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Opening to the public Friday, September 19th from 6-10pm, Inner State Gallery is proud to welcome Australian artist David “MEGGS” Hooke for his solo exhibition Spoiled Rotten. The exhibition of over 40 new paintings and multiples explores the wondrous decay of social morality stemming from modern society’s obsession with pop culture and overindulgent materialism, and continues MEGGS’ perpetual fascination with dualism and finding beauty in tragedy.
The city of Detroit plays a major influence in MEGGS’ philosophy behind Spoiled Rotten, as he created an entirely new body of work during his five-week residency at Inner State Gallery and 1xRUN. The exhibition highlights Detroit as an inspirational juxtaposition of a spoiled past and its position as a new canvas for growth and rebirth. MEGGS’ use of deteriorating signage and locally sourced materials from the city’s abandoned and forgotten places emphasizes the revival of social pillars such as community and the idea that destruction and decay breed new beginnings.
“Detroit is a city of duality more so than many other cities I have been to. I sought to incorporate this by using objects and surfaces that imply decay, in what I consider to be a beautiful way. Old wooden materials and signs with layers of paint tell a story of their own. Although the colors and textures are aesthetically beautiful, I think it’s about giving these materials a new life, a second purpose,” MEGGS said while working in the Inner State Gallery loft.
The genesis of Spoiled Rotten lies in MEGGS’ painting entitled ‘Life’s Ups and Downs,’ which features a split image of the inflated iconic yellow happy face balloon juxtaposed with its discarded, decaying, and deflated other half.
“This concept started when I saw a deflated happy face balloon, which is an image I’ve been obsessed with lately. The ‘happy’ balloon is a classic icon that depicts playfulness, optimism, and the idea of, “Have a nice day!” Yet, the balloon is also a very disposable item and has a limited life span. It deflates. I think this is something that people can identify with and it ties into that idea of duality in Detroit,” Meggs said.
The exhibition also marks the debut of a new sculptural collaboration between MEGGS and artist Rafael Batista of Brooklyn, New York. Batista, who hand-sculpted each piece, gives new life to MEGGS’ happy face balloon images, taking them from canvas to 3D collectors’ items.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, MEGGS has proven to be one of the most progressive street and fine artists with countless murals and gallery shows worldwide. MEGGS’ massive large scale murals throughout the globe have made him a must see artist at mural festivals like POW! WOW!, Forest For The Trees, and Sea Walls. Taking this same tireless work ethic to fine art gallery shows with creative and immersive installations at California’s White Walls and Thinkspace galleries, MEGGS’ Spoiled Rotten will be sure to impress.
Please join us from 6-10pm on September 19th for an artist welcoming reception and opening night celebration.
To Join The Advanced Collector Preview Email [email protected]
Inner State Gallery
1410 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48207
313-744-6505
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 11am – 4pm
Additional Hours Available by Appointment
About MEGGS: David “MEGGS” Hooke is one of Australia’s most progressive and committed street and fine artists. MEGGS is recognized for his unique, expressive, and energetic style with references to pop-culture, the natural world, and socio-cultural issues. His technical use of color and movement combines clean, bold, illustrative elements with intuitive, textural, and free flowing design. By constantly searching for the harmony between form, abstraction, order, and chaos, MEGGS pours his all-or-nothing personality into every inch of his work. His life manifesto is that the ‘journey is the reward’ and his work reflects his eternal search for balance. MEGGS’ emphasis on constant growth and passion for travel is demonstrated by his continual exploration of artistic techniques and mediums.
Adapting his street art and graffiti to fine art has granted MEGGS extensive opportunities to travel, professionally exhibit his work, and participate in mural festivals around the globe. His street art and gallery works are recognized nationally and internationally in cities such as Melbourne, Sydney, London, San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, Hawai‘i, Mexico, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. MEGGS’ art works are included in the permanent paper collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Victoria & Albert Museum of London.
About Inner State: Inner State Gallery is Detroit’s premier art gallery for both established and emerging artists, both locally and internationally. Located in Eastern Market, the 1800 square foot gallery is home to two exhibition spaces, an artist live/work space and the gallery’s publishing company 1xRUN.
More information can be found at:
http://www.innerstategallery.com
http://www.1xrun.com
http://www.houseofmeggs.com