Brilliant KOLOR, Brilliant Everything! Kenny Scharf's Latest Exhibit at Paul Kasmin Gallery Will Make You Smile!

Last Thursday was a busy night, first the Street Art Auction preview party and Doyle New York (more on that next) and the show I've been awaiting for many months; Kenny Scharf "Kolors" at Paul Kasmin Gallery.  The event took place at the 515 West 27th Street location next to PK SHOP where you could then purchase all kinds of Scharf pieces to take home.  (You'll see one below.)  The gallery was beyond packed as expected with everyone trying to take a photo of Kenny, myself included.  Smart me, I brought along a few of the photos I had taken of Sharf's mural on Bowery/Delancy and the box top from the Kiehl's collaboration this past fall.  He signed them all for me, making my night, week, month and so on.   If you missed it you have until May 4, 2013 to catch the larger than life exhibit.  Below is what you will see minus the hefty crowds from opening night and more info about the show and his work. 

The paintings are inspired by Color Field masterworks with vibrant atmospheres composed of a variety of shapes, dimensions and details. There are three never-before-seen sculptures that represent his cosmic paintings and nostalgic imagery.  One entitled "Squirtz" was on display at the Standard Hotel, High Line but now are is at the gallery. After the show it will return to the Standard for everyone to see. (You can purchase an event poster and catalogue at the PK SHOP or the Standard.)

"Red Scary Guy"

"Squirtz" also can be seen again at the Standard, High Line after the show ends in early May 2013.

My signed piece! Ok, let's move on...

Kenny Scharf

Scharf's use of acrylic and airbrush-like oil paint pulls together the influence of street culture mixed with contemporary art that he basically established long ago.  If you are familiar with his work you'll recognize the themes of the cosmic world of outer space and the future and the ever presence of nature. The sculptures are giagantic with  freezing ex[ressive cartoon-like faces in threes dimensional forms, again, larger than life. 

Meet Totemotiki.  He climbs twelve feet to the ceiling, stacking faces that interconnect and rotate.  The essence is of human emotion, and well, how can you now smile when looking at these gems?  You must see them in person, all three of them!

Signing my box while an admirer watches, bet she wishes she had a box top too!  (No, that's not me.)

One of the best saved for last located all the way on the back wall.  Look close, the details will astound you.

More "Squirtz"

This signed poster is available the PK SHOP

And, another one signed, it's different than the first above!

More more info visit http://www.paulkasmingallery.com

and http://kennyscharf.com, make sure you see this brilliant spectacle by May 4, 2013!

Like Contemporary Art Mixed With Graffit-Style? Shinique Smith Brings "Bold As Love" To Chelsea!

One of my most favorite artists for many years has a new exhibit at James Cohen Gallery in Chelsea.  Shinique Smith presents "Bold As Love" as the artist's combines her combined inspirations from drawn calligraphy, music, fashion and dance in her sculptural pieces, and love of graffiti in her paintings.  If you love street art and graffiti, you will love her work!  Luckily, I met Smith two years ago in Atlanta as she lectured at SCAD and showed a group of her latest works (at the time) on paper.  (I spoke with her and she signed one of her articles from I believe, Marie Claire magazine. Very happy.)
Smith has also been commissioned by the New York City MTA Arts For Transit to create a permanent public work in the new Mother Clare Hale Bus Depot in Harlem (Lenox Ave/146th St.)   This extensive project features a large scale mosaic across the facade and laminated glass windows throughout measuring over 6,600 feet of artwork.  Have a look at the exhibit and my close ups to see all of the details!

No Key, No Question, 2013, Ink, acrylic, fabric and collage on canvas over panel, 60 x 60", see my CLOSE UP  detailed images below.  A must see in person.

The Oldest Love, 2013, Ink, acrylic, and fabric collage on canvas over panel, 60 x 60"

As artist Kehinde Wiley observes, “The work of Shinique Smith navigates the leading edge of the written word. Her installations of extremely mixed visual signifiers marry literature, Islamic architecture, and hip hop music to investigate and expound the narrative capabilities of the language.”

Left: Love is a Dreamer, 2013, Artist’s clothing, fiber-fill, ribbon and string, 37 x 21"

Within a detail, 2013, Acrylic and fabric collage on wood panel, 48 x 48"

Also, a solo exhibition will be mounted at the MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON from October 2014 to March 2015.

The James Cohen Gallery is located at 533 W26th St. in Chelsea and runs thry March 24, 2013 & visit: http://www.jamescohan.com