Street Art at the MOCA in LA - Review & Photos

With the first major exhibition of street art in the USA, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is leading the way for the rather ironic movement of placing graffiti in sterile environments (ok, maybe not sterile, but compared to the warehouses and train tracks of traditional graffiti "galleries," the white wall space of museums and art venues is comparably cleaner and hospital-like.)

This brings up the question, does street art belong in a gallery or museum? In some ways it seems to go against everything that makes it what it is -- undercover, for the people, and raw.

But, perhaps the move to bring graffiti indoors is simply a tipping of the hat to an art form long under-recognized for its potential for powerful messages and striking imagery. Of course, the famous UK street artist Banksy has helped in putting this medium on the dinner plate of serious collectors and critics. In fact, he has generously sponsored a free day for visitors to attend the exhibition at MOCA LA. Every Monday during the "Art in the Streets" show, Banksy has paid your way.

And that brings us to my visit yesterday.

Having been sponsored as a free day for anyone to visit, the "Art in the Streets" exhibit was THE most crowded museum exhibit I have ever been to (aside from opening receptions, etc.) There was a constant flow of visitors coming in the door and you often had to wait your turn to view a particular piece of art. (See the YouTube video we filmed while there for an idea of the crowds.)

It was a nicely installed show, with a good assortment of wall art, framed works, installations resembling graffiti studios, sculpture works and objects, and an illustrated timeline. Some of the works are photographed below.

My favorite aspect was that even the women's bathroom had been graffiti-bombed in bubble-gum pink with black outlines spelling the name "Annabelle!" It was striking that the restrooms were so clean, yet had the marks of spray paint. The most humorous part of the exhibit, to me, was the gift store -- it was so popular that a guard had to be placed at the door to keep the numbers of people inside down to fire-code quantities. I guess "exit through the gift shop" took on a very literal meaning for some. ;)

The exhibit will be up until August 8, 2011 with every Monday from now on sponsored with free admission for all (if you're driving, you will still have to pay $8 to park -- hey, it's LA!)

From the Banksy exhibit

Craig R. Stecyk III display

Visual Overture editor Arlissa Vaughn with Kenny Scharf mural

Wall of Shepard Fairey art

Not sure which artist this was, but note the interesting comparison to ancient Grecian pottery

On-site at PULSE, The Armory Show, and Moving Image

Early March is a big deal in New York, as Manhattan comes alive with what's now being referred to as "Armory Week." Visual Overture Magazine writer Joyce Dade attended three of this year's primary events -- PULSE, Moving Image, and the Armory Show. 

When asked to share the best thing about each event, her responses were:

• Armory Show - "The ambiance, volume and diversity of magnificent art, sculpture and photography."
• PULSE - "Excellent lighting for the most part, lovely art work and some very pleasant exhibitors."
• Moving Image - "I liked the darkened mood inside. The lighting opportunities there made for a nice photo opportunity, capturing images of others watching video had a certain peaceful and tolerant echo that I enjoyed."

While her full article with more praise and serious critique will be available in the Summer 2011 issue of Visual Overture Magazine, here are a few pictures from her time at the events (all photos copyright A. Joyce Dade):

Armory Show 2011 - Painting and People

Armory Show 2011 - Crowds

PULSE Art Fair 2011 - Benrimon Gallery's Booth (Trey Speegle painting in background)

PULSE Art Fair 2011 - Sienna Patti, Director of Sienna Gallery (Lauren Fensterstock's sculpture in foreground)

Moving Image 2011 - Art Fair of Video/Moving Art

Coconut Grove Art Festival

I visited the Coconut Grove Art Festival in Miami, FL for the first time this past weekend. I had high expectations, considering all the hype it gets nation-wide. I went with the intention of finding 2 or 3 first-time or second-time exhibiting artists for possible use in a future Visual Overture Magazine article.


After finally finding a parking space for $10 in someone's yard several blocks away, I strolled down to the park where the festival was to be held. As I approached the front entrance, I was met with some confusion as several additional street fairs were set-up along the sides leading to the actual Coconout Grove Art Festival entrance. Upon realizing those were not my destination, I made my way quickly to the ticket sales counter and was given my press pass for free admittance. Yey!


The first booth I visited made me believe my trip was worth the journey. Very nice, clean display of quality bronze sculptures by Theodore Gall of Ojai, CA. His high level of technical skill and great assortment of medium-sized sculptures made me aware that the jurors for CGAF were serious about showing the best artists. Though Gall's work was of suberb quality, he didn't fit my goal of finding a first-timer at the fair. My discussion with him informed me that he has been at CGAF for more than 20 years! Must be working out well for him, I take it.


Long story short, I walked around for 4-5 hours and only made it through half of the booths! I did manage to meet 3 first or second time exhibitors. I'll call them next week to find out about their experiences at the festival as far as sales and overall success. I plan on writing an article for the Summer 2011 issue of Visual Overture Magazine that details these experiences and gives suggestion tips for art festival newbies.

Overall I was super impressed with CGAF and am curious to hear from my contacts how it went. Here are a few pics from the event:


 
Exploring Thoedore Gall's kinetic sculptures    
     
 
Artist Geoff Buddie closing a big sale




Artist Comusina Celan with her mixed media work


 










Artist booth