ART IN THE STREETS

On April 14, The Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles held a press preview of its highly anticipated “Art In The Streets” exhibition. A tactfully curated examination into the development of street art and culture, the exhibit features installations from some of the most respected names in graffiti and street art and represents the first major survey of its kind in the US.
In addition to globally recognized names like Banksy, Lee Quinones, Futura, Os Gemeos, Fab 5 Freddy, Swoon, Shepard Fairey and JR, the show examines the role Los Angeles artists have played in the development of street art and graffiti. Local legends like Craig R. Stecyk III, Chaz Bojórquez, Mister Cartoon, Robbie Conal, RETNA, SABER, REVOK, and RISK all have featured work.
Several curated sub shows within “Art In The Streets” give historical context and insight into the development of street art including a section devoted to New York’s Fun Gallery featuring works from Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquait, a space devoted to the film, “Wild Style,” a memorial presentation of Battle Station from artist RAMMELLZEE, and a lifelike re-creation of an urban street scene by Todd James, Barry McGee, and Steve Powers.
Filmmakers and photographers credited with documenting the movement are also celebrated including names like Terry Richardson, Spike Jonze, Martha Cooper, Steve Grody, Gusmano Cesaretti, Estevan Oriol, Henry Chalfant, James Prigoff, Ed Templeton and Larry Clark.
The exhibition also ties in skateboarding and its contributions and relevance to the development of street art with a skatable art area designed to reflect the unique contours of the urban landscape.
“Art In The Streets” is open to the public April 17 through August 8 at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.