Graffiti as a form of public art can often be more eye opening than viewing artwork in a gallery. The unpredictability and displacement can surprise a passerby, provoking a reaction from revelation to revulsion. As a medium for street art, the door functions as a frame to enclose an image, but a show at Artbreak Gallery at 195 Grand Street in Williamsburg shows the door can be much more than that when it’s brought inside.
Street artist Billi Kid and street art photographer Luna Park curated the show, comprised of 27 doors by celebrated street artists. The artists used their doors as a canvas, executing artwork without worrying about the usual hindrances street artists encounter when they pour out their inspiration onto a public surface.
A few highlights:
Peru Ana Ana Peru’s work — titled “And from behind the door a band of insects swarmed in and seemed to change colors as they neared us, and they formed X’s on our eyes” — incorporates dreamy narrative, surrealistic imagery and pseudo symmetrical patterning with vibrancy and enriched color.
Blanco’s “Mudras for a door, Varada Abhaya” is reminiscent of European religious painting with the somber expressionless gestures and flattened perspective. The contemporary attire and progression of geometric pattern creates a jarring dichotomy of history and personal narrative.
Yassy Goldie’s “GYJD” is loud and vulgar in its gold patent and pink leopard print recalling teenage splendor while questionably deconstructing and revealing stereotypes and cultural stigmas. The artist states “GJYD is a moke and mirror illusion that can change people’s perceptions and make them realize that most of their reality is smoke and mirrors.”
The Great Out Doors merges ideological DIY aesthetics, innovative illustration and design, personal and historical narrative and presents a lyrical slideshow of abounding context and succulent color. Show runs through May 29th.
