Yesterday, K11 Musea debuted “City as Studio” in Hong Kong, a vibrant, inaugural presentation of graffiti and street art in China, as part of its Art Karnival. Curated by Jeffrey Deitch, with support from K11 Art Foundation, the exhibition spotlights more than 30 visionaries and 100 artworks, on view through May 14. Viewers are taken on a comprehensive journey from the inspired creations of gritty 1970s and ‘80s New York to the avant-garde techniques that arose out of São Paulo, San Francisco, and East Los Angeles. Pioneers such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, FUTURA, and Lee Quiñones intermingle with the brilliant minds of Mister Cartoon and Barry McGee, juxtaposed with energetic, fresh works of AIKO and KAWS for a truly transformative show.
“Jeffrey has been at the forefront of the institutional acceptance of street art, and we’re delighted to be working with him to bring this landmark exhibition to China,” said Adrian Cheng, Founder of K11 Art Foundation. “The cultural innovation embodied by works that defined a generation, street art’s global artistic influence and its ability to powerfully engage diverse audiences is reflective of our wider mission.”
Haroshi, “Mosh Pit,” 2019, skateboard decks, 500 x 500 x 2 cm, photo © Genevieve Hanson, courtesy of the artist, Jeffrey Deitch, and NANZUKA.
The exhibition is divided into five zones of diverse eras and points of interest follow the compelling birth of graffiti and street art in New York City to its forceful expansion throughout the globe. “New York” highlights the magnetic forces of Keith Haring and LAII. “Los Angeles” and “San Francisco” embrace groundbreaking street tagger Chaz Bojórquez as well as Margaret Kilgallen of the Mission School art movement. Must-see artworks include the spirited photography of Martha Cooper, Henry Chalfant, and Gusmano Cesaretti from the ‘70s and ‘80s. “New Generation” features singular, contemporary leaders. The profound influence of artists on one another is visible through meaningful works like Basquiat (Red) (2010) and Keith Haring (Red) (2010) from Shepard Fairey. KAWS presents a cultural collage with UNTITLED (NICOLE MILLER) (1996), and offers a look into his personal art collection with El Diablo (1985) by FUTURA, while Lady Pink and AIKO champion women’s monumental contribution to the genre. The final zone, “Local Artists” invites viewers into the unique Hong Kong art world and its radiant creators.
AIKO, “Kiss,” 2017, 46 x 34 inches, mixed media on canvas, courtesy of the artist.
“City As Studio’ is the most extensive exhibition on the history of street art to be presented in China. The exhibition features major works by the innovators in street art from New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, São Paulo, Paris, and Tokyo. It provides an immersive introduction to this vital movement which continues to resonate today,” said Deitch.
Alongside the exhibition, an impressive cultural program of films, music, and live performances is open to all. Special moments include New York-based artist AIKO’s live graffiti painting of K11 Musea’s outdoor corridor, as well as the sweeping chalk painting of the Avenue of the Stars by over 200 artists. 1980s film screenings, custom cartoons from illustrator Mooncasket, the MoMA Design Store Pop-up, and art-themed culinary delights are not-to-be-missed throughout the memorable event.
FUTURA, “UNTITLED,” c. 1995, acrylic and spray paint on canvas, courtesy of FUTURA.
Kenny Scharf, “BLOBZIC,” 2018, oil on canvas with powder-coated (aluminum frame), 96 x 120 inches, courtesy of the artist.
Installation view, “Barry McGee: One More Thing,” Deitch Projects, New York, 2005, courtesy of the artist and Jeffrey Deitch.
