS Australia style in an art-off sure to thrill! Of course we also have the usual mix of local music talent including Indian Summer DJS and the boys from Poncho will make a glorious return to the stage. This Friday kids!”

Oh yeah, some drinks, tunes, and mad art from Mysterious Al and Unwell Bunny all a stumble away from home (for me)? Can’t wait!

Who: Mysterious Al & Unwell Bunny + Indian Summer DJS, North East Party House and the Poncho TV lads.
What: Common People – Spook Mag & Shoredtich party.
Where: Oak Place, South Yarra, Victoria.
When: Friday 11th November, 8pm til late.

Check out Unwell Bunnys website, and Mysterious Al’s website for heaps of goodness!

With so much already going on, and so much more to come, its with a lot of excitement that we look over the roster for the upcoming Secret Wars @ Outpost series of live art battles.

"Secret Wars is very excited to be invited by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to bring the world’s premier live art battle to Cockatoo Island. Come and witness 8 of Australia’s premier street artists battle it out as part of Outpost Project.

Secret Wars has pushed the boundaries and raised the bar for artists and promoters alike around the world.

Live battles will include artists Scale, Houl, Ben Bigeni, Deb, Houl, Ken Taylor, Mike Watt, Shannon Crees, Scale and Teem."

We’re huge fans of Secret Wars here, their efforts thus far bringing Sydney and Melbourne street art to the general public (lets hope they move into other states soon!), in a no holds bar battle showcase has garnered them a massive, and much deserved, fan base. We spoke to Shannon McKinnon, the director of the Australian arm of the global phenomenon, late last year and got a great lowdown on the events history and ethos.

Having already had a taste of the event with a demonstration at the Outpost opening party, Secret Wars is a perfect fit for the festival, and we’re looking forward to catching at least some of it on one of our next trips up there!

Who: Scale, Houl, Ben Bigeni, Deb, Houl, Ken Taylor, Mike Watt, Shannon Crees, Scale and Teem
What: Secret Wars @ Outpost Project
Where: Outpost Project, Cockatoo Island, Sydney, NSW
When: Check flyer for details on the various rounds happening over the next few weeks.

Check out the facebook event, the Outpost event page, as well as the SW website itself.

The amazing talent that is Katie Houghton-Ward, Heavy Metal published comic book artist, painter and illustrator et all, will be holding a really intimate and intriguing event over the last fortnight of November.

Inviting members of the general public into her studio, Katie will be putting herself through the gruelling task of producing fourteen pieces of artwork over fourteen days – with all the work up for auction as she does so!

The flyer really says it all – but, if you haven’t come across Katies work just yet, you should read the interview we did with her, and then you’ll know why we’ll be heading up to Brunswick some time later this month to see her in action.

Who: Katie Houghton-Ward
What: 14 x 14 live art and auctio
Where: Hope Street Studios, 7a Hope Street, Brunswick, VIC
When: 7pm til 10pm, every night for fourteen days from the 16th of November

Check out Katies website, as well as the facebook event page for more details!

Earlier this year, we heard about an ambitious project to transform Sydneys Harbours Cockatoo Island into a mecca of street art. When we first heard it, it seemed a long way away, and we weren’t sure exactly what it entailed. Over time, we started learning more, and getting an idea as to what it would encompass – and it was bigger, bolder, and more jam packed with awesome than we ever imagined. The Outpost project will be a showcase of Australian street art, and international street art, that outweighs anything that has previously been seen in Australasia.

Over the next five weeks, we’ll be focusing on the Outpost Project for our editorial content – we’ll still have our regular blogs, but we’ll also be running a string of content as we document whats going on up at the island. We’ve also been working with the wonderful ArtSeries Hotels to help coordinate several forums and artist showcases as well, and there will be all kinds of posts around those. The entire team here has been gearing up for this for the last few months – its here, and we’re totally amped!

So, this is your rough guide to the event – from here will be links to articles on each event, interviews, live blogging, photos and all the rest. Use this as your feed, or just keep reading as you normally would to keep on track – all the Outpost content will be tagged so you can always just check the tag feed … Outpost will be a ground breaking event in the Australian street art legacy – we can’t wait, because its going to be mad – so read on, bookmark this article, and keep checking back here for new content links.

This is only a guide, and we’ll keep it as up to date as possible, so if in doubt, please refer to the Outpost Project website.

Invurts Rough Guide To The Outpost Project

• What Its All About
• Whats Invurt Doing There?
• Where Its At – Cockatoo Island
• Outpost Project Festival Map
• Artists & Interviews
• Events & Exhibitions
• Outpost Forums
• Educational Programs
• Media Releases & Links

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