In a groundbreaking fusion of urban vibrancy and contemporary art, Tang Contemporary Art Bangkok unveils In and Out – Urban expression across borders, a mesmerizing exhibition curated by Michela Sena. This exhibition serves as a testament to the evolving intersection of street art and the traditional gallery space, where the canvas serves as concrete walls to unveil the street's atmosphere across different continents. The show creates a dialogue that challenges preconceived notions of art and its place in society.
Walking into the exhibition space, visitors are immediately immersed in a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and narratives that adorn the walls. Sena's specific curatorial choice, with a selection of artists coming from different contexts, breathes life into the gallery, transforming it into a dynamic street where each piece tells a story of rebellion, expression, and urban resilience, a statement to her eye for diversity and innovation. From the intricate stencils of international sensation to the raw energy of local talents, the exhibition encapsulates the global pulse of street art. The curation orchestrates a visual symphony where each artist's voice harmonizes with the others, creating a narrative that transcends geographical and cultural borders; and through the juxtaposition of these diverse street art styles within the gallery space, viewers are invited to explore the evolution of urban expression and its growing legitimacy in the art world. Thus, the project not only captures the essence of street art's rebellious spirit but also elevates it to a level where it demands acknowledgment within the traditional gallery setting. This exhibition also challenges the transformative power of curation and the boundless potential of urban expression as a legitimate and influential art form. In the metropolitan heart of Bangkok, where the concrete jungle meets the ephemeral canvas of urban life, the exhibition "In and Out - Urban Expression across Borders" emerges as a dynamic dialogue between the streets and the gallery walls.
The result of the project is an eclectic group of artists, each contributing their unique voice to the larger narrative of urban expression.
Ben Eine, with his bold typography and vibrant colors, sets the tone for the exhibition. His larger-than-life letters leap off the canvas, demanding attention and transforming words into visual symphonies. The juxtaposition of chaos and control in Eine's work mirrors the dualities of urban existence - a cacophony of voices and a quest for order.
The London Police, with their iconic characters and meticulous line work, add a touch of whimsy to the exhibition. Their playful yet precise approach captures the essence of the streets, where humor becomes a tool for social commentary. The duo's work serves as a reminder that even in the grittiest corners of the urban landscape, there is room for joy and laughter.
Benzilla's meticulous attention to detail creates a bridge between fine art and street aesthetics. His new creation, presented within the gallery's pristine white walls, challenges the dichotomy between his dreamlike imagery and actual reality, inviting contemplation on the very essence of artistic freedom. His fantastic world delves into the surreal with a meticulous attention to detail, and just like in his murals, Benzilla is capable to create a fusion of fine art techniques with streets' raw energy.
Seemingly Ryol's cartoon-inspired street art, celebrates the boundless realm of imagination. The whimsical and fantastical nature of Japanese cartoons inspired aesthetic allows him to break free from conventional artistic constraints, to express his bold spirit of creativity and innovation. His celebration of imagination significantly contributes to the vibrant and eclectic nature of the street art scene both in Indonesia and internationally.
While Muklay's pieces, rich with cultural nuances, serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global communities. One of the artists representative of the youngest Indonesian generation, his work resonates with cultural nuance, bringing an international flair to the exhibition. His pieces serve as a visual passport, transporting viewers across borders and seamlessly blending diverse elements into a harmonious whole. The layers of meaning in Muklay's art encourage a deeper exploration of the interconnectedness of global cultures.
JBROCK, one of the most iconic street artists, with his first appearance in Asia, injects a sense of urgency into the exhibition with his imposing installation of works, one of the most famous series by the artist. The installation, as a statement for his production, includes seven of his iconic reflecting on the theme of identity, and the effect of urban culture on one's own perception, but at the same time it's a reflection on the opposite: the potential contribution an artist acts on the urban cultural pattern. His compositions with his bold use of color, pulse with the energy of the streets, reflecting the relentless pace of urban life. Each stroke seems to echo the heartbeat of the city, encapsulating the vitality and vibrancy of the metropolis.
Himbad's enigmatic characters and dreamlike scenarios, invite viewers into a realm where the fantastical meets the everyday. His pieces, pulsating with energy and a touch of whimsy, evoke a sense of wonder, challenging perceptions and inviting viewers to question the boundaries between reality and imagination; while Phen's mastery of painting and graphic aesthetic, and his keen eye for composition and color, brings his different touch to the ensemble. His art is a testament to the power of simplicity, conveying complex ideas with a visual graphic economy that demands attention. Phen's pieces urge viewers to challenge the status quo of "gallery art".
In and Out - Urban Expression across Borders aims to express a message that overcomes the conceptual limits of an art exhibition; it wants to be a celebration of the ever-evolving language of the streets. Each artist contributes a distinct chapter to the larger streets' narrative, weaving together a tapestry that transcends geographical boundaries and speaks to the universal language of creativity. As viewers traverse the gallery space, they are not merely observers but participants in a global conversation that unfolds within the fluid boundaries of urban expression.
Press release courtesy Tang Contemporary Art.
Room. 201–206, River City Bangkok
23 Soi Charoenkrung 24
Talad noi, Sampantawong
Bangkok, 10100
Thailand
www.tangcontemporary.com
+662 085 6669
Tuesday – Sunday
11am – 7pm
Closed on Public Holidays.