Matt Siren + Russell King Join Forces On Three New Collaborative Screen Prints

1xRUN Thru Interview
Nichole, Georgette, Valerie by Russell King & Matt Siren

1xRun: Tell us a little bit about these prints, was there an original created or were they for this edition?
Russell King: There is no original piece. It was a small series meant for the street. We love the reaction that people have when seeing our work out in public places. That is what fuels us. Money is important and a gallery show is fun, but the street is where we thrive.

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1xRun: Was this piece part of a recent  theme, series or show that you had?
Russell King: For several months we have been kicking around the idea of doing an independent two man show.  Rather than a group show that is often just a disjointed collection of artists we were conceiving a two man show consisting of collaborative works.

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1xRun: What materials were used to make this print?
Russell King: We often print with ink on lightweight bond paper which is best for pasting. In this limited run we are using a heavyweight Stonehenge paper which makes for a cleaner run and a nicer overall feel.

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1xRun: When were these prints created?
Russell King: These pieces were kicked around for a couple of months starting in possibly April. We both needed to bank some money before we could get the materials together. I would say we first started putting them on the street about mid June.

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1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about?
Russell King: There was a piece we had been playing with the end of last summer (2013). It was never created. While sitting in a bar playing on the computer I refit it for a new grouping of photos that I had taken.

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1xRun: How long did this piece take overall?
Russell King: If you count last year, it took about 8 to 9 months before we birthed it. I would say about 2 months between deciding on the original image (Georgette) and creating the pieces for the street.

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1xRun: What so feel is unique about these prints? 
Russell King: The most interesting effect these pieces create, in my opinion, is the juxtaposition of the female figure with stylized skull. It creates a different dimension to either image. People can read meaning into them or see it as powerful and beautiful image. Often we like to flip each image so when we hang consecutive pieces on the street we can alternate them upside down and right side up; that way each of our parts to the piece take precedence.

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1xRun: Why should people should buy these prints?
Russell King: People should buy these prints for same reasons that they would buy anything. They should buy it because it speaks to them in some way. Whether it’s cool or powerful or the colors fit. Really for any reason anyone would want to have something. I always feel that you buy art you like not art you think as an investment.

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1xRun: Describe these prints in one gut reaction word.
Russell King: Powerful.

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1xRun: You two have collaborated a few times correct, when did you first meet?
Russell King: I have never met this man before in my life. Actually, we met back in the early to mid 90’s. He was dating a lovely young lady I went to high school with.

1xRun: What was the first piece you both worked on and where?
Russell King: It was a vastly different feel than the new work. It incorporated the skull, but had a raw street feel to it, complete with our tagged names. The new work does not incorporate our names and I feel it takes out the advertising aspect of art on the street. Always good to get the name out though.

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1xRun: What aspects of each others work are you drawn most to?
Russell King: We both have very different styles but we also are both influenced by many of the same artists. The poster artists of the early 19th century as well as some of the old masters. Having different styles works well in making pieces that pop off each other and having similar influences aids in agreeing on compositions.

1xRun: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Russell King: For the moment I’m just sticking to work on the street. It is where I feel most comfortable at this time. Heading to London the end of August to attempt to reach another audience.

1xRun: Where else can people find you?
Russell King: Instagram @russellking  – TumblrTwitter@rkingalive
Matt Siren: WebsiteInstagram@mattsiren – FacebookTwitter@mattsiren

-1xRUN