1xRun Thru Interview
Riot & Reason by Dave Kinsey
1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this piece, is the original still for sale? Was this piece part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
Dave Kinsey: This piece was created in 2011 using a mix of acrylic, spray enamel and collage on canvas. No, a collector in France owns the original. I created this piece for an art fair in Los Angeles. It wasn’t part of a series, but a lot of my work is based on political, social or environmental upheaval so it does fall into that context.
1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about, how long did this piece take?
Dave Kinsey: I came up with the idea for this piece during the UK riots in 2011 that took place after the shooting death of Mark Duggan by police there. After looking at tons of images online, I noticed a commonality in the pictures; a linear perspective that was being cast from all the lines painted in the streets intended for pedestrians and traffic. I began to see these angles and lines as metaphors for control, which in this state of chaos became a contradicting element. I used this notion to create tension in Riot & Reason. As far as how long, I don’t recall—every piece is different and it can vary due to many factors.
1xRun: What is unique about this piece?
Dave Kinsey: It’s what began my experimentation into angular abstraction.
1xRun: Describe the piece in one gut reaction word.
Dave Kinsey: Bam!
1xRun: This will be your first year with the Pow Wow Hawaii family, who are some of the artists you’re really excited to see painting out there?
Dave Kinsey: There are so many talented people, it’s hard to say—it’s an amazing line up. I’m just happy to be a part of it; it’s going to be a great event.
1xRun: You’ve collaborated with some of the Pow Wow artists this year previously, correct?
Dave Kinsey: Yes, especially through BLK/MRKT gallery. I’ve known and worked directly with many of the artists over the last decade of so. It’ll be nice to catch up.
1xRun: Have you been to Hawaii before or will this be your first time out there? What are you looking forward to?
Dave Kinsey: I’ve been to Kauai, and loved it, and I’m excited to explore another part of the chain. Tre from PangeaSeed has also been trying to get me in the ocean to swim with sharks so I think that’s on the menu as well (hopefully I won’t be the main course!) I’m looking forward to hitting the wall too, it’s been a couple years since I rocked a huge piece.
1xRun: Do you have any plans for your wall out there or are you just going to improvise it?
Dave Kinsey: My wall’s already planned out and ready to go. It’ll be mainly about execution once I’m there. Work hard, play hard.
1xRun: How did 2013 wrap up for you?
Dave Kinsey: Really well, actually, despite it being a long year with two solo exhibitions and too many group shows. Hopefully, the relatively calm last couple months of the year will signal what my pace will be like in 2014. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to simplify.
1xRun: Aside from Pow Wow 2014, what are your plans for the new year?
Dave Kinsey: Coming up in September I have a major solo in Detroit at Library Street Collective. I’m really excited about this exhibition—it’ll be my first show in Detroit.
1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Dave Kinsey: Website – Facebook
–1xRun