The Newport Street Gallery in London is currently hosting "Triple Trouble: Fairey, Hirst, Invader," an exhibition showcasing collaborative works by Shepard Fairey, Damien Hirst, and Invader. This show brings together three prominent artists from different spheres of the art world. The exhibition features a range of pieces resulting from their combined artistic approaches, generating significant discussion among critics and the public.
Key Takeaways
- "Triple Trouble" exhibition is at Newport Street Gallery, London, until March 29.
- It features collaborations between Damien Hirst, Shepard Fairey, and Invader.
- Works include Hirst's dots and cabinets combined with Invader's ceramic aliens and Fairey's poster art.
- The exhibition aims to blend street art aesthetics with contemporary art forms.
- Critical reception has been mixed, with some observers noting a lack of synergy.
Artists Combine Their Distinctive Styles
The exhibition represents a unique convergence of styles. Damien Hirst, known for his controversial YBA (Young British Artists) movement works, contributes his signature spot paintings and medical cabinets. Shepard Fairey, a street artist famous for his 'Obey' campaign and iconic poster art, brings his graphic design elements. Invader, an anonymous French artist, integrates his pixelated mosaic art, often seen in urban environments.
According to the gallery, the show explores how these diverse artistic identities can merge. The goal is to create a new visual language. This approach challenges traditional notions of individual artistic authorship.
Collaborative Pieces on Display
A significant portion of the exhibition consists of direct collaborations. These pieces blend elements from each artist. For instance, Hirst's familiar dot patterns appear alongside Fairey's stylized imagery. Invader's small ceramic aliens are incorporated into various installations. This fusion attempts to create a dialogue between street art and gallery art.
One notable work features Fairey's 'Obey' logo overlaid onto Hirst's spin and flower paintings. Another installation includes a large Hirst formaldehyde case containing one of Invader's alien figures submerged in blue fluid. This piece, in particular, has drawn attention for its dramatic presentation.
"The exhibition aims to push boundaries by combining these distinct artistic voices into a shared narrative," stated a representative close to the gallery's curatorial team.
Diverse Art Forms and Their Integration
The exhibition spans several large rooms, each filled with various works. Visitors can observe how different materials and techniques interact. Fairey's posterized imagery, typically seen on walls and billboards, is presented within a gallery context. Invader's mosaic work, usually found on city streets, is brought indoors. Hirst's sculptural and painterly elements provide a foundation for these integrations.
The scale of the exhibition is considerable, with numerous pieces occupying the gallery space. This allows for an immersive experience, inviting viewers to engage with the artists' combined output on a grand scale.
Exhibition Facts
- Damien Hirst's works often explore themes of death and beauty.
- Shepard Fairey gained international fame with his 'Hope' poster during the 2008 US presidential campaign.
- Invader's mosaic art is inspired by 1970s arcade games, particularly Space Invaders.
- The Newport Street Gallery is owned by Damien Hirst and showcases his personal art collection.
Key Themes and Imagery
Recurring motifs are evident throughout the exhibition. The 'Obey' logo from Fairey is a consistent presence, appearing on pills within medical cabinets or layered over Hirst's canvases. Invader's pixelated aliens are frequently seen, sometimes encrusted with diamanté, sometimes submerged in liquid. The show also includes grim butterfly paintings, a common element in Hirst's work, now paired with Fairey's propaganda-style female figures.
Portraits, such as 8-bit pixelated representations of figures like Lou Reed and Sid Vicious, also feature. Another large-scale piece is a triple portrait possibly depicting Malala Yousafzai and Miley Cyrus, adorned with scalpel blades. This variety in imagery reflects the individual interests of the three artists while attempting to create a cohesive vision.
Background on the Artists
Damien Hirst: A leading figure of the Young British Artists (YBAs), Hirst is known for his controversial works involving dead animals and pharmaceutical iconography. His art often critiques consumerism and explores mortality.
Shepard Fairey: An American contemporary artist, graphic designer, and activist. He emerged from the skateboarding scene and became widely known for his 'Obey Giant' street art campaign. His work often contains political and social commentary.
Invader: A French urban artist who installs mosaic art, typically made of ceramic tiles, in public spaces around the world. His pixelated designs are inspired by early arcade video games, and his work is often documented and cataloged.
The Role of Context and Presentation
The exhibition raises questions about how art functions in different settings. Invader's work, originally designed for public streets, is presented within a formal gallery. This shift in context can alter the perception and impact of the art. Similarly, Fairey's graphic designs, often seen on posters or clothing, are now framed as fine art pieces.
For Hirst, whose work is already established in galleries, the collaboration introduces new elements. The curation, managed by Hirst's son, Connor, plays a role in shaping the viewer's experience. The vastness of the space allows for large-scale installations, creating a specific atmosphere for the collaborative effort.
Commercial Aspects and Public Perception
The artists involved are highly successful commercially. Their works command significant prices in the art market. This exhibition, with its extensive collection of new collaborative pieces, is positioned to appeal to collectors. The combination of three popular artists creates a strong market presence.
Public reception to such collaborations can vary widely. Some viewers appreciate the experimental nature of combining different styles. Others may find the juxtaposition of elements to be less harmonious. The exhibition provides a platform for these discussions.
Exhibition Details and Visiting Information
"Triple Trouble: Fairey, Hirst, Invader" is on view at the Newport Street Gallery in London. The exhibition will continue until March 29. Visitors can explore the multiple rooms filled with these unique collaborative artworks. The gallery is located in Vauxhall, a district known for its growing art scene.
This exhibition offers an opportunity to see how three globally recognized artists interpret each other's work. It presents a large collection of pieces that challenge conventional artistic boundaries and showcase a blend of street art, contemporary art, and graphic design.