If you are unsure that a street artist can produce artwork for the art lover then go see this show. Although Askew One is known predominantly for his work with aerosol paint, this self-taught artist is as comfortable producing photography…
From Friday 16th – 22nd of March Auckland’s Australis Room is showing ‘Smoke Signals’, the biggest solo show of New Zealand artist Askew One (Elliot O’Donnell). This is a free exhibition right in the centre of downtown Auckland
Askew One is a multi-disciplinary artist who has become widely known as one of the driving forces behind New Zealand’s graffiti and street art scene.
If you are unsure that a street artist can produce artwork for the art lover then go see this show. Although Askew One is known predominantly for his work with aerosol paint, this self-taught artist is as comfortable producing photography and moving image as well as graphic design and illustration.
You can look at his past works on his site www.askew1.com where you can even buy art work or one of his prints on a t-shirt. His site shows you his past and present and his blog tells the stories of how his art is breaking down barriers.
Street art has had a spotlight shone on it recently. Exit Through the Gift Shop produced by the notorious Banksy, was a cult hit movie in 2010.
The culture of street art and graffiti in our modern society has evolved around, and alongside hip hop culture, and has also been associated with negative news stories, vandalism and gangs.
Below: Askew 1 – Signature.
The street murals created by Askew One show the world that art is for the people and should be free for all to see and enjoy. This is a real art form and not out to vandalise or deface, but to progress and enhance the spaces we see around us.
Below: Pakeha On Crazy Island 2012 ($18,000)
Below: Plasticine Boy ($11,000)
Smoke Signals is a personal, reflective, mature and expressive piece. He plays with slogans and colour and by using acrylic and vinyl paint achieves great texture, which demands the larger canvas.
Below: The Right Frontal Lobe ($20,000)
The general theme of the work seems to be the struggle of an ‘island’ mentality and our place as individuals and as a country as a whole.
Below: The New Imperialism, Part 2. 2012.
Askew One is a great Kiwi talent who has produced some really interesting pieces which are reflective of his surroundings. It is the nature of the beast that his work will evolve and move through different disciplines and media in the future, so catch this exhibition while you can to see the finer side of the street artist.
Smoke Signals – The Australis Room, Australis House 36 – 38 Customs St, Britomart
16-22 March – Weekdays 10am – 6pm – Weekends 10am – 4pm
Words by Ingrid Grenar 16 March 2012
Photography by Ingrid Grenar and Ian Wright
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