New Series ‘Kingdom’ By Bisco Smith

1xRUN Thru Interview
Kingdom by Bisco Smith

1xRun: Tell us a little bit about this collection…
Bisco Smith: These started without any specific intent, just making work, then a show came up along with the opportunity to release something new on 1xRUN. I thought it would be fresh to show the full hand painted versions in the gallery and make a very limited set of hand made transfer edition pieces to roll out at the same time.

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1xRun: Was this image part of a recent show that you had?
Bisco Smith: They are part of an upcoming show opening Saturday September 27th called Systematic, it’s a group show based on concepts built around systems. These pieces were created in response to a lot of what happening in America today. Basically a comment on our loss of freedom and liberties. The eagles represent our liberties and they are flying away from the chaos in the kingdom. I read something that resonated with me and fits these well “Nations roar, kingdoms crumble.” America is in a strange space. Our police are militarized, government is run by corporate interest, politicians are no longer for the people.

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1xRun: What materials were used for this collection?
Bisco Smith: Hand build cradled wood panels, acrylic, latex, camera, computer, toner transfer and spray paint.

1xRun: When was this collection created?​
Bisco Smith: Everything was made in the last few weeks.

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1xRun: Anything immediate you would like us to highlight?
Bisco Smith: September 27th is the opening of Systematic in Venice, California. If you are on the west side of things come through. The group works are really fresh and the space is new and filled with art studios and good peoples.

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1xRun: Tell us how the idea and execution came about…
Bisco Smith: The Michael Brown and Ferguson energy were really prevalent at the time and I just couldn’t help thinking while watching the militarized police and the citizens clash how much of our liberties have been lost. I think these just kinda rolled out of me while in that space.

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1xRun: How long did the piece take?​
Bisco Smith: All in all about a month to complete the much bigger originals, editions, and cans.

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1xRun: What is unique about this series?
Bisco Smith: I think the mixed media I am using is not seen everyday, the solid transfer, paint, and spray paint mix is clean but loose at the same time. I also think although there is a lot of heavy energy in the concept they feel light, as if the eagles flight is change and better things are coming.

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1xRun: It’s been a bit since we talked last, bring us up to speed on what you’ve been up to since your last release?
Bisco Smith: Since the last I have been pretty busy showing work, and just making new works, with some time to explore as well. I think I did Miami, NY, and now LA in the past few months. Things have been good..

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1xRun: Any public installations, murals etc. that you did recently that you’d like to highlight?
Bisco Smith: I was just in an installation show in New York at Gallery Nine 5 with some really great artists that I respect a ton so that was cool to be in their company.

1xRun: As the fall is coming up any new exhibitions or events that you’d like to share?​
Bisco Smith:  Sept 27th Systematic opens at WNDO space in Venice CA and the hand painted originals plus some more pieces from this series will be on display. Then its back east for a bit to paint some walls and get that good New York energy.

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1xRun: Where can we find you?
Bisco Smith: WebsiteInstagram @biscosmith

-1xRUN