Nice has scored a preview of artwork from this Fridays Suit Up show at No Vacancy Gallery.

Simon Childerhous
Kid Reka

Sheldon Vella

Suit Up is an ambitious group show organised by Melbourne alternative thought network (Bucket o Thought) mastermind Sean Kelly and Loungekat. The show consists of a deck of cards desiged by the holy high rollers of the Melbourne art scene.

Lunching this Friday at No Vacancy Gallery. Go to SuitUpShow.com for more details

After watching the styles of so many local (Melbourne) artists develop over time, the most striking thing i’ve noticed is that the core of the artwork stays the same throughout the artists development. The technical skills, the sophistication the detail develop, sometimes drastically, but there is always a common element at the center of the work.

By watching artists develop, through process of elimination this singular core becomes apparent. Something that critics observing an emerging artists should take into consideration, because while a new artists work may be sloppy and imperfect, biting large chunks from here and there, if the artist is serious and plans to dedicate their life to development, then in the earliest artwork becomes valuable as a key to understanding the core of the artist, and in light of their later work will take on new meaning.

Kano showed me some photos he took in the 80’s of artwork from Doze Greens first solo show. Details on exactly where and when the show was are sketchy, can’t find shit on it, this was way before the birth of the blog-o-spere.

But i think it serves as a good example compared with some of his later work which is probably amongst the most sophisticated and beautiful being produced in the “street” realm.

(click to enlarge)

Compare those with some of the artwork from his latest show, N.O.O.N at Johnathon Levine gallery, (thanks to Dante Ross’ Blog) you can see the common elements but also how they’ve evolved as his compositions, detail and use of color has developed and have been joined by new concepts. Dope stuff, enjoy.

(click to enlarge)

28mm Women, is a massive community project and art installation by French artist JR, telling the story of women living in war torn regions of Africa. The project spans across Kenya, Sudan, Liberia and Sierra Leone, consisting of video, photography and massive installations. Check the website here for more information.

12PCS GorKers first show of the year, kicking off another year of faithful service to the Melbourne art scene. Despite the heat wave the collection sucked them in from far and wide, fueled by 50 something slabs of Grolsh. Drunken shenanigans ensued.

Highlights

TWO

MEGGS

EAMO

Mr Reka

Listen to Muddy Waters, drink heavily and above all and Ride Responsibly.

check  it out

A new limited edition print by prolific Melbourne artist Rone has gone up for sale on niceproduce.

2 colour screenprint, speedball ink screened onto dutch etching paper.
1/20 signed and numbered by Rone. $100AUS each, be fast. RIGHT HERE

WHILE YOU SLEEP
BY GHOSTPATROL & CAT RABBIT
19 FEBRUARY – 8 MARCH

Gorker Gallery is proud to present ‘While you Sleep’, a collaborative exhibition of artworks by
Cat-Rabbit and Ghostpatrol. This pair have worked together over the past 4 years combing their thoughts of drawing and sewing. While you Sleep presents a collection of recent soft sculptures by Cat Rabbit created from illustrations by Ghostpatrol and exhibited together in this unique and wonderful collection of hand made works.

www.catrabbit.com.au
www.ghostpatrol.net

Opening Night Thursday 19 February, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Show runs until Sunday 8 March
Ghostpatrol & Cat Rabbit will curate an artist talk on Saturday 21 February from 1:00pm
Gorker Gallery opening hours:
3pm – 7:00pm Wednesday – Friday
11am – 7:00pm Saturday & Sunday
Wine Tasting Wednesday 4 March 6:00pm – 7:00pm
(Brought to you by Austins wine)

At less than a year old, Gorker gallery is still in its infancy but has made some very impressive baby steps, specifically ones promoting the Australian art community that we know and love.

To ring in 2009 curator and nice produce artist Nate Trapnell and WoodenToys editor in chief Timba Smits have put together yet another mad collection of artists for 12PCS.

Including:
BEC WINNEL • EAMO • JAMES REKA • JUSTIN LEE WILLIAMS • NIOR • MEGGS • MEPHISTO JONES • MISO • NATE HOLMES TRAPNELL • MR. SHELDON • TIMBA & TWOONE

Master of the 1,000 can’s and prolific Japanese artists Two One has taken time from his busy schedule to produce a new exclusive limited edition Giclee Print for Nice Produce. 420mm X 268mm.

For more information check it out here.