Fist off, the exhibit itself was something to see but the venue and the atmosphere in which it was hosted was truly phenomenal. Every aspect of the showing served as an intricate part of this incredible experience. In fact the venue at times seemed to merge into the art that was on display. Mr. brain Wash had covered every inch of the 1500 foot warehouse with his own artistic signature. The quality and detail behind the work that was inscribed upon the walls and floor was every bit as inspiring and ornate as the hand signed pieces hanging on display. After about ten minuets I came to realize that this was not just another artist trying to do something different just to be different but rather here was a guy who exhausted every opportunity to express himself. The floors, the ceiling, the walls, all were part of his blank canvas in which he used to complement the message in his pieces. I remember thinking to myself here was someone who had created a three -dimensional interactive medium to tall his story. It was the venue in its entirety that was the exhibit, not just the work on the walls. From The larger than life instillations that prominently dwarfed the buildings entrance to the melodic rhythms being blasted from the second story dj booth, every aspect of experience was in its own way, a small piece of the story being told in this exhibit.
The majority of his work is a unique perspective on classic art pieces familiar within the impressionism period, interrupted by intrusive anachronistic twenty first century pop culture. Often times the pieces are fully replicated to their original state by hand (an accomplishment in itself) only to be slightly enhanced or decimated, depending on your personal opinion, by his own creative interpretation. One of my favorite pieces is a classic remake of Alfred Sisley’s Boulevard Heloise, Argenteuil. Originally painted with visible brush strokes and etchings illustrating a fairly abstract french city street MBW has provided the addition of the slightly invasive florescent orange LA city bus. An eye sore aesthetically speaking but to those who have had the displeasure of encountering LA’s public transportation it brings about an inevitable smile and a reluctant sense of appreciation.
The exhibition gave proof that Andy Warhol was one of his more respected artist as a number of his more prominently displayed pieces where a unique take on some of Warhol’s most beloved work. His classic print of the Campbell’s soup can as well as his pop art depiction of Marilyn Monroe both lent themselves as inspiration for a series of pieces in which Mr. Brain Wash has used to help brand his style.
His work is aesthetically beautiful but the real message in his work is in his relevance to today’s culture. Boldly exploring abstract concepts like truth and equality for a generation looking into a translucent future. Obama, Clinton, and McCain find their ways into a series of images focused on the subtle message of hope. One of his more powerful works is an untitled piece of Dr. King and Malcolm X examining the audacity of following your dreams.
Well, perhaps if I wear a poet at heart I would be able to fully describe the surreal experience of interacting within Mr. Brain Wash’s vision, but such is the irony of good art. It speaks to your heart, touches your soul, and not only inspires and moves you but beseeches you to share it with the world. And yet even with all that, you know the only way to truly pass on the experience is to see it in person. Unfortunately I can’t quit give you all that but here’s the next best thing… enjoy the pics.
Artshow2008.com
