Meggs – Art / Aerosol / Design

This week saw the opening of the Kick’n'Canvas exhibition in East London:
http://www.kicksncanvas.co.uk/index.html

Kick’n'Canvas is a sneaker and art exhibition incorporating some dope street artists, illustrators & sculptors including the likes of Insa, Goldie, Lister and many others including my good self. Stoked to be a part of the show, even if admittedly painting sneakers isn’t my fortay, thanks to ZeroCool and SoleHeaven for putting on the event. Interview with the organisers here. Obviously I am in Melbourne, so couldn’t attend, but it was a great show by all reports. Heres some pics of the show/opening and video of the night:

Kicks N Canvas from Rohan Blair-Mangat on Vimeo.

I just came across this photo of a collaboration between myself and RONE done in early 2007.
Thought I’d post it up because its still one of my personal favs.
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In 2007 Australia’s Victorian State Government passed the ‘Graffiti Prevention Act’. This legislation extended the government’s zero tolerance approach to Graffiti and provided police new authority to search any person, vehicle or object they suspect to possess a Graffiti implement, within close proximity of public transport.
Ironically, this legislation was passed while Tourism Victoria was using Graffiti and street art to promote Melbourne Tourism on television and web advertisements. Melbourne’s laneway’s are a big drawcard for tourism and it is undeniable that the diverse artwork is part of the city’s broader cultural appeal.

Graffiti and street art will never disappear. Despite the State Government’s negativity, there are well documented social contributions and benefits provided by many artists, cultural tourism being one. Unfortunately these are only recognised when it is conveniently leveraged for commercial gain.

‘Crime & Charity’ depicts the frustration Megg’s feels in the face of this hypocrisy. The characters depicted in his artwork are hybrids of guilt and innocence, both frustrated and persecuted for being part of a culture that is simultaneously celebrated and condemned.
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‘Right to Remain Silent’
Mixed media on canvas, 48×48” (1200x1200mm), P. 05/2009

Commission for Jay Paavonpera, NYC.
450x450mm, Mixed media, 2008.

The much anticipated NoComply Melbourne opening went down with a bang, mega crowds and a killer selection of art. This years was particularly impressive with how far some artists pushed there boards, especially in sculptural directions. This event just gets bigger and better and with plans to go International for 2009-10 it should be huge!

The exhibition runs until the 23rd of Nov in Melbourne, so go check it out if you haven’t already. www.nocomply.com.au

Heres some pics of the opening, for more check out: The NiceProduce Flickr.
And the Nice Blog here.
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A selection of works that feature in my ‘Own Worst Enemy’ solo exhibition.
The complete collection of artwork and details can be viewed here on my flickr.

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My second solo exhibition ‘Own Worst Enemy…’ opens on the 25th September at Dont Come Gallery in Melbourne. Sponsored by Stussy it features all new paintings and screen prints alongside some 3D installation elements. Hope you can make it down, all details on flyer below.
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I have a feature in the latest ‘Aussie Issue’ of Empty Magazine, alongside some dope Aussie talent such as Ben Frost, Ha-Ha and Lister plus many more. Check it out.
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I donated a painted snowboard for the Sidewayz Exhibition in Sydney.
Artwork was donated and auctioned to raise money for the CHILL program, details here.

The exhibition opened on Wed 20 August to a killer crowd of 500+ people at Sydneys MTV Gallery and featured a massive line-up of artists. Thanks to Burton, Balmoral Boards and [weAREtheIMAGEmakers]. My board was auctioned live on the night, below are pics of the event and my snowboard.