DOZE GREEN ~ ZEN AND NOW
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.
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)
