Graffiti Pop: Katy Perry x Fafi

The 2012 London Olympics is in full swing. But instead of the competition, I wanted to highlight an international collaboration that happened earlier this summer. 

USA x France: Pop diva Katy Perry got a little more street cred when she together with one of my favorite graffiti artists, Fafi. The result back in June was a Katy Perry "Fafinette," aka a saucy caricature that was featured on posters to promote Perry's film, "A Bit of Me." Riveting! ;) 

(credit: http://melroseandfairfax.blogspot.com)

Klughaus Gallery - new graffiti gallery in NYC's Chinatown

:( Late...A few weeks ago I got an email in response to my Ricky Powell Vimeo video from Klughaus Gallery in New York. They wanted to hit me about about their amazing Ricky Powell retrospective in conjunction with clothing retailer, Memes NYC. Sadly, the show has already ended. My bad!

Although I've missed it, I still wanted to share news about this downtown contemporary art gallery. Based in Manhattan's Chinatown/LES, Klughaus crew specialize in artists with graffiti and street culture backgrounds.

As well as a small 600 sq. ft. gallery, Klughaus Gallery also operates as a marketing agency and claims to be "the number one source for commissioned aerosol artwork in New York City." That boast could be disputed, but the work speaks for itself. This picture represents the work. Go to Klughaus's website here for more graffiti commissions.

Commission for Maximum Mechanical (credit: Klughaus Gallery)

Limited Edition  Memes launched a limited-edition t-shirt to commemorate the Ricky Powell show. It's a print of a rare (well I haven't seen it before this) Basquiat photo taken by the Rickster in 1986.

Memes x Ricky Powell t-shirt

For graffiti commissions contact the Klughaus. 

www.klughaus.net/graffiti-artists-for-hire.html
Phone: 646-801-6024 
Email: graffiti@klughaus.net

London Olympics...Let the graffiti begin!

As I type, the London Olympics is in full swing. The Olympic torch has made its 70-day journey to London to light the Olympic cauldron. 

Many (8,000) Brits had a chance of holding the historic torch, witnessed by the 1000s of Facebook pics posted.

To commemorate this great (marketing) event, Lazarides launched a limited-edition box-set of London Olympic-themed prints by French graffiti artist, Zevs. The $3,750 collection of 14 prints capitalize on over-used drips, aka his "Liquidated" series.

Liquidated London 2012  I hated the "double C" Chanel drip painting when I first saw it. It was so obvious and hackneyed for a kid like me who's been through the 80's bootleg logo hype (i-D magazine, Dapper Dan's...) Does this "Liquidated London 2012" say anything more or new?

You decide...Liquidated Omega, Liquidated Adidas, Liquidated Coca-Cola, and Liquidated McDonalds. The workmanship is second-to-none. The Pop appeal is clear. But, scratch the surface and what is the Arches 88 300gsm archival paper actually saying that's worth listening to? Zevs iconic images are logos with drips, both which existed before (and after) him.

Global domination  U.S. fans will have to wait until 7.30pm Pacific or Eastern timezone on NBC Friday 27th July to see the wonders of British film director, Danny Boyle. He created the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony over the past few years. Reports say 15,000 are "acting" in a staged version of the great British countryside, including farm animals! Inspired by Shakespeare's "The Tempest," the theme is "an hour of culture." 

Crazy tour of Amir ?uestlove's record cave

LACMA's Hip Hop Series: Through the Mic

Last month was the second installment of LACMA's (Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art) Hip Hop Series: "Through the Mic" and another great evening for all the hip hop fans in the house.



M.C. host, Murs, introduced the Hip Hop Series to the heavy Asian crowd in attendance. He then jokes - speaking in numbers so the Asians will understand..."the next event is happening on the THIRD Friday. If you're not Asian, that means next Friday 20th July!" ;)

"For too long, Los Angeles hip hop has been seen as one dimensional 'gangsta rap.' With this new series, we're giving our city's hip hop artists an amazing platform to show not only our community, but the world, that we have so much more to offer." Murs

Los Angeles in June is perfect for an outdoor stage and LACMA's Urban Light installation was a mesmerizing backdrop for the night's rappers. First up on stage was underground tomboy rapper, Dizzle. She stepped on stage and kicked off the night with a humorous, but expletive set. When Dumbfounded came to the stage the heat was on. Already listed as one of the top Asian M.C.s he took control of the stage with his band: keyboards, bass and most importantly, the drummer!

Dizzle

Dumbfounded with band

The headline act was Medusa. A veteran in the California rap game and she came with serious presence and lyrics. If you like Tribe Called Quest's "Check the Rhyme", then check out Medusa's diss to shady music industry people!  Here are my favorite pictures from the night and a video of Medusa on fire from 2010.

Medusa live on stage @ LACMA

Check back for the photos and video of the night. But if you can, check out July 20th!

Mear, Eine and Inkie paint West Hollywood (May 2012)

I saw this video on I Wuz Here (First's) blog. My man Inkie painting with Ben Eine and LA's finest, Mear One, back in May during BritWeek cultural events.

Mear One is currently part of the West Coast Artist's group show at the Mirror Films Gallery in Chinatown. The show runs until July 10th, 2012. See my earlier post for more info.