Subliminal Projects presents: Art in the Dancehall
ART IN THE DANCEHALL
Curated by Al Fingers and Shimmy Shimmy
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 2 • 8 PM – 11 PM
Exhibition Dates: February 2 – March 2, 2013
In conjunction with Al Fingers and Shimmy Shimmy, SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS is proud to present Art in the Dancehall, an exhibition celebrating dancehall illustration and design from 1979 to the present.
Dancehall and Jamaican soundsystem culture has a rich and vibrant artistic past as well as an undeniable influence on design and letterform in contemporary pop culture. Early 1980s Jamaica was a changing place, politically and musically, with a new generation of deejays bringing in a brand new sound. Mirroring this change in the music scene, were graphic designers and illustrators translating the energy, color and playfulness of dancehall into a world of crazy characters and vivid, saturated colors.
Art in the Dancehall features cover art by seminal 1980s Jamaican artists Wilfred Limonious and Jamaal Pete, alongside UK artist Tony McDermott and posters by Jamaica’s most celebrated poster designer, Denzil ‘Sassafras’ Naar. The exhibition will also include work by five young artists who are keeping the tradition alive: Robin Clare’s bright depictions of popular dances, Ellen G’s detailed illustrations and portraits of dancehall deities, GABE’s bold black & white patterned take on reggae iconography, Daniel David Freeman’s recreation of suits worn by Buju Banton, and Peter Edwards’ colorful zine illustrations that have spanned album covers, comic books, and dancehall posters for some of today’s top dancehall musicians.
Art in the Dancehall will open to the public at 8 pm on Saturday, February 2nd with a vibrant set by special musical guest DJ Tom Chasteen from Dub Club and complimentary rum provided by Sailor Jerry. The show will be on view through Saturday, March 2nd. The gallery store at SUBLIMINAL will feature the 2012 publication Clarks in Jamaica by Al Fingers as well as a limited edition print by Tony McDermott.
Click for more
THE NATION: HOW CREATIVE RESPONSE TRANSFORMS OUR WORLD BY ANTONINO D’AMBROSIO
UPDATE: The first 200 orders of WE OWN THE FUTURE print will include “The Nation” magazine, January 2013 issue, as discussed in this post!!
As the next installment of my series of collaborations with Antonino D’Ambrosio I made the “We Own The Future” print as a variation on the cover I designed for the issue of The Nation that was guest edited by Antonino. The issue contains a fantastic essay called “How Creative Response of Artists and Activists Can Transform the World”. Check it out and pick up a copy of the issue. The issue largely addresses the role of creative response in tacking social issues. The “We Own The Future” print is about taking creative action to shape the future. Proceeds from the print go to the La Lutta Creative Response Think Tank.
-Shepard
“I’ve never read a better essay on artists, activism, and ‘creative response.”–Rosanne Cash
Great Guitars: Wayne Kramer x West Coast Premier of “The Beast and the Angel”- TONIGHT!!
Join us tonight as we welcome legendary recording artist, Wayne Kramer, as he spends an evening in the Clive Davis Theater discussing his career as a musician, film and television composer, producer, guitarist and activist. The evening will also feature the West Coast premiere of Shira Piven and Adam McKay’s short film: The Beast and the Angel. This piece touches on Kramer’s journey from addiction to sobriety, and authentically captures the spirit of this iconic guitarist. Kramer first came to fame in 1968 as the teenaged founder of controversial Detroit rock band, the MC5. After releasing hit albums such as Kick Out the Jams and High Time, Kramer embarked on his own journey as a prolific solo artist. He not only produced emerging bands in Detroit and NYC, Kramer co-wrote an R&B musical, joined acid funk outfit Was (Not Was) as its original guitarist, started Gang War with NY Dolls guitarist Johnny Thunders and, in 1994, signed with Epitaph Records and released four albums for its owner Brett Gurewitz in as many years. Kramer remains an influential modern music icon for not only his stellar guitar skills and original score heard in commercials, TV series and documentary and feature films, but for his commitment to service in the arts. Kramer was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time and Kramer now devotes as much time and energy to his charity — Jail Guitar Doors with co-founder Billy Bragg — as he does writing and recording music. Hosted by Vice President of The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares, Scott Goldman, Kramer will engage in a rare interview and will perform an acoustic set.
For ticket information to tonights event, please click here.
NEW Diamond Dust Print Series… unveils TONIGHT at the LA Art Show!
South Hall J and K, 1201 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Winston Smith x Frank Kozik @ Varnish, SF
Two of my biggest inspirations in music related art are doing a show together Feb. 2. If you are in the Bay area check out Winston Smith and Frank Kozik‘s show at Varnish. Winston did a ton of the great art for the Dead Kennedy’s and Alternative Tentacles, including the logos for both. Frank Kozik is one of the all-time most prolific rock art poster makers and did the “Houdini” cover for The Melvins. I’m sure the show will kick ass so you should pay your respects.
Zeitguide 2013
Let Fury Have the Hour – Premiere’s in LA this FRIDAY!
–Rosanne Cash
Voice of art – Migration is Beautiful
-Shepard
Click for more
Guerro Gallery x By Way of the South
If you are in the bay area this weekend, do not miss “By Way of the South” curated by our late friend Justin Van Hoy. The exhibition features collected works from influential peers, professors, and colleagues all connected to South Carolina. In addition, the Guerrero Gallery Project Room will display works from artists featured in Justin’s book Milk and Honey, Contemporary Art in California. Come out and please show your support!
Click for more
