Leon Keer

Leon Keer Wanrooij Gallery

LEON KEER​

Leon Keer Wanrooij Gallery

Leon Keer is one of the world’s leading artists in anamorphic art. By playing with perspectives he creates incredible new worlds. The artist has executed numerous 3D murals and street paintings in Europe, the United States, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In the Netherlands, he has cooperated with the Fries Museum, Museum Arnhem, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and Van Gogh Museum.

The artist is inspired by pop surrealism and new technology. With the use of Augmented Reality he is able to show an extra dimension in his art. A message seems to be present. Current issues are reviewed, such as environmental concerns, social inequality and the livability of this world. The artworks reflect a fascination for old materials and a timeless longing for unspoiled beauty.

Leon Keer lives and works in Utrecht and a visual artist since 1997. His autonomous work has been presented at international art fairs such as Art Miami, Moniker Art Fair London, SCOPE Basel and SCOPE New York. In 2018, he won the Street Art Awards Benelux for best artist. The extensive and iconic oeuvre of Leon Keer is captured in a first monograph, titled ‘In Case of lost Childhood’ and released in November 2020.

Leon Keer Wanrooij Gallery

Leon Keer is one of the world’s leading artists in anamorphic art. By playing with perspectives he creates incredible new worlds. The artist has executed numerous 3D murals and street paintings in Europe, the United States, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In the Netherlands, he has cooperated with the Fries Museum, Museum Arnhem, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and Van Gogh Museum.

The artist is inspired by pop surrealism and new technology. With the use of Augmented Reality he is able to show an extra dimension in his art. A message seems to be present. Current issues are reviewed, such as environmental concerns, social inequality and the livability of this world. The artworks reflect a fascination for old materials and a timeless longing for unspoiled beauty.

Leon Keer lives and works in Utrecht and a visual artist since 1997. His autonomous work has been presented at international art fairs such as Art Miami, Moniker Art Fair London, SCOPE Basel and SCOPE New York. In 2018, he won the Street Art Awards Benelux for best artist. The extensive and iconic oeuvre of Leon Keer is captured in a first monograph, titled ‘In Case of lost Childhood’ and released in November 2020.

Leon Keer is a world leading artist in the anamorphic street art. He has executed commissions in Europe, The United States, Mexico, The United Arabic Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, New Zealand, Australia and several Asian countries.
A message seems to be present in his work. Current issues are reviewed, such as environmental concerns and the livability of this world. Leon Keer is constantly aware of the playfulness and beauty versus the degradation around him, a contrast that he expresses and amplifies in his work and which he uses as a metaphor for live.

His paintings reflect his thoughts, confronting the viewer with the diseased spirit of our times, visible decay counter-pointing a timeless longing for unspoiled beauty.

During his career Leon Keer often presented his art by live-action-painting performances. His ability of performing as a street painter, lets him share the joy of painting with the public. The anamorphic paintings are temporary but the images are shared via social media all over the world. He says: ‘Every street art piece is unique and belongs to the street and its residents, the temporary fact about this artform strengthens its existence’.

Ego Leonard© by Leon Keer

Red trousers, blue shirt, always smiling, your best friend. On the beach in Brighton, children try to stand him up to see how big he really is, at Topanga Beach, he is happily presented as a new member of the local surf club, and at Siesta Key, after attracting a great deal of attention, he is charged with being an obstruction and taken into custody for 90 days.

Ego Leonard is an art project initiated by the Dutch artist Leon Keer. Since 2007, Ego has been putting in an appearance by washing up at various attractive locations all over the world. The eversmiling apparition evokes surprise and delight, but the unknown also makes people alert and uneasy. The familiarity of this figure, based on a wellknown toy, in any case makes many people curious. Bearing the text ‘No Real Than You Are’ on his shirt, he evokes a paradoxical feeling. The question is whether man’s presence in this world is any more real than that of Ego Leonard? In this world of discord and dissent, Ego Leonard turns up in all kinds of places. Whether your name is Gerard, Umdie or Mustafa, to Ego, everyone is equal. He feels at home anywhere and feels the same everywhere. People don’t all need to agree or have the same beliefs or standards. A sense of freedom in solidarity arises if you can suspend or even let go of your judgements about others. A better world can be crafted simply by allowing other people to be different. The paintings which are made in the name of Ego Leonard, in which he is always depicted with the same expression, therefore regularly focus on this connection. They deliberately make people aware of the beauty of their own environment and the fact that we can all feel like equals, anywhere in the world.

Leon Keer is a world leading artist in the anamorphic street art. He has executed commissions in Europe, The United States, Mexico, The United Arabic Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Russia, New Zealand, Australia and several Asian countries.
A message seems to be present in his work. Current issues are reviewed, such as environmental concerns and the livability of this world. Leon Keer is constantly aware of the playfulness and beauty versus the degradation around him, a contrast that he expresses and amplifies in his work and which he uses as a metaphor for live.

His paintings reflect his thoughts, confronting the viewer with the diseased spirit of our times, visible decay counter-pointing a timeless longing for unspoiled beauty.

During his career Leon Keer often presented his art by live-action-painting performances. His ability of performing as a street painter, lets him share the joy of painting with the public. The anamorphic paintings are temporary but the images are shared via social media all over the world. He says: ‘Every street art piece is unique and belongs to the street and its residents, the temporary fact about this artform strengthens its existence’.

Ego Leonard© by Leon Keer

Red trousers, blue shirt, always smiling, your best friend. On the beach in Brighton, children try to stand him up to see how big he really is, at Topanga Beach, he is happily presented as a new member of the local surf club, and at Siesta Key, after attracting a great deal of attention, he is charged with being an obstruction and taken into custody for 90 days.

Ego Leonard is an art project initiated by the Dutch artist Leon Keer. Since 2007, Ego has been putting in an appearance by washing up at various attractive locations all over the world. The eversmiling apparition evokes surprise and delight, but the unknown also makes people alert and uneasy. The familiarity of this figure, based on a wellknown toy, in any case makes many people curious. Bearing the text ‘No Real Than You Are’ on his shirt, he evokes a paradoxical feeling. The question is whether man’s presence in this world is any more real than that of Ego Leonard? In this world of discord and dissent, Ego Leonard turns up in all kinds of places. Whether your name is Gerard, Umdie or Mustafa, to Ego, everyone is equal. He feels at home anywhere and feels the same everywhere. People don’t all need to agree or have the same beliefs or standards. A sense of freedom in solidarity arises if you can suspend or even let go of your judgements about others. A better world can be crafted simply by allowing other people to be different. The paintings which are made in the name of Ego Leonard, in which he is always depicted with the same expression, therefore regularly focus on this connection. They deliberately make people aware of the beauty of their own environment and the fact that we can all feel like equals, anywhere in the world.

Fredrik Erichsen

FREDRIK ERICHSEN

Fredrik Erichsen

A normal German artist, born in 1980 in Bonn, grew up in Bornheim between the cities of Cologne and Bonn. With two craft apprenticeships (as a carpenter and painter) Erichsen began his professional life, but that always collided with his early passion for urban art. Initially with the graffiti, later with the street art.

In 2007, Erichsen got the opportunity to demonstrate his skills in the craft and his creativity at the Opera in Cologne as a stage painter, where he still works today. At the same time Freddy shifted his creative field of activity from the street to his studio.

His sensitive way of perceiving his surroundings and weaving this into his artistic work with, let him create the series of images “Concrete love”. This is a tribute to the beginnings of his artistic career, his idols at the time and the architectural style of exposed concrete. The images have the grace as if they were cut out of the metropolises of our world to preserve them for posterity. Similar to jars, pots and cave paintings in our museums from times gone by.

As the artist says about himself he is obsessed with creating beautiful surfaces and objects in which he can combine all his skills.

So in early 2019 Erichsen developed the “Concrete Smiley” a wall sculpture in different variations. Whether as a circular concrete smiley, Drip, The inner core or broken. The sculpture reminiscent of Emoji ‘s always make the viewer smile.

Since the end of 2008, a picture of the “Concete love series” hangs in the form of a collage in front of the parliamentary group meeting room of the party

“Bündnis 90/die Grünen” in the Reichstag building in Berlin.

Fredrik Erichsen

A normal German artist, born in 1980 in Bonn, grew up in Bornheim between the cities of Cologne and Bonn. With two craft apprenticeships (as a carpenter and painter) Erichsen began his professional life, but that always collided with his early passion for urban art. Initially with the graffiti, later with the street art.

In 2007, Erichsen got the opportunity to demonstrate his skills in the craft and his creativity at the Opera in Cologne as a stage painter, where he still works today. At the same time Freddy shifted his creative field of activity from the street to his studio.

His sensitive way of perceiving his surroundings and weaving this into his artistic work with, let him create the series of images “Concrete love”. This is a tribute to the beginnings of his artistic career, his idols at the time and the architectural style of exposed concrete. The images have the grace as if they were cut out of the metropolises of our world to preserve them for posterity. Similar to jars, pots and cave paintings in our museums from times gone by.

As the artist says about himself he is obsessed with creating beautiful surfaces and objects in which he can combine all his skills.

So in early 2019 Erichsen developed the “Concrete Smiley” a wall sculpture in different variations. Whether as a circular concrete smiley, Drip, The inner core or broken. The sculpture reminiscent of Emoji ‘s always make the viewer smile.

Since the end of 2008, a picture of the “Concete love series” hangs in the form of a collage in front of the parliamentary group meeting room of the party

“Bündnis 90/die Grünen” in the Reichstag building in Berlin.

Noart

Tax Exempt Noart Wanrooij Gallery

NOART

A true Parisian, born here in 1965, Arnaud Lucet has let his imagination run wild through the streets and history of this city. His opus, called No Art, is a nostalgic reve- rence to Parisian culture and French innovation with a conscienceness for the environment, and a touch of humor.
His art, based on reccuperation of industrial parts and objects that would otherwise end up in the refuse heap, takes it’s original inspiration from Jules Vernes’ novel, “20000 leagues under the sea”, and its humor from a Warner Brothers cartoon (Wyle Coyote and the Road Runner), to create on-of-a-kind pieces that have style and story. Décorum, lamps, or furniture pieces… this is not your typical design. It’s futuristic, nostalgic and “tongue-in-cheek” all at the same time, and you’ve never seen anything like it! 

A true Parisian, born here in 1965, Arnaud Lucet has let his imagination run wild through the streets and history of this city. His opus, called No Art, is a nostalgic reve- rence to Parisian culture and French innovation with a conscienceness for the environment, and a touch of humor.
His art, based on reccuperation of industrial parts and objects that would otherwise end up in the refuse heap, takes it’s original inspiration from Jules Vernes’ novel, “20000 leagues under the sea”, and its humor from a Warner Brothers cartoon (Wyle Coyote and the Road Runner), to create on-of-a-kind pieces that have style and story. Décorum, lamps, or furniture pieces… this is not your typical design. It’s futuristic, nostalgic and “tongue-in-cheek” all at the same time, and you’ve never seen anything like it! 

At age 20 he received his diploma from the Ecole d’Art de la Rue Madame, and less than ten years later he had his first exposition at the Galerie de Nesle in Paris, titled “C’est toujours comme-ça…” Since then he hasn’t cea- sed to reveale his works all over the Parisian landscape, scattered across France and in several places throu- ghout Europe. He has even sojourned in India at an ar- tists’ residence at Tamil Nadu where he worked on “The Dune”. So one could say he’s “going places” but home is definately where his heart is. Notice on his new poster for the current No Art exposi- tion “L’Explosition”, the font of the title is the same old font of the RATP, the company that exploits the Parisian underground transport system. If you look closely at some of his pieces, you’ll see things that come directly from the walls of Parisian buildings, etc… His work is full of these “clin d’oeil” towards Paris and it’s innerworkings.
From the local water company (which we find reccurent in many of his pieces) to the aluminum piping, to the nuts and bolts that hold the city together, his art is a deep hommage to his hometown.

In addition to designing the office of the mayor of the 4th district of Paris, he has also designed several other inte- resting places.

For art collectors, these are items to snag NOW, be- cause they go very fast. But The artist does create cus- tom pieces and comissioned works. For rennovators, he also could very happy to take old industrial style “junk” off your hands. Or you can have him create a work of art from the ancient sink piping that you just had replaced in your Parisian pied-à-terre apartment, or for Thing-fin-ders, items that you found on the sidewalk next to the trash can could become the next No Art chef d’oeuvre!

Prête-moi-Paris

2012 – “Infinitus” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie WO Fine Art – Miami
2011 – “Vending Machines” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2010 – “L’explosition” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie(s) Artima – Paris 4 et 3
2010 – “ACMÉ” – Exposition solo-show (édition d’un catalogue) – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2008 – “Sous pression” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie(s) Artima – Paris 4 et 3
2007 – “Mise(s) en boîte(s)” exposition retrospective – Centre d’Art “La Lune en parachute“- Épinal
2006 – “En Seine” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie Eric de Montbel – Paris 6
1998 – “Aventures Spaciales” – Exposition avec Jérôme Mesnager – Galerie Transversale – Paris 3
1997 – “Machines” – Exposition avec Jérôme Mesnager – Galerie Kahn – Strasbourg

2015 – “Art Taipei” – Taipei
2014 – 2015 – “Context Art Miami” – Miami
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010 – “Art Paris”- Paris
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – “Art Wynwood” – Miami
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – “London Art Fair”- Londres
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010 – 2009 – “Art Élysées” – Paris
2014 – “Art Up” – Lille
2014 – “AAF Brussels”
2104 – “Art Palm Beach” – Miami
2014 – “India Art Fair” – New Delhi
2014 – 2013 – 2012 – “Art Miami”
2014 – 2013 – 2008 – “St’Art”- Strasbourg
2013 – “Pulse Miami” – Miami
2013 – “Battersea Evolution” – Londres
2013 – “Huston Fine Art Fair” – Huston
2013 – “AAF Hampstead” – Londres
2013 – “Pulse New York” – New York
2013 – “Art 13” – Londres
2011 – “Scope Miami” – Miami
2010 – “Lille Art Fair” – Lille
2008 – “Art London” – Londres
2007 – “Artenim” – Nimes

2015 – “Noart + Bae Joon Sung” – Opera Gallery – Hong Kong
2015 – “Cutting Edge – Technology meets Art” – Opera Gallery – Singapore
2014 – “Séquences – Lumières et Cinétiques” – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2013 – “Lights !” – WO Fine Art – Miami
2013 – “Lights !” – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2012 – “Oh… my gode !” – Galerie Hubert Konrad – Paris 8
2010 – “Love Or Sex” – Galerie Brugier Rigail – Paris 4
2009 – “Gaude Mihi”- Galerie Pascal Vanoecke – Paris 3
2008 – “400 ml” – (édition d’un livre) – Maison des metallos – Paris 11
2008 – Exposition permanente – Galerie Artpartner – Bruxelles
2007 – “Move Your Art”- Installation-performance – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
2008 – 2007 – Exposition permanente – Galerie Artdeshom – Bordeaux
2006 – “Légendes Urbaines” – (édition d’un livre) – galerie G – Paris 16
2006 – “Aux Arts Citoyens” – Installation-performance – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
2005 – “Section Urbaine” – Installation-performance (édition d’un livre) – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
2005 – Création de l’association “Art dans la Ville” avec Speedy Graphito
2004 – 2005 – “La métamorphose des matériaux” – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
1999 – “Paris Contemporâneo” – Centre d’Art de Lisbonne

At age 20 he received his diploma from the Ecole d’Art de la Rue Madame, and less than ten years later he had his first exposition at the Galerie de Nesle in Paris, titled “C’est toujours comme-ça…” Since then he hasn’t cea- sed to reveale his works all over the Parisian landscape, scattered across France and in several places throu- ghout Europe. He has even sojourned in India at an ar- tists’ residence at Tamil Nadu where he worked on “The Dune”. So one could say he’s “going places” but home is definately where his heart is. Notice on his new poster for the current No Art exposi- tion “L’Explosition”, the font of the title is the same old font of the RATP, the company that exploits the Parisian underground transport system. If you look closely at some of his pieces, you’ll see things that come directly from the walls of Parisian buildings, etc… His work is full of these “clin d’oeil” towards Paris and it’s innerworkings.
From the local water company (which we find reccurent in many of his pieces) to the aluminum piping, to the nuts and bolts that hold the city together, his art is a deep hommage to his hometown.

In addition to designing the office of the mayor of the 4th district of Paris, he has also designed several other inte- resting places.

For art collectors, these are items to snag NOW, be- cause they go very fast. But The artist does create cus- tom pieces and comissioned works. For rennovators, he also could very happy to take old industrial style “junk” off your hands. Or you can have him create a work of art from the ancient sink piping that you just had replaced in your Parisian pied-à-terre apartment, or for Thing-fin-ders, items that you found on the sidewalk next to the trash can could become the next No Art chef d’oeuvre!

Prête-moi-Paris

2012 – “Infinitus” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie WO Fine Art – Miami
2011 – “Vending Machines” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2010 – “L’explosition” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie(s) Artima – Paris 4 et 3
2010 – “ACMÉ” – Exposition solo-show (édition d’un catalogue) – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2008 – “Sous pression” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie(s) Artima – Paris 4 et 3
2007 – “Mise(s) en boîte(s)” exposition retrospective – Centre d’Art “La Lune en parachute“- Épinal
2006 – “En Seine” – Exposition solo-show – Galerie Eric de Montbel – Paris 6
1998 – “Aventures Spaciales” – Exposition avec Jérôme Mesnager – Galerie Transversale – Paris 3
1997 – “Machines” – Exposition avec Jérôme Mesnager – Galerie Kahn – Strasbourg

2015 – “Art Taipei” – Taipei
2014 – 2015 – “Context Art Miami” – Miami
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010 – “Art Paris”- Paris
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – “Art Wynwood” – Miami
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – “London Art Fair”- Londres
2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 – 2010 – 2009 – “Art Élysées” – Paris
2014 – “Art Up” – Lille
2014 – “AAF Brussels”
2104 – “Art Palm Beach” – Miami
2014 – “India Art Fair” – New Delhi
2014 – 2013 – 2012 – “Art Miami”
2014 – 2013 – 2008 – “St’Art”- Strasbourg
2013 – “Pulse Miami” – Miami
2013 – “Battersea Evolution” – Londres
2013 – “Huston Fine Art Fair” – Huston
2013 – “AAF Hampstead” – Londres
2013 – “Pulse New York” – New York
2013 – “Art 13” – Londres
2011 – “Scope Miami” – Miami
2010 – “Lille Art Fair” – Lille
2008 – “Art London” – Londres
2007 – “Artenim” – Nimes

2015 – “Noart + Bae Joon Sung” – Opera Gallery – Hong Kong
2015 – “Cutting Edge – Technology meets Art” – Opera Gallery – Singapore
2014 – “Séquences – Lumières et Cinétiques” – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2013 – “Lights !” – WO Fine Art – Miami
2013 – “Lights !” – Galerie Olivier Waltman – Paris 6
2012 – “Oh… my gode !” – Galerie Hubert Konrad – Paris 8
2010 – “Love Or Sex” – Galerie Brugier Rigail – Paris 4
2009 – “Gaude Mihi”- Galerie Pascal Vanoecke – Paris 3
2008 – “400 ml” – (édition d’un livre) – Maison des metallos – Paris 11
2008 – Exposition permanente – Galerie Artpartner – Bruxelles
2007 – “Move Your Art”- Installation-performance – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
2008 – 2007 – Exposition permanente – Galerie Artdeshom – Bordeaux
2006 – “Légendes Urbaines” – (édition d’un livre) – galerie G – Paris 16
2006 – “Aux Arts Citoyens” – Installation-performance – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
2005 – “Section Urbaine” – Installation-performance (édition d’un livre) – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
2005 – Création de l’association “Art dans la Ville” avec Speedy Graphito
2004 – 2005 – “La métamorphose des matériaux” – Espace des Blancs-Manteaux – Paris 4
1999 – “Paris Contemporâneo” – Centre d’Art de Lisbonne

Koh Sang Woo

Bear Hibernation Koh Sang Woo - Wanrooij Gallery

KOH SANG WOO

ecognizable by the blue tone photograph that captures his subject using negative film, Koh Sang Woo is a visual artist who consolidates photography, performance, and painting. His work is a result of dialogue with the model. The Decoration of their bodies and hear with flowers and butterflies and painting them with brush strokes is a part of performance and preparation for photographing. His subjects are completely revealed, represented in their essential purity. Change of the color and the light in exposure gives them intense visual and emotional charge. Woo gives us the opportunity to see the world in reverse, to reconsider the way in which we look at others and understand ourselves.
 
Koh Sang Woo graduated with School of Art Institute of Chicago in 2001, he double-majored in Photography and Performance Art. Working in both mediums at the same time allowed him to explore the relation between captured moment and movement. He thinks that photography is lacked by emotion and that its combination with performance is the only way that right message gets to the audience. Koh Sang Woo has exhibited widely worldwide and was listed in 2013 as one the 100 most important Korean contemporary artists. He has participated in various international fairs such as Armory Show, Armory Photography, Art Basel HongKong and Art Miami and works are held in various international collections including National Museum of Contemporary Art and Savina Museum in Korea.
ecognizable by the blue tone photograph that captures his subject using negative film, Koh Sang Woo is a visual artist who consolidates photography, performance, and painting. His work is a result of dialogue with the model. The Decoration of their bodies and hear with flowers and butterflies and painting them with brush strokes is a part of performance and preparation for photographing. His subjects are completely revealed, represented in their essential purity. Change of the color and the light in exposure gives them intense visual and emotional charge. Woo gives us the opportunity to see the world in reverse, to reconsider the way in which we look at others and understand ourselves.
 
Koh Sang Woo graduated with School of Art Institute of Chicago in 2001, he double-majored in Photography and Performance Art. Working in both mediums at the same time allowed him to explore the relation between captured moment and movement. He thinks that photography is lacked by emotion and that its combination with performance is the only way that right message gets to the audience. Koh Sang Woo has exhibited widely worldwide and was listed in 2013 as one the 100 most important Korean contemporary artists. He has participated in various international fairs such as Armory Show, Armory Photography, Art Basel HongKong and Art Miami and works are held in various international collections including National Museum of Contemporary Art and Savina Museum in Korea.
ecognizable by the blue tone photograph that captures his subject using negative film, Koh Sang Woo is a visual artist who consolidates photography, performance, and painting. His work is a result of dialogue with the model. The Decoration of their bodies and hear with flowers and butterflies and painting them with brush strokes is a part of performance and preparation for photographing. His subjects are completely revealed, represented in their essential purity. Change of the color and the light in exposure gives them intense visual and emotional charge. Woo gives us the opportunity to see the world in reverse, to reconsider the way in which we look at others and understand ourselves.
 
 
Koh Sang Woo graduated with School of Art Institute of Chicago in 2001, he double-majored in Photography and Performance Art. Working in both mediums at the same time allowed him to explore the relation between captured moment and movement. He thinks that photography is lacked by emotion and that its combination with performance is the only way that right message gets to the audience. Koh Sang Woo has exhibited widely worldwide and was listed in 2013 as one the 100 most important Korean contemporary artists. He has participated in various international fairs such as Armory Show, Armory Photography, Art Basel HongKong and Art Miami and works are held in various international collections including National Museum of Contemporary Art and Savina Museum in Korea.

2011  The Burning Flowers, The Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
KSW Solo Project, Korean Art Show, New York
Pretty Powerful, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
KSW Solo Project, AHAF 2011, Seoul
2010  Koh Sang Woo, James Freeman Gallery, London, England
Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, Sesame Gallery, London, England
2009 Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, Busan Art Center, Busan
Koh Sang Woo, Spotlight, ARTO Art Fair, Busan
2008 Korea Contemporary Art Festival, Hangaram Museum, Seoul
2007 ACAF NY, Asian Contemporary Art Fair, 2X13 Gallery, New York
Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, 2X13 Gallery, Seoul
Korea Contemporary Art Festival, Hangaram Museum, Seoul
2006 Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, 2X13 Gallery, New York
2005 KSW Solo Project CIGE 2005, China World Trade Center, Beijing, China
2001 Koh Sang Woo, The Korean Culture & Arts Foundation: Insa Art Space, Seoul

2011
Art of Party, Lancaster Museum of Art, Pennsilvania, USA
From Desire to Sublime, Homa Museum of Art, Seoul
Signal 8, Salon Exhibition, The Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
ART HK 2011, Hong Kong International Art Fair, Hong Kong
Wanderkarmer, James Freeman Gallery, London, England
New Thinking New Possibility, H-Art Gallery, Hyundai Motor, Seoul
AHAF 2011, Special Exhibition, Bold & Beautiful, Seoul
Christie’s Hong Kong, Asian Art Auction, Hong Kong
The Rover Soho, KSW Performance, New York USA
San Francisco Fine Art Fair, San Francisco, USA

2010
Media Media, Queens Museum of Art, New York
Internalle Exhibition, Sungkok Museum of Art, Seoul, Korea
Korean Art Show, International Art Festival, New York
AHL Foundation Auction, Arario Gallery, New York
The Metamorphsis, Other Gallery, Shanghai, China
Christie’s Asian Contemporary Art Auction, Hong Kong
ART HK 2010, HongKong International Art Fair, Hong Kong
Signal 8, Salon Show, Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
San Francisco International Art Fair, San Francisco
Seoul Open Art Fair 2010, Coex, Seoul, Korea
Wunderkamer, Sesame Gallery, London, UK

2009
798 BEIJING BIENNAL, International Biennal, T-Art Center, Beijing, China
CHRISTIE’S LONDON, Distinctively Korea, London
CHRISTIE’S HONGKONG, Asian Contemporary Art, HongKong
ASIAN AUCTION WEEK IN HONGKONG, K-Auction, Conrad hotel, Hong Kong
KIAF 2009, Korea International Art Fair, Coex, Seoul
PHILLIPS DE PURY & COMPANY, White Box 10 Years Anniversary, New York
SCOPE NEW YORK, International Contemporary Art Fair, Lincoln Center, New York
TALENT PREVIEW 2009, White Box, New York
BACKROOM, Frederieke Taylor Gallery, New York
PHOTOSEOUL 2009, International Art Fair, Coex, Seoul
COLORIST, KAIST Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul
2009 ULSAN International Photography Festival, Ulsan
0809, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul

2008
ACAF NEW YORK, Asian Contemporary Art Fair New York, Pier 92, New York
SPOTLIGHT, ACAF NEW YORK, Pier 92, New York
SIPF 2008, Seoul International Photo Festival, Seoul
KIAF 2008, Korea International Art Fair 2008, Coex, Seoul
YIAF 2008, Yeosu International Art Fair 2008, Yeosu
BEYOND DEFINITION, Interalia Art Company, Seoul
BODY EXTENSION, The Columns Project Gallery, Seoul
THE NEGATIVE IMAGE, Gyeong-Gido Museum of Art, Gyeong-Gido
THE FACE, Gallery Private Collection, Seoul
PHOTO PHOTO!, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
GALLERY COLLECTION, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
2X13 COLLECTION, Iroom Gallery, Paju
ILLUSION, 2×13 Gallery, Seoul

2007
ACAF NEW YORK, Asian Contemporary Art Fair New York, Pier 92, New York
NEW YORK, Contemporary Korean Artists, Hangaram Museum, Seoul Art Center
FRESH ILLUSIONS, AHL Foundation, White Box, New York
REFLECTION/REFRACTION, 2×13 Gallery, New York
SAJIN: FACE OF YANUS, Touch Art Gallery, Heyri Art Village, Gyeong-Gido
CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, Artbit gallery, Seoul, Korea

2006
SIPA SEOUL INTERNATIONAL PRINT & PHOTO ART FAIR, Hangaram Museum, Seoul Art Center
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAY AUCTION, Helen Mills Theater, New York
REFLECTION/REFRACTION, 2×13 Gallery, New York
FIVE SYLLABLE STANZA, Hun Gallery, New York

2005
SELF-PORTRAITS, Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul, Korea
THE WIND, Missouri University, Columbus
EYE OF CAMERA, Ward Nasse Gallery, New York

2004
ARMORY SHOW, International Contemporary Art Fair, New York
CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK, Photography Auction, New York
CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK, In-House Auction, New York
EYE OF CAMERA, Ward Nasse Gallery, New York
PHOTO LA, International Photography Art Fair, Los Angeles, CA

2003
ARMORY PHOTOGRAPHY, The International Art Fair, New York
OPEN YOUR EYES, Maronieer Art Center, The Korean Culture & Arts Foundation, Seoul
ART CHICAGO, The International Art Fair, Chicago
MARCH MADNESS, Bottom Feeders Gallery, New York

2002
ARMORY PHOTOGRAPHY, The International Photography Art Fair, New York
THE ARMORY SHOW, The International Art Fair, New York
ART CHICAGO, International Art Fair, Chicago
ASIAN PHOTOGRAPHY 20, Gallery Surge, Kinza, Japan

2001
EXPLORING FUTURE STARS, Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
MISS AMERICA, MAX MARA, Art Window Project, The School of Art Institute of Chicago
ART/TECH, THE NEXT GENERATION OF ART, Jean Albano Gallery, Chicago
MICROWAVE MEDIA ART FESTIVAL, International Media Art Festival, Hong Kong

2000
MISS AMERICA, Graduation Exhibition, Gallery 2, Chicago
FROM ADAM TO ATOM, New York Studio Program Gallery, New York
JET PROPELLED, SUMMER SOLSTICE, Museum of Contemporary of Art, Chicago
BODY LANGUAGE, Gallery X, The School of Art Institute of Chicago

Gallery Tsubaki, Tokyo, Japan
SESAME Gallery, London
Frederieke Taylor Gallery, New York
Bridgewater Associates, New York
Musée d´art contemporain de Montréal, Montreal, QC
Asian Artworks, New York
2X13 Gallery, New York
SJNY Design, New York
AHL foundation, New York
REDBBAR, New York
Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
Brad/Trask, Chicago
Michael Richmond Interior, Chicago
The School of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Busan Art Center, Busan
Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
Centry Golf Resort, Seoul
Iroom Gallery, Seoul
Nonna, Seoul
Interalia Art Company, Seoul

VOGUE, Dazed & Confused, ELLEGIRL
Art in America, Art in Cuture, Art in Asia
Art fair International, New York Art Magazine
PHOTONET, Wolganmisool, Wolgansajin, Monthly Photo
The Maps, Monthly Art College, Creative Photography
Christie’s London Catalogue, KBS World, KOREATIMES
International Herald Tribune, Korea Herald, Village voice
ACAF Catalogue, KIAF Catalogue, Yeosu International Art Festival Catalogue

2008
Parsons School of Design, Guest speaker, Asian Contemporary Art
Seoul International Photography Festival, Koh Sang Woo Artist Lecture
Seoul International Photography Festival, Guest speaker, Contemporary Photography in Korea

2007
Parsons School of Design, Artist Interview, Korean Art History Class
Parsons School of Design, Guest speaker, Korean Art History Class[/showhide]

Download article Asian Art News PDF
Download brochure Wild in Blue PDF

ecognizable by the blue tone photograph that captures his subject using negative film, Koh Sang Woo is a visual artist who consolidates photography, performance, and painting. His work is a result of dialogue with the model. The Decoration of their bodies and hear with flowers and butterflies and painting them with brush strokes is a part of performance and preparation for photographing. His subjects are completely revealed, represented in their essential purity. Change of the color and the light in exposure gives them intense visual and emotional charge. Woo gives us the opportunity to see the world in reverse, to reconsider the way in which we look at others and understand ourselves.
 
 
Koh Sang Woo graduated with School of Art Institute of Chicago in 2001, he double-majored in Photography and Performance Art. Working in both mediums at the same time allowed him to explore the relation between captured moment and movement. He thinks that photography is lacked by emotion and that its combination with performance is the only way that right message gets to the audience. Koh Sang Woo has exhibited widely worldwide and was listed in 2013 as one the 100 most important Korean contemporary artists. He has participated in various international fairs such as Armory Show, Armory Photography, Art Basel HongKong and Art Miami and works are held in various international collections including National Museum of Contemporary Art and Savina Museum in Korea.

2011  The Burning Flowers, The Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
KSW Solo Project, Korean Art Show, New York
Pretty Powerful, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
KSW Solo Project, AHAF 2011, Seoul
2010  Koh Sang Woo, James Freeman Gallery, London, England
Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, Sesame Gallery, London, England
2009 Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, Busan Art Center, Busan
Koh Sang Woo, Spotlight, ARTO Art Fair, Busan
2008 Korea Contemporary Art Festival, Hangaram Museum, Seoul
2007 ACAF NY, Asian Contemporary Art Fair, 2X13 Gallery, New York
Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, 2X13 Gallery, Seoul
Korea Contemporary Art Festival, Hangaram Museum, Seoul
2006 Koh Sang Woo Solo Exhibition, 2X13 Gallery, New York
2005 KSW Solo Project CIGE 2005, China World Trade Center, Beijing, China
2001 Koh Sang Woo, The Korean Culture & Arts Foundation: Insa Art Space, Seoul

2011
Art of Party, Lancaster Museum of Art, Pennsilvania, USA
From Desire to Sublime, Homa Museum of Art, Seoul
Signal 8, Salon Exhibition, The Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
ART HK 2011, Hong Kong International Art Fair, Hong Kong
Wanderkarmer, James Freeman Gallery, London, England
New Thinking New Possibility, H-Art Gallery, Hyundai Motor, Seoul
AHAF 2011, Special Exhibition, Bold & Beautiful, Seoul
Christie’s Hong Kong, Asian Art Auction, Hong Kong
The Rover Soho, KSW Performance, New York USA
San Francisco Fine Art Fair, San Francisco, USA

2010
Media Media, Queens Museum of Art, New York
Internalle Exhibition, Sungkok Museum of Art, Seoul, Korea
Korean Art Show, International Art Festival, New York
AHL Foundation Auction, Arario Gallery, New York
The Metamorphsis, Other Gallery, Shanghai, China
Christie’s Asian Contemporary Art Auction, Hong Kong
ART HK 2010, HongKong International Art Fair, Hong Kong
Signal 8, Salon Show, Cat Street Gallery, Hong Kong
San Francisco International Art Fair, San Francisco
Seoul Open Art Fair 2010, Coex, Seoul, Korea
Wunderkamer, Sesame Gallery, London, UK

2009
798 BEIJING BIENNAL, International Biennal, T-Art Center, Beijing, China
CHRISTIE’S LONDON, Distinctively Korea, London
CHRISTIE’S HONGKONG, Asian Contemporary Art, HongKong
ASIAN AUCTION WEEK IN HONGKONG, K-Auction, Conrad hotel, Hong Kong
KIAF 2009, Korea International Art Fair, Coex, Seoul
PHILLIPS DE PURY & COMPANY, White Box 10 Years Anniversary, New York
SCOPE NEW YORK, International Contemporary Art Fair, Lincoln Center, New York
TALENT PREVIEW 2009, White Box, New York
BACKROOM, Frederieke Taylor Gallery, New York
PHOTOSEOUL 2009, International Art Fair, Coex, Seoul
COLORIST, KAIST Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, Seoul
2009 ULSAN International Photography Festival, Ulsan
0809, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul

2008
ACAF NEW YORK, Asian Contemporary Art Fair New York, Pier 92, New York
SPOTLIGHT, ACAF NEW YORK, Pier 92, New York
SIPF 2008, Seoul International Photo Festival, Seoul
KIAF 2008, Korea International Art Fair 2008, Coex, Seoul
YIAF 2008, Yeosu International Art Fair 2008, Yeosu
BEYOND DEFINITION, Interalia Art Company, Seoul
BODY EXTENSION, The Columns Project Gallery, Seoul
THE NEGATIVE IMAGE, Gyeong-Gido Museum of Art, Gyeong-Gido
THE FACE, Gallery Private Collection, Seoul
PHOTO PHOTO!, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
GALLERY COLLECTION, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
2X13 COLLECTION, Iroom Gallery, Paju
ILLUSION, 2×13 Gallery, Seoul

2007
ACAF NEW YORK, Asian Contemporary Art Fair New York, Pier 92, New York
NEW YORK, Contemporary Korean Artists, Hangaram Museum, Seoul Art Center
FRESH ILLUSIONS, AHL Foundation, White Box, New York
REFLECTION/REFRACTION, 2×13 Gallery, New York
SAJIN: FACE OF YANUS, Touch Art Gallery, Heyri Art Village, Gyeong-Gido
CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY, Artbit gallery, Seoul, Korea

2006
SIPA SEOUL INTERNATIONAL PRINT & PHOTO ART FAIR, Hangaram Museum, Seoul Art Center
MERRY CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAY AUCTION, Helen Mills Theater, New York
REFLECTION/REFRACTION, 2×13 Gallery, New York
FIVE SYLLABLE STANZA, Hun Gallery, New York

2005
SELF-PORTRAITS, Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul, Korea
THE WIND, Missouri University, Columbus
EYE OF CAMERA, Ward Nasse Gallery, New York

2004
ARMORY SHOW, International Contemporary Art Fair, New York
CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK, Photography Auction, New York
CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK, In-House Auction, New York
EYE OF CAMERA, Ward Nasse Gallery, New York
PHOTO LA, International Photography Art Fair, Los Angeles, CA

2003
ARMORY PHOTOGRAPHY, The International Art Fair, New York
OPEN YOUR EYES, Maronieer Art Center, The Korean Culture & Arts Foundation, Seoul
ART CHICAGO, The International Art Fair, Chicago
MARCH MADNESS, Bottom Feeders Gallery, New York

2002
ARMORY PHOTOGRAPHY, The International Photography Art Fair, New York
THE ARMORY SHOW, The International Art Fair, New York
ART CHICAGO, International Art Fair, Chicago
ASIAN PHOTOGRAPHY 20, Gallery Surge, Kinza, Japan

2001
EXPLORING FUTURE STARS, Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
MISS AMERICA, MAX MARA, Art Window Project, The School of Art Institute of Chicago
ART/TECH, THE NEXT GENERATION OF ART, Jean Albano Gallery, Chicago
MICROWAVE MEDIA ART FESTIVAL, International Media Art Festival, Hong Kong

2000
MISS AMERICA, Graduation Exhibition, Gallery 2, Chicago
FROM ADAM TO ATOM, New York Studio Program Gallery, New York
JET PROPELLED, SUMMER SOLSTICE, Museum of Contemporary of Art, Chicago
BODY LANGUAGE, Gallery X, The School of Art Institute of Chicago

Gallery Tsubaki, Tokyo, Japan
SESAME Gallery, London
Frederieke Taylor Gallery, New York
Bridgewater Associates, New York
Musée d´art contemporain de Montréal, Montreal, QC
Asian Artworks, New York
2X13 Gallery, New York
SJNY Design, New York
AHL foundation, New York
REDBBAR, New York
Carl Hammer Gallery, Chicago
Brad/Trask, Chicago
Michael Richmond Interior, Chicago
The School of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago
Busan Art Center, Busan
Gallery Sun Contemporary, Seoul
Centry Golf Resort, Seoul
Iroom Gallery, Seoul
Nonna, Seoul
Interalia Art Company, Seoul

VOGUE, Dazed & Confused, ELLEGIRL
Art in America, Art in Cuture, Art in Asia
Art fair International, New York Art Magazine
PHOTONET, Wolganmisool, Wolgansajin, Monthly Photo
The Maps, Monthly Art College, Creative Photography
Christie’s London Catalogue, KBS World, KOREATIMES
International Herald Tribune, Korea Herald, Village voice
ACAF Catalogue, KIAF Catalogue, Yeosu International Art Festival Catalogue

2008
Parsons School of Design, Guest speaker, Asian Contemporary Art
Seoul International Photography Festival, Koh Sang Woo Artist Lecture
Seoul International Photography Festival, Guest speaker, Contemporary Photography in Korea

2007
Parsons School of Design, Artist Interview, Korean Art History Class
Parsons School of Design, Guest speaker, Korean Art History Class[/showhide]

Download article Asian Art News PDF
Download brochure Wild in Blue PDF

Cathy Lewis

CATHY LEWIS

Born: 1968 Bristol UK Foundation course: Weston-Super-Mare College of further Education: 1986-1987 Degree: Glasgow School of Art & Falmouth School of Art BA (Hons) : 1987-1990 Bronze casting course, University of the West of England : 1995-1996 Moved back to Bristol from Cornwall in 1994. Where I still live with my husband and two children. I work from my studio in Spike Island,a contemporary art centre. I have been continually showing work since leaving college.

Artist’s statement: My work often combines a layering of ideas, each influencing the outcome of a piece. For me, art is as more about questions than answers.

Born: 1968 Bristol UK Foundation course: Weston-Super-Mare College of further Education: 1986-1987 Degree: Glasgow School of Art & Falmouth School of Art BA (Hons) : 1987-1990 Bronze casting course, University of the West of England : 1995-1996 Moved back to Bristol from Cornwall in 1994. Where I still live with my husband and two children. I work from my studio in Spike Island,a contemporary art centre. I have been continually showing work since leaving college.

Artist’s statement: My work often combines a layering of ideas, each influencing the outcome of a piece. For me, art is as more about questions than answers.

Bert Vredegoor

Into Temptation Bert Vredegoor Wanrooij Gallery

BERT VREDEGOOR

Dutch artist Bert Vredegoor studied at ArtEZ, the Academy of Art & Design in Arnhem.

He works and experiments with different techniques and media such as his self-conceived black velvet bleaching which creates an enchanting light experience. 

In addition, he makes acrylic laser cut panels, which generates a sculptural trompe-l’oeil. 

His so-called Original Pattern Screens are semitransparent window films, which provide different kinds of visual screens, separating the private from the public domain. 

The artworks are best described as contemporary icons. They allow contemplation, refer to a mystical experience and stimulates curiosity. 

Dutch artist Bert Vredegoor studied at ArtEZ, the Academy of Art & Design in Arnhem.

He works and experiments with different techniques and media such as his self-conceived black velvet bleaching which creates an enchanting light experience. 

In addition, he makes acrylic laser cut panels, which generates a sculptural trompe-l’oeil. 

His so-called Original Pattern Screens are semitransparent window films, which provide different kinds of visual screens, separating the private from the public domain. 

The artworks are best described as contemporary icons. They allow contemplation, refer to a mystical experience and stimulates curiosity. 

About the velvet collection

The creative process

Bleaching black velvet with chlorine solutions at different strengths is the basis of these works of art. Some of them have a golden yellow or sometimes red effect lighting up from the dark background. Creating light in darkness is achieved in the literal and practical sense of the word.

Chemical process
However, one drawback of this process is that the chemical reaction between chlorine and velvet cannot be stopped. The chlorine in the velvet continues to act on it very slowly when exposed to light or humidity and would eventually discolor it by creating spots and blotches.

Advanced technology
To overcome this problem, the process has been virtualized, while preserving the specific character of the bleached image. The original work of art is copied digitally, thereafter processed and then applied to the velvet with the most advanced spray painting technique. This creates the permanent image. Each work is part of a limited edition, and is numbered and signed by the artist.

Breathtaking

…The breathtaking light effects of these works are created by a time-consuming, complex and clever technique of chemicals applied to black velvet…

…more important than the technique is the ultimate result. Utterly beautiful images of bewitching light coming up from the velvety darkness and creating an ethereal atmosphere, comparable to the experience of entering a holy place where daylight filters through stain glass windows and sparkling rays of sunlight dance on mosaic floors…

…These works are intimate, contemplative and inspire peacefulness and refer to mystical and religious perceptions. The magic of golden light is captured and preserved via a unique and durable process…

Wim van der Beek  Glamorous velvet light from darkness
De Stentor, 04-03-08

Anna Tas

PAPILO - Wanrooij Gallery

ANNA TAS

Anna Tas is a British born artist, who currently lives in Philadelphia, where she graduated with honours from the University of the Arts. Anna’s work has been described as rather ambiguous and conceptual, allowing the audience to interpret what they see in their own way, as well as stimulating discussion about how we see and how images persist in our minds. “I always feel rather uncomfortable talking directly about my work – not necessarily because I’m worried what people will think of me, but rather more that I enjoy the dialogue that comes from a viewer who is seeing the work from their point of view, rather than mine, someone who has no preconceived idea of what it is that I am trying to talk about […] I have no answers, no judgment, just questions. I am drawn to looking at why we think what we think, how we develop and learn to decode what we see and assign certain values (for want of a better word) without being really conscious that this is what we do. I am part of something, yet also apart from it – observing, watching, questioning, and wondering. Why? What? How?”

Anna’s work is held in private collections around the world, including New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Rome, New Dehli and Hong Kong.

Anna Tas is a British born artist, who currently lives in Philadelphia, where she graduated with honours from the University of the Arts. Anna’s work has been described as rather ambiguous and conceptual, allowing the audience to interpret what they see in their own way, as well as stimulating discussion about how we see and how images persist in our minds. “I always feel rather uncomfortable talking directly about my work – not necessarily because I’m worried what people will think of me, but rather more that I enjoy the dialogue that comes from a viewer who is seeing the work from their point of view, rather than mine, someone who has no preconceived idea of what it is that I am trying to talk about […] I have no answers, no judgment, just questions. I am drawn to looking at why we think what we think, how we develop and learn to decode what we see and assign certain values (for want of a better word) without being really conscious that this is what we do. I am part of something, yet also apart from it – observing, watching, questioning, and wondering. Why? What? How?”

Anna’s work is held in private collections around the world, including New York, Miami, London, Amsterdam, Rome, New Dehli and Hong Kong.

Art Education:

08/06 – 06/08                University of the Arts, Philadelphia, BFA. Hons. Photography                                   

01/05 – 05/06                Community College of Philadelphia, AAS in Photographic Imaging
                                         Transferred after two years into the BFA programme at the University of the Arts.

09/03 – 04/04                Fotoacademie Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Foundation course in Photography.


Art/Community:           

Having a background in marketing, I have donated my time to help several local arts organisations, including Philagrafika, Inliquid, and The Print Center, as well as serving as a panellist for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and lecturing on my work and the lenticular process at the Fleisher Art Memorial.

“All Things Considered, Collected works by Anna Tas”

By Sabrina DeTurk, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Writing about her preference for listening to others respond to her work rather than directing a viewer to a certain interpretation, Anna Tas says that “I enjoy the dialogue that comes from a viewer who is seeing the work from their point of view, rather than mine, someone who has no preconceived idea of what it is that I am trying to talk about.” This is a refreshing approach in a contemporary art world that often seems to prize work that denies dialogue with the viewer, either through explicit strategies of exclusion or through a didactic approach that dictates a particular, often political, interpretation of the artwork. In her new series, Impossible Goddesses (2014), Tas offers an immediately identifiable lens through which to view the work – that of gender and ideals of female beauty – while at the same time hinting at other possible viewing strategies and interpretive channels, such as the history of art, ideas of mutability and change and mass-produced consumer culture. In these images, the classic Barbie doll is posed against a simple grey background, draped in white tulle and dramatically lit to emphasize her curves and features. At first glance, particularly at the photographs of Impossible Goddesses #1 and #2, the viewer is confronted with an idealized form of female beauty rendered in molded plastic and given a grace and gravity through Tas’ presentation.

Debates about the role Barbie plays in creating gendered stereotypes of unobtainable female perfection are well-rehearsed in contemporary discourse and Tas’ photographs nod to those dialogues. Look more closely, however, and you see that the dolls in these images, and even more explicitly in Goddesses #3 and #4, are posed to mimic older ideals of feminine beauty in Western culture: Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, a Renaissance Virgin Mary, the Nike of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo. Tas even mutilates the dolls to achieve a fidelity to the original models. In this way, the artist adds an interpretive layer to the images, connecting the debates about Barbie’s social role to a larger examination of historical and cultural constructions of beauty. The use of the lenticular technique, though less pronounced here than in earlier series, provides a slight movement to the figures, perhaps reminding us of the changeable nature of our conceptions of beauty and perfection. And the use of cheap, mass-produced dolls in the photographs draws our attention to the commodification of beauty in advertising, mass media and entertainment. In an earlier series, A Thing of Beauty (2013), Tas also references ideals of beauty and the many ways in which we construct and interpret that notion. These photographs, like the Impossible Goddesses, leave themselves open to a range of readings. However the use of the lenticular process to achieve a full transformation in each image from butterfly to folded currency may be seen to highlight the constant link between beauty and commerce in contemporary culture – beauty is what we are sold, not just as we behold. Throughout the entire portfolio, from The Tipping Point (2008), her earliest exploration of the lenticular process, through Chromopathic (2011), Trinity (2012) and A Thing of Beauty (2013), we see Tas exploit how the medium allows the image to transform. These visual shifts in the image – be they a total metamorphosis or a delicate alteration of features – are initiated by the viewer physically interacting with the piece, and in that instant, allow a moment of connection and interpretation. Although the themes throughout the body of work may be subtle, each series offers us, in that moment of interaction, the opportunity to question what we are really seeing, to interpret what it means, and in this way, Tas offers us the control of her creation, providing, “…the ambiguity of meaning, which allows it to work on different levels for different people. 


The Abstraction Of Memory

Although at first glance, this new series seems like a departure for me (and perhaps it is, visually), it actually shares many common themes with my other work – the ambiguity of meaning, how we, as individuals decode and interpret what we see (what that reveals about us as much as the work), and the nature of beauty, playing on scope and scale.

I was drawn to investigating Rosharch, and his famous inkblot tests; how the tests were constructed to reveal personality traits of the viewer – drawing meaning from an image that was seemingly abstract. John Berger’s seminal collection of essays, “Ways of Seeing”, explore how we decode images and seek meaning, and rereading his words helped develop my ideas.

Art history influences also helped shape the work – the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings; the surrealist, golden layers of Gustav Klimt. Science has opened new realms of understanding and image making – from the vastness of space to the tiniest microorganisms.

As I began experimenting, always keeping in mind that I wanted to harness the uniqueness of the lenticular to produce an interactive work, I worked with various techniques – ink blotting, Turkish marbling, Suminagashi (Japanese ink marbling), adding pigment to tanks of water, and coloured creams, oils and soap.

These pieces were created by mixing metallic pigments into a particular blend of soap and oils, and then agitating the components and shooting continuous frames (each piece consists of 30 frames, a loop of 15 that repeats (1-15-1)). Thousands of frames are shot, with me mixing, selecting and agitating each one.

The Abstraction Of Memory explores how our past experiences inform our present, how we interpret what we see, and what that reveals about ourselves. Memories distort and evolve, and are fluid in nature, and this is echoed by the pieces as we interact with them.


Download PDF Brochure

Art New York, 03 – 07 May 2017, Pier 94, New York, New York
Art Miami , 29 November – 4 December 2016, The Art Miami Pavilion, Midtown, Wynwood, Miami, Florida
Art New York + CONTEXT03 – 08 May 2016, Pier 94, New York, New York
Art Silicon Valley/San Francisco8 – 11 October 2015, San Mateo, California
Virtual Still & Still Movement, 4 September – 31 October 2015, Silicon Fine Art, Philadelphia. A dual show with my work and that of Tim Portlock, hosted by Silicon as part of Panorama 2015: Image-Based Art in the 21st Century, a city-wide festival featuring over 40 galleries, celebrating the photographic image and its expansive role in contemporary mediums. 

Realisme Amsterdam 201219 – 22 January 2012 – Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, Piet Heinkade 27, Amsterdam.
Trickery,
 29 April – 20 May 2011 – Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Friday Arts on WHYY – Bambi Project, featuring “Consumer Plastics” – broadcast March 2011
The 47th SPE Conference & Silicon Gallery Photography Competition, March 2010 – Silicon Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
On ExhibitFebruary-March 2009 –  Urban Outfitters Head Quarters, Philadelphia, PA
City Paper: Clog – I’m a believer: Anna Tas
Factory of PhotographyMay 2008 – International group show in Lodz, Poland
PDNPhoto AnnualMay 2008 – winner, published in May 2008 Annual issue under “Personal work” category
CollectedVisions, February/March 2008 –  The Walton Centre at George School, PA
Homeland:  Borders and Boundaries, November 2007 – juried show of SPEMA at International Centre for Photography, Woodstock, NY

Art Education:

08/06 – 06/08                University of the Arts, Philadelphia, BFA. Hons. Photography                                   

01/05 – 05/06                Community College of Philadelphia, AAS in Photographic Imaging
                                         Transferred after two years into the BFA programme at the University of the Arts.

09/03 – 04/04                Fotoacademie Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Foundation course in Photography.


Art/Community:           

Having a background in marketing, I have donated my time to help several local arts organisations, including Philagrafika, Inliquid, and The Print Center, as well as serving as a panellist for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and lecturing on my work and the lenticular process at the Fleisher Art Memorial.

“All Things Considered, Collected works by Anna Tas”

By Sabrina DeTurk, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, Zayed University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Writing about her preference for listening to others respond to her work rather than directing a viewer to a certain interpretation, Anna Tas says that “I enjoy the dialogue that comes from a viewer who is seeing the work from their point of view, rather than mine, someone who has no preconceived idea of what it is that I am trying to talk about.” This is a refreshing approach in a contemporary art world that often seems to prize work that denies dialogue with the viewer, either through explicit strategies of exclusion or through a didactic approach that dictates a particular, often political, interpretation of the artwork. In her new series, Impossible Goddesses (2014), Tas offers an immediately identifiable lens through which to view the work – that of gender and ideals of female beauty – while at the same time hinting at other possible viewing strategies and interpretive channels, such as the history of art, ideas of mutability and change and mass-produced consumer culture. In these images, the classic Barbie doll is posed against a simple grey background, draped in white tulle and dramatically lit to emphasize her curves and features. At first glance, particularly at the photographs of Impossible Goddesses #1 and #2, the viewer is confronted with an idealized form of female beauty rendered in molded plastic and given a grace and gravity through Tas’ presentation.

Debates about the role Barbie plays in creating gendered stereotypes of unobtainable female perfection are well-rehearsed in contemporary discourse and Tas’ photographs nod to those dialogues. Look more closely, however, and you see that the dolls in these images, and even more explicitly in Goddesses #3 and #4, are posed to mimic older ideals of feminine beauty in Western culture: Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, a Renaissance Virgin Mary, the Nike of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo. Tas even mutilates the dolls to achieve a fidelity to the original models. In this way, the artist adds an interpretive layer to the images, connecting the debates about Barbie’s social role to a larger examination of historical and cultural constructions of beauty. The use of the lenticular technique, though less pronounced here than in earlier series, provides a slight movement to the figures, perhaps reminding us of the changeable nature of our conceptions of beauty and perfection. And the use of cheap, mass-produced dolls in the photographs draws our attention to the commodification of beauty in advertising, mass media and entertainment. In an earlier series, A Thing of Beauty (2013), Tas also references ideals of beauty and the many ways in which we construct and interpret that notion. These photographs, like the Impossible Goddesses, leave themselves open to a range of readings. However the use of the lenticular process to achieve a full transformation in each image from butterfly to folded currency may be seen to highlight the constant link between beauty and commerce in contemporary culture – beauty is what we are sold, not just as we behold. Throughout the entire portfolio, from The Tipping Point (2008), her earliest exploration of the lenticular process, through Chromopathic (2011), Trinity (2012) and A Thing of Beauty (2013), we see Tas exploit how the medium allows the image to transform. These visual shifts in the image – be they a total metamorphosis or a delicate alteration of features – are initiated by the viewer physically interacting with the piece, and in that instant, allow a moment of connection and interpretation. Although the themes throughout the body of work may be subtle, each series offers us, in that moment of interaction, the opportunity to question what we are really seeing, to interpret what it means, and in this way, Tas offers us the control of her creation, providing, “…the ambiguity of meaning, which allows it to work on different levels for different people. 


The Abstraction Of Memory

Although at first glance, this new series seems like a departure for me (and perhaps it is, visually), it actually shares many common themes with my other work – the ambiguity of meaning, how we, as individuals decode and interpret what we see (what that reveals about us as much as the work), and the nature of beauty, playing on scope and scale.

I was drawn to investigating Rosharch, and his famous inkblot tests; how the tests were constructed to reveal personality traits of the viewer – drawing meaning from an image that was seemingly abstract. John Berger’s seminal collection of essays, “Ways of Seeing”, explore how we decode images and seek meaning, and rereading his words helped develop my ideas.

Art history influences also helped shape the work – the abstract expressionism of Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings; the surrealist, golden layers of Gustav Klimt. Science has opened new realms of understanding and image making – from the vastness of space to the tiniest microorganisms.

As I began experimenting, always keeping in mind that I wanted to harness the uniqueness of the lenticular to produce an interactive work, I worked with various techniques – ink blotting, Turkish marbling, Suminagashi (Japanese ink marbling), adding pigment to tanks of water, and coloured creams, oils and soap.

These pieces were created by mixing metallic pigments into a particular blend of soap and oils, and then agitating the components and shooting continuous frames (each piece consists of 30 frames, a loop of 15 that repeats (1-15-1)). Thousands of frames are shot, with me mixing, selecting and agitating each one.

The Abstraction Of Memory explores how our past experiences inform our present, how we interpret what we see, and what that reveals about ourselves. Memories distort and evolve, and are fluid in nature, and this is echoed by the pieces as we interact with them.


Download PDF Brochure

Art New York, 03 – 07 May 2017, Pier 94, New York, New York
Art Miami , 29 November – 4 December 2016, The Art Miami Pavilion, Midtown, Wynwood, Miami, Florida
Art New York + CONTEXT03 – 08 May 2016, Pier 94, New York, New York
Art Silicon Valley/San Francisco8 – 11 October 2015, San Mateo, California
Virtual Still & Still Movement, 4 September – 31 October 2015, Silicon Fine Art, Philadelphia. A dual show with my work and that of Tim Portlock, hosted by Silicon as part of Panorama 2015: Image-Based Art in the 21st Century, a city-wide festival featuring over 40 galleries, celebrating the photographic image and its expansive role in contemporary mediums. 

Realisme Amsterdam 201219 – 22 January 2012 – Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, Piet Heinkade 27, Amsterdam.
Trickery,
 29 April – 20 May 2011 – Paradigm Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Friday Arts on WHYY – Bambi Project, featuring “Consumer Plastics” – broadcast March 2011
The 47th SPE Conference & Silicon Gallery Photography Competition, March 2010 – Silicon Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
On ExhibitFebruary-March 2009 –  Urban Outfitters Head Quarters, Philadelphia, PA
City Paper: Clog – I’m a believer: Anna Tas
Factory of PhotographyMay 2008 – International group show in Lodz, Poland
PDNPhoto AnnualMay 2008 – winner, published in May 2008 Annual issue under “Personal work” category
CollectedVisions, February/March 2008 –  The Walton Centre at George School, PA
Homeland:  Borders and Boundaries, November 2007 – juried show of SPEMA at International Centre for Photography, Woodstock, NY

THE ABSTRACTION OF MEMORY (2017 – )

Although at first glance, this new series seems like a departure for me (and perhaps it is, visually), it actually shares many common themes with my other work – the ambiguity of meaning, how we, as individuals decode and interpret what we see (what that reveals about us as much as the work), and the nature of beauty, playing on scope and scale. The Abstraction Of Memory explores how our past experiences inform our present, how we interpret what we see, and what that reveals about ourselves. Memories distort and evolve, and are fluid in nature, and this is echoed by the pieces as we interact with them.

IMPOSSIBLE GODDESS (2014)

Combining what at first seem disparate thoughts on the nature of art, human development, and the challenges (both physical and mental) facing women in today’s world. Impossible Goddess reflects my own personal thoughts – leaping from the female-centric early religions and artworks, through classical interpretations of what it is to be a woman, and how modern society often leads to more questions than answers. Themes of gender representation, the real and imagined, and exploration of paintings and icons reoccur throughout my work.

A THING OF BEAUTY (2013 – 2014)

What is beauty? What lengths do we go to achieve an ideal? Is it attainable? Obtainable? Is it fragile? Gender or age specific? Has the ideal changed over time? Dictate by society and culture, or more personal? The idea of beauty represents different things to different people – from the physical to more emotional traits, from the manufactured to the natural world. Our vision of beauty and how we confront it is intriguing, inspiring and alarming, and begs the question: does everything come with a cost?

CHILDREN OF MEN (2011)

What is real and yet surreal? How do we recognise and identify with images? What connections have we unconsciously stored in our memory? These pieces not only reference famous Magritte works, but also my own previous explorations involving paintings and icons.

THE TIPPING POINT (2008)

What defines us as people – Gender? Race? Sexual Orientation? Culture? How do we identify ourselves and those around us, and how do we form our responses and preconceptions? This series of images seek to provoke the viewer to question these issues within themselves, questioning how exactly we learn and form opinions about the society we live in.

Mr. Brainwash

Mr. Btainwash Wanrooij Gallery

MR. BRAINWASH

Mr. Brainwash is the moniker of filmmaker and Street Pop artist, Thierry Guetta. Born and raised in France and based in Los Angeles, Mr. Brainwash has been pushing pop culture’s envelope for almost a decade, bringing his art to the street, the gallery, and on screen.   

Armed with wheat paste, spray cans, brushes and paint buckets, Mr. Brainwash started attacking the streets in 2006 with stencils and posters of beloved icons from Billie Holiday to John Lennon.  In Paris and Los Angeles, his work quickly caught the eyes of the public, and Mr. Brainwash emerged from the underground, quickly becoming a renowned figure in the burgeoning street art scene.  

Mr. Brainwash is the moniker of filmmaker and Street Pop artist, Thierry Guetta. Born and raised in France and based in Los Angeles, Mr. Brainwash has been pushing pop culture’s envelope for almost a decade, bringing his art to the street, the gallery, and on screen.   

Armed with wheat paste, spray cans, brushes and paint buckets, Mr. Brainwash started attacking the streets in 2006 with stencils and posters of beloved icons from Billie Holiday to John Lennon.  In Paris and Los Angeles, his work quickly caught the eyes of the public, and Mr. Brainwash emerged from the underground, quickly becoming a renowned figure in the burgeoning street art scene.  

Mr. Brainwash’s first solo show, “Life is Beautiful”, opened in the summer of 2008. Mounted in a former T.V. studio in Hollywood, it was the perfect place for the arrival of the art scene’s rambunctious new player.  The show was so eagerly anticipated that it garnered the cover of LA Weekly, one of Los Angeles’ most circulated publications. “Life is Beautiful” opened with a tremendous thunder, attracting thousands of people who lined the streets for blocks.  Featuring a 20-foot robot, a pyramid made of 20,000 books, and a life-size recreation of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” Life is Beautiful was an extremely successful debut. The show extended for three months, attracting a total of 50,000 visitors, and went on to become the biggest art opening in L.A. and one of the most memorable solo shows in LA’s history. This was just the beginning.

Mr. Brainwash’s signature style was soon garnering the attention of everyone from fine art critics to journalists and celebrities.  In 2009, when Madonna was set to release her greatest hits compilation, “Celebration”, she asked Mr. Brainwash to design the cover.  He designed 15 different covers for the wide release, singles, DVDs, a fold up poster, and special edition vinyl.  Mr. Brainwash was now not just commenting on pop culture, he had become a part of it. 

New York was the next stop.  In 2010, Mr. Brainwash invaded the Meatpacking District with “Life is Beautiful: Icons”, his first New York solo show.  This show was bigger than ever, covering a 15,000 square foot, multi-story warehouse. The downstairs displayed Mr. Brainwash’s evocative portraits of music legends, constructed from bits of broken records.  The exhibit also featured a 10-foot tall boom box and a life-size NYC taxicab in Matchbox toy car packaging. “Life is Beautiful: Icons” was so popular that it was extended for 3 months, reopened as “Life is Beautiful: Icons Remixed”, with new installations.  Mr. Brainwash had now shown both coasts the force of his solo exhibitions.  Prestigious auction houses and collectors, including Christie’s and Phillips de Pury, took notice by offering his work in high-profile auctions. The art show space was also used to host an exclusive party during New York Fashion Week for Gwen Stefani’s fashion line, L.A.M.B. 

Mr. Brainwash then set off to Miami for one of the art world’s most respected fairs, Art Basel Miami.  Without any announcement or notice, Mr. Brainwash took over a 25,000 square foot building in South Beach with a colorful art spectacle entitled, “Life is Beautiful: Under Construction”.  The show was his trademark style: playful and positive, but on a huge scale.  Once the show opened, it exploded, becoming the must-see attraction at Art Basel.   

2010 also saw the release of one of the most talked-about documentaries in years, Exit Through the Gift Shop.  Using footage shot by Mr. Brainwash himself, and directed by fellow street artist, Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop followed the evolution of street art, with Mr. Brainwash at the center of it all.  The film was nominated for an Academy Award and received numerous prizes, including an Independent Spirit Award for “Best Documentary”.  The success of Exit Through the Gift Shop catapulted Mr. Brainwash to worldwide fame as he persisted in breaking down pop art’s walls. Over time, the film developed a dedicated “cult film” following and the documentary, along with Mr. Brainwash are now studied on school campuses all over the world.  

Mr. Brainwash continued to bring his art all over the world, making his Canadian debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011. Mr. Brainwash’s installations were placed all over the city. They included his signature 8-foot tall spray can sculptures, each one a different film genre, and life-size Canadian Mounties cutouts, armed with boom mics and cameras.  Everywhere Mr. Brainwash went, he was able to create a pop art conversation with the city he was creating for.   

Mr. Brainwash headed back to Miami for Art Basel in 2011 with a new show, “Life is Beautiful: Untitled”.  Occupying the same South Beach space, he constructed a vibrant world of fiberglass sculptures and mixed media canvases.  Again, the show was a hit, attracting collectors, gallery owners, and celebrities from all over the world. He also collaborated with Absolut Vodka, designing special edition versions of his popular 3D spray cans.  

As the year came to a close, Mr. Brainwash returned to the home of his first solo show, Los Angeles, with “Life is Beautiful: Art Show 2011”.  This show was his biggest yet, taking over an 80,000 square foot building in the center of the city. Each day, thousands of people flocked to see this thrilling monster of a show, which embraced Los Angeles as the epicenter of pop. In addition to being able to attend the show, Mr. Brainwash also gave artists the opportunity to be a part of the show. For the exhibition, he donated over 20,000 square feet of space to showcase donated works from around the globe. Artists were invited to mail in their art or install the artworks themselves. Most art shows and exhibitions are reserved for a specific segment of society, however Mr. Brainwash’s art shows are for everyone.  His shows become an art access point for art lovers of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Not only does Mr. Brainwash create and foster art in his community, but he also gives back in other ways.  Mr. Brainwash continues to be a frequent donor to important causes such as the Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation, Free Arts NY, and The Prince’s Trust. 

Following the massive LA show, 2012 only got bigger.  Sotheby’s featured Mr. Brainwash in a private contemporary art exhibit in Mexico City, solidifying his popularity with collectors and with the world’s most well-known art houses around the globe.   

When the Summer Olympics arrived, and the whole world had its eye on London, Mr. Brainwash made his UK debut (where he was already a well-known name, because of his collaborations with Banksy) by invading The Old Sorting Office, a colossal space, steps from the British Museum.  His love of British pop culture icons rang out through the streets, as Mr. Brainwash adorned the side of the Sorting Office with a 6-story tall Queen Elizabeth II, in her coronation attire, holding a Union Jack spray can.  The show saw large crowds each day and became Mr. Brainwash’s most attended show to date.  The pre-opening of the show was a party in collaboration with Coca Cola, featuring world-famous DJ, David Guetta.  The party, titled “Guetta Vs. Guetta,” had over 1,000 people in attendance.   

This wasn’t his only collaboration with the other famous Guetta. Mr. Brainwash also made a music video for David Guetta’s “Metropolis” which currently boasts over 13 million views. 

While in London, Mr. Brainwash was interviewed by the BBC and was on the cover of “Metro” London’s most widely-distributed free daily newspaper.  

From the Olympics to the National Election, Mr. Brainwash headed back stateside to create the artwork for “Rock the Vote,” a national campaign reminding the youth about the importance of voting and the power of democracy.   

By 2013, Mr. Brainwash was truly one of the most in-demand artists worldwide.  He continued to play with pop culture and designed the décor for Seth McFarlane’s exclusive Oscar Party.  He adorned the party space with his Rockwell, Botero, and Degas re-imaginations as well as playful, large-scale sculptures.  

2013 also saw Mr. Brainwash’s triumphant return to Art Basel.  Taking up residency in Gale South Beach on Collins Avenue, a hotel on one of the most iconic streets in Miami, Mr. Brainwash staged a pop art takeover by installing large-scale oil paintings and sculptures, including a 3 story tall Mona Lisa with a Mohawk. 

In addition to the art and film communities, Mr. Brainwash is also an in-demand name in the music industry.  He has designed art for the album campaigns of some of the world’s most influential artists: Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, and Rick Ross to name a few.  In 2013, in collaboration with the Hard Rock Hotel, Mr. Brainwash attacked the pulse of the music industry: Coachella.   He adorned the festival with towering murals, adding an additional element of surprise and wonder and solidifying his already strong connection to music.   

Madonna approached him again, and asked Mr. Brainwash to take part in another collaboration, this time for the opening of her gym, Hard Candy Fitness in Toronto. The Hard Candy Fitness opening featured the live on-site creation of an 11 by 30-foot Madonna mural, designed by Mr. Brainwash. 

From the Queen of Pop, to the King of Pop, Mr. Brainwash designed artwork for Michael Jackson’s newest release, “Xscape,” as Michael Jackson was an early admirer of Mr. Brainwash and had become close friends over the years.    

Mr. Brainwash continued to make his mark on the diverse art and music scenes in 2014, including a colorful, viral performance with pop sensation Rita Ora on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  Mr. Brainwash also merged his passions for art, music, film, and philanthropy by directing a video for “Divine Sorrow,” by Wyclef Jean, featuring Avicii for Coca-Cola and the (RED) campaign, which aims to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund’s efforts to virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. 

Mr. Brainwash also collaborated with Mercedes-Benz for The Evolution Tour, 8 intimate concert experiences across the country featuring artists such as Alabama Shakes and

Mayer Hawthorne.  At each stop of the Evolution Tour, Mr. Brainwash created a one-of- a-kind Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA in his signature, splashy colorful style.   

In honor of September 11, Mr. Brainwash wanted to show New York the love he had for this special city by creating the biggest mural installation he had ever attempted.  A tribute to the victims of 9/11, the mural covered a full city block, facing the new One World Trade Center. The art piece provided native New Yorkers and tourists the chance to reflect on this tragedy and take pride in the people that make New York such a unique place. 

In December 2014, Mr. Brainwash returned to Art Basel, for a host of shows and collaborations throughout the city including a partnership with global brand, Burger King. Mr. Brainwash created a mural, which encouraged public interaction and provided a colorful juxtaposition of street art and Miami’s multi-cultural lifestyle. The art piece also created a space connecting the vibrant city of Miami to its many pop culture influences and playfully comments on Burger King’s connection to Miami, where the company has its headquarters.  

Mr. Brainwash’s adventure into fashion continued in 2015 with his collaboration with Sunglass Hut for their Artist Series. The collection was comprised of 250 one-of-a-kind designs rendered on Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer, Clubmaster, Aviator, and Round models. The sunglasses were packaged in a unique painted case placed in a custom made “mock spray can” in Mr. Brainwash’s signature style. Sunglass Hut’s flagship store, located at 496 Broadway in New York, was taken over by Mr. Brainwash and featured a mock studio with some of his well-known works.     

Keeping his charity work a top priority, Mr. Brainwash donated a one-of-a-kind work to the third annual Kaleidoscope Ball, presented by Harry Winston, in May 2015.  The Ball raised funds for research at the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute at Mattel Children’s Hospital, which was attended by Goldie Hawn and Academy Award winning actor Halle Berry, one of the honorees.  

That was just the start of Mr. Brainwash’s epic summer.  In New York’s meatpacking district, where he debuted his first solo New York show, “Life Is Beautiful: Icons”, Mr. Brainwash returned for a pop-up art show, “Life is Beautiful”. The show had thousands of visitors a day, tourists and locals alike, who were delighted to discover this secret art show hidden under New York City’s famous High Line.  The show was packed with sculptures, screen prints, and installations, all which showcase his signature take on pop culture’s most recognizable icons and images and signified his glorious return to The Big Apple.  The show garnered attention from the press and public alike, with Mr. Brainwash appearing on Fox 5’s Good Day New York. 

His work in New York City continued through the fall, where he erected another monumental mural in remembrance of September 11, paying tribute to the resilience of New Yorkers and their incredible city.  During the holiday season in 2015, Mr. Brainwash’s artwork was on display in another part of Manhattan, Times Square.  In collaboration with Coca Cola, Mr. Brainwash made a video showcasing their slogan, “Make Someone Happy.”  The video played in Coca-Cola’s iconic billboard space, in Times Square, through the New Year. 

On the other coast, Mr. Brainwash had his Heart Sculpture on display through January 2016 inside the City of West Hollywood’s public library.  Crafted out of recycled books, wood, and covered in a spectacular shade of bright pink, the sculpture stands over 6 feet tall.  He also contributed a Life is Beautiful sculpture as part of LA Pride in June 2015. 

2016 has also seen Mr. Brainwash collaborate with a host of different brands, musicians, and artistic institutions.  Mr. Brainwash teamed up with world-famous producer and composer, Kygo to design the poster for his headlining show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, as well as the album art design for his new record, Cloud Nine. He also appeared in an episode of reality TV’s biggest hit, Keeping Up with the Kardashians.  Recently, he’s created incredible screen prints for Warner Brothers’ film, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and the National Kabuki Theater of Japan.

 In March of 2016, for International Women’s Day, Mr. Brainwash was commissioned by The White House to install a mural for Let Girls Learn, the Obama Administration’s initiative to help adolescent girls worldwide attend and complete school.  Not only did the mural receive national attention, Mr. Brainwash was able to meet with Michelle Obama and taught her how to spray paint! 

In May of 2016, Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, an internationally known gallery specializing in Pop Art presented an exhibition of Mr. Brainwash’s recent works. Also in May, Mr. Brainwash contributed work to “Streetease”, a collaborative exhibition with Seen and Mr. Brainwash put on by Opera Gallery Hong Kong. 

By June of 2016, Mr. Brainwash made his way oversees to Seoul, South Korea for a “Life Is Beautiful” solo exhibition with ARA Modern Art Museum. Mr. Brainwash transformed the 4-story museum for its debut opening causing an explosive reaction from the young audience of South Korea. 

Mr. Brainwash is unlike any artist today. His shows are journeys – self-guided tours through a pop culture wonderland: colorful and beautiful. His artwork is a pure sensory experience and like so many of the subjects depicted in Mr. Brainwash’s art, his works are timeless, reflecting human aspirations and the voice that screams, “Follow Your Dreams.” 

Mr. Brainwash’s first solo show, “Life is Beautiful”, opened in the summer of 2008. Mounted in a former T.V. studio in Hollywood, it was the perfect place for the arrival of the art scene’s rambunctious new player.  The show was so eagerly anticipated that it garnered the cover of LA Weekly, one of Los Angeles’ most circulated publications. “Life is Beautiful” opened with a tremendous thunder, attracting thousands of people who lined the streets for blocks.  Featuring a 20-foot robot, a pyramid made of 20,000 books, and a life-size recreation of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” Life is Beautiful was an extremely successful debut. The show extended for three months, attracting a total of 50,000 visitors, and went on to become the biggest art opening in L.A. and one of the most memorable solo shows in LA’s history. This was just the beginning.

Mr. Brainwash’s signature style was soon garnering the attention of everyone from fine art critics to journalists and celebrities.  In 2009, when Madonna was set to release her greatest hits compilation, “Celebration”, she asked Mr. Brainwash to design the cover.  He designed 15 different covers for the wide release, singles, DVDs, a fold up poster, and special edition vinyl.  Mr. Brainwash was now not just commenting on pop culture, he had become a part of it. 

New York was the next stop.  In 2010, Mr. Brainwash invaded the Meatpacking District with “Life is Beautiful: Icons”, his first New York solo show.  This show was bigger than ever, covering a 15,000 square foot, multi-story warehouse. The downstairs displayed Mr. Brainwash’s evocative portraits of music legends, constructed from bits of broken records.  The exhibit also featured a 10-foot tall boom box and a life-size NYC taxicab in Matchbox toy car packaging. “Life is Beautiful: Icons” was so popular that it was extended for 3 months, reopened as “Life is Beautiful: Icons Remixed”, with new installations.  Mr. Brainwash had now shown both coasts the force of his solo exhibitions.  Prestigious auction houses and collectors, including Christie’s and Phillips de Pury, took notice by offering his work in high-profile auctions. The art show space was also used to host an exclusive party during New York Fashion Week for Gwen Stefani’s fashion line, L.A.M.B. 

Mr. Brainwash then set off to Miami for one of the art world’s most respected fairs, Art Basel Miami.  Without any announcement or notice, Mr. Brainwash took over a 25,000 square foot building in South Beach with a colorful art spectacle entitled, “Life is Beautiful: Under Construction”.  The show was his trademark style: playful and positive, but on a huge scale.  Once the show opened, it exploded, becoming the must-see attraction at Art Basel.   

2010 also saw the release of one of the most talked-about documentaries in years, Exit Through the Gift Shop.  Using footage shot by Mr. Brainwash himself, and directed by fellow street artist, Banksy, Exit Through the Gift Shop followed the evolution of street art, with Mr. Brainwash at the center of it all.  The film was nominated for an Academy Award and received numerous prizes, including an Independent Spirit Award for “Best Documentary”.  The success of Exit Through the Gift Shop catapulted Mr. Brainwash to worldwide fame as he persisted in breaking down pop art’s walls. Over time, the film developed a dedicated “cult film” following and the documentary, along with Mr. Brainwash are now studied on school campuses all over the world.  

Mr. Brainwash continued to bring his art all over the world, making his Canadian debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2011. Mr. Brainwash’s installations were placed all over the city. They included his signature 8-foot tall spray can sculptures, each one a different film genre, and life-size Canadian Mounties cutouts, armed with boom mics and cameras.  Everywhere Mr. Brainwash went, he was able to create a pop art conversation with the city he was creating for.   

Mr. Brainwash headed back to Miami for Art Basel in 2011 with a new show, “Life is Beautiful: Untitled”.  Occupying the same South Beach space, he constructed a vibrant world of fiberglass sculptures and mixed media canvases.  Again, the show was a hit, attracting collectors, gallery owners, and celebrities from all over the world. He also collaborated with Absolut Vodka, designing special edition versions of his popular 3D spray cans.  

As the year came to a close, Mr. Brainwash returned to the home of his first solo show, Los Angeles, with “Life is Beautiful: Art Show 2011”.  This show was his biggest yet, taking over an 80,000 square foot building in the center of the city. Each day, thousands of people flocked to see this thrilling monster of a show, which embraced Los Angeles as the epicenter of pop. In addition to being able to attend the show, Mr. Brainwash also gave artists the opportunity to be a part of the show. For the exhibition, he donated over 20,000 square feet of space to showcase donated works from around the globe. Artists were invited to mail in their art or install the artworks themselves. Most art shows and exhibitions are reserved for a specific segment of society, however Mr. Brainwash’s art shows are for everyone.  His shows become an art access point for art lovers of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. 

Not only does Mr. Brainwash create and foster art in his community, but he also gives back in other ways.  Mr. Brainwash continues to be a frequent donor to important causes such as the Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation, Free Arts NY, and The Prince’s Trust. 

Following the massive LA show, 2012 only got bigger.  Sotheby’s featured Mr. Brainwash in a private contemporary art exhibit in Mexico City, solidifying his popularity with collectors and with the world’s most well-known art houses around the globe.   

When the Summer Olympics arrived, and the whole world had its eye on London, Mr. Brainwash made his UK debut (where he was already a well-known name, because of his collaborations with Banksy) by invading The Old Sorting Office, a colossal space, steps from the British Museum.  His love of British pop culture icons rang out through the streets, as Mr. Brainwash adorned the side of the Sorting Office with a 6-story tall Queen Elizabeth II, in her coronation attire, holding a Union Jack spray can.  The show saw large crowds each day and became Mr. Brainwash’s most attended show to date.  The pre-opening of the show was a party in collaboration with Coca Cola, featuring world-famous DJ, David Guetta.  The party, titled “Guetta Vs. Guetta,” had over 1,000 people in attendance.   

This wasn’t his only collaboration with the other famous Guetta. Mr. Brainwash also made a music video for David Guetta’s “Metropolis” which currently boasts over 13 million views. 

While in London, Mr. Brainwash was interviewed by the BBC and was on the cover of “Metro” London’s most widely-distributed free daily newspaper.  

From the Olympics to the National Election, Mr. Brainwash headed back stateside to create the artwork for “Rock the Vote,” a national campaign reminding the youth about the importance of voting and the power of democracy.   

By 2013, Mr. Brainwash was truly one of the most in-demand artists worldwide.  He continued to play with pop culture and designed the décor for Seth McFarlane’s exclusive Oscar Party.  He adorned the party space with his Rockwell, Botero, and Degas re-imaginations as well as playful, large-scale sculptures.  

2013 also saw Mr. Brainwash’s triumphant return to Art Basel.  Taking up residency in Gale South Beach on Collins Avenue, a hotel on one of the most iconic streets in Miami, Mr. Brainwash staged a pop art takeover by installing large-scale oil paintings and sculptures, including a 3 story tall Mona Lisa with a Mohawk. 

In addition to the art and film communities, Mr. Brainwash is also an in-demand name in the music industry.  He has designed art for the album campaigns of some of the world’s most influential artists: Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, and Rick Ross to name a few.  In 2013, in collaboration with the Hard Rock Hotel, Mr. Brainwash attacked the pulse of the music industry: Coachella.   He adorned the festival with towering murals, adding an additional element of surprise and wonder and solidifying his already strong connection to music.   

Madonna approached him again, and asked Mr. Brainwash to take part in another collaboration, this time for the opening of her gym, Hard Candy Fitness in Toronto. The Hard Candy Fitness opening featured the live on-site creation of an 11 by 30-foot Madonna mural, designed by Mr. Brainwash. 

From the Queen of Pop, to the King of Pop, Mr. Brainwash designed artwork for Michael Jackson’s newest release, “Xscape,” as Michael Jackson was an early admirer of Mr. Brainwash and had become close friends over the years.    

Mr. Brainwash continued to make his mark on the diverse art and music scenes in 2014, including a colorful, viral performance with pop sensation Rita Ora on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.  Mr. Brainwash also merged his passions for art, music, film, and philanthropy by directing a video for “Divine Sorrow,” by Wyclef Jean, featuring Avicii for Coca-Cola and the (RED) campaign, which aims to raise awareness and money for the Global Fund’s efforts to virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. 

Mr. Brainwash also collaborated with Mercedes-Benz for The Evolution Tour, 8 intimate concert experiences across the country featuring artists such as Alabama Shakes and

Mayer Hawthorne.  At each stop of the Evolution Tour, Mr. Brainwash created a one-of- a-kind Mercedes-Benz 2015 GLA in his signature, splashy colorful style.   

In honor of September 11, Mr. Brainwash wanted to show New York the love he had for this special city by creating the biggest mural installation he had ever attempted.  A tribute to the victims of 9/11, the mural covered a full city block, facing the new One World Trade Center. The art piece provided native New Yorkers and tourists the chance to reflect on this tragedy and take pride in the people that make New York such a unique place. 

In December 2014, Mr. Brainwash returned to Art Basel, for a host of shows and collaborations throughout the city including a partnership with global brand, Burger King. Mr. Brainwash created a mural, which encouraged public interaction and provided a colorful juxtaposition of street art and Miami’s multi-cultural lifestyle. The art piece also created a space connecting the vibrant city of Miami to its many pop culture influences and playfully comments on Burger King’s connection to Miami, where the company has its headquarters.  

Mr. Brainwash’s adventure into fashion continued in 2015 with his collaboration with Sunglass Hut for their Artist Series. The collection was comprised of 250 one-of-a-kind designs rendered on Ray-Ban’s iconic Wayfarer, Clubmaster, Aviator, and Round models. The sunglasses were packaged in a unique painted case placed in a custom made “mock spray can” in Mr. Brainwash’s signature style. Sunglass Hut’s flagship store, located at 496 Broadway in New York, was taken over by Mr. Brainwash and featured a mock studio with some of his well-known works.     

Keeping his charity work a top priority, Mr. Brainwash donated a one-of-a-kind work to the third annual Kaleidoscope Ball, presented by Harry Winston, in May 2015.  The Ball raised funds for research at the UCLA Children’s Discovery and Innovation Institute at Mattel Children’s Hospital, which was attended by Goldie Hawn and Academy Award winning actor Halle Berry, one of the honorees.  

That was just the start of Mr. Brainwash’s epic summer.  In New York’s meatpacking district, where he debuted his first solo New York show, “Life Is Beautiful: Icons”, Mr. Brainwash returned for a pop-up art show, “Life is Beautiful”. The show had thousands of visitors a day, tourists and locals alike, who were delighted to discover this secret art show hidden under New York City’s famous High Line.  The show was packed with sculptures, screen prints, and installations, all which showcase his signature take on pop culture’s most recognizable icons and images and signified his glorious return to The Big Apple.  The show garnered attention from the press and public alike, with Mr. Brainwash appearing on Fox 5’s Good Day New York. 

His work in New York City continued through the fall, where he erected another monumental mural in remembrance of September 11, paying tribute to the resilience of New Yorkers and their incredible city.  During the holiday season in 2015, Mr. Brainwash’s artwork was on display in another part of Manhattan, Times Square.  In collaboration with Coca Cola, Mr. Brainwash made a video showcasing their slogan, “Make Someone Happy.”  The video played in Coca-Cola’s iconic billboard space, in Times Square, through the New Year. 

On the other coast, Mr. Brainwash had his Heart Sculpture on display through January 2016 inside the City of West Hollywood’s public library.  Crafted out of recycled books, wood, and covered in a spectacular shade of bright pink, the sculpture stands over 6 feet tall.  He also contributed a Life is Beautiful sculpture as part of LA Pride in June 2015. 

2016 has also seen Mr. Brainwash collaborate with a host of different brands, musicians, and artistic institutions.  Mr. Brainwash teamed up with world-famous producer and composer, Kygo to design the poster for his headlining show at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, as well as the album art design for his new record, Cloud Nine. He also appeared in an episode of reality TV’s biggest hit, Keeping Up with the Kardashians.  Recently, he’s created incredible screen prints for Warner Brothers’ film, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice and the National Kabuki Theater of Japan.

 In March of 2016, for International Women’s Day, Mr. Brainwash was commissioned by The White House to install a mural for Let Girls Learn, the Obama Administration’s initiative to help adolescent girls worldwide attend and complete school.  Not only did the mural receive national attention, Mr. Brainwash was able to meet with Michelle Obama and taught her how to spray paint! 

In May of 2016, Hamilton-Selway Fine Art, an internationally known gallery specializing in Pop Art presented an exhibition of Mr. Brainwash’s recent works. Also in May, Mr. Brainwash contributed work to “Streetease”, a collaborative exhibition with Seen and Mr. Brainwash put on by Opera Gallery Hong Kong. 

By June of 2016, Mr. Brainwash made his way oversees to Seoul, South Korea for a “Life Is Beautiful” solo exhibition with ARA Modern Art Museum. Mr. Brainwash transformed the 4-story museum for its debut opening causing an explosive reaction from the young audience of South Korea. 

Mr. Brainwash is unlike any artist today. His shows are journeys – self-guided tours through a pop culture wonderland: colorful and beautiful. His artwork is a pure sensory experience and like so many of the subjects depicted in Mr. Brainwash’s art, his works are timeless, reflecting human aspirations and the voice that screams, “Follow Your Dreams.” 

Leon Keer

PRESS RELEASE
Leon Keer – Forced Perspective
5 June – 28 August 2021

Opening hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 12:00 – 17:00 and by appointment.

Free admission

Wanrooij Gallery in Amsterdam presents a retrospective exhibition of Leon Keer from 5 June until 28 August 2021. The Dutch mixed media artist is the master of optical illusion. The solo exhibition ‘Forced Perspective’ shows a colourful selection of new paintings, sculptures, installations, anamorphic artworks and Augmented Reality (AR). The two floors of the gallery will be transformed into a surreal universe.

Leon Keer is one of the world’s leading artists in anamorphic art. By playing with perspectives he creates incredible new worlds. The artist has executed numerous 3D murals and street paintings in Europe, the United States, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In the Netherlands, he has cooperated with the Fries Museum, Museum Arnhem, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and Van Gogh Museum.

The artist is inspired by pop surrealism and new technology. With the use of Augmented Reality he is able to show an extra dimension in his art. A message seems to be present. Current issues are reviewed, such as environmental concerns, social inequality and the livability of this world. The artworks reflect a fascination for old materials and a timeless longing for unspoiled beauty.

Leon Keer lives and works in Utrecht and a visual artist since 1997. His autonomous work has been presented at international art fairs such as Art Miami, Moniker Art Fair London, SCOPE Basel and SCOPE New York. In 2018, he won the Street Art Awards Benelux for best artist. The extensive and iconic oeuvre of Leon Keer is captured in a first monograph, titled ‘In Case of lost Childhood’ and released in November 2020.

Wanrooij Gallery
KNSM-laan 301 in Amsterdam

www.leonkeer.com

Artist: Leon Keer
Title: Trophy Hunting II

Julius Rooymans

NEW ARTIST
Julius Rooymans

We proudly present Julius Rooymans. Julius grew up in an artist’s nest in a farming village in the middel of the Netherlands. His father was a painter, mother a sculptor. He learned from his parents to never choose the easy way. If you need something for your project, you have to do it. His father regularly had to choose between buying food or linen to paint on. That is the side of art that Julius saw from an early age: self-sacrifice, enthusiasm. Put financial security and health at risk for your productions.

Check out Julius’ portfolio