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| Rotocast and hand painted |
Inner State Gallery Presents Spoiled Rotten By David “MEGGS” Hooke
An Entirely New Body Of Work From The Prolific Australian Artist
- To Join The Advanced Collector Preview Email jesse@Innerstategallery.com -
Opening to the public Friday, September 19th from 6-10pm, Inner State Gallery is proud to welcome Australian artist David “MEGGS” Hooke for his solo exhibition Spoiled Rotten. The exhibition of over 40 new paintings and multiples explores the wondrous decay of social morality stemming from modern society’s obsession with pop culture and overindulgent materialism, and continues MEGGS’ perpetual fascination with dualism and finding beauty in tragedy.
The city of Detroit plays a major influence in MEGGS’ philosophy behind Spoiled Rotten, as he created an entirely new body of work during his five-week residency at Inner State Gallery and 1xRUN. The exhibition highlights Detroit as an inspirational juxtaposition of a spoiled past and its position as a new canvas for growth and rebirth. MEGGS’ use of deteriorating signage and locally sourced materials from the city’s abandoned and forgotten places emphasizes the revival of social pillars such as community and the idea that destruction and decay breed new beginnings.
The genesis of Spoiled Rotten lies in MEGGS’ painting entitled ‘Life’s Ups and Downs,’ which features a split image of the inflated iconic yellow happy face balloon juxtaposed with its discarded, decaying, and deflated other half.
“This concept started when I saw a deflated happy face balloon, which is an image I’ve been obsessed with lately. The ‘happy’ balloon is a classic icon that depicts playfulness, optimism, and the idea of, “Have a nice day!” Yet, the balloon is also a very disposable item and has a limited life span. It deflates. I think this is something that people can identify with and it ties into that idea of duality in Detroit,” Meggs said.
The exhibition also marks the debut of a new sculptural collaboration between MEGGS and artist Rafael Batista of Brooklyn, New York. Batista, who hand-sculpted each piece, gives new life to MEGGS’ happy face balloon images, taking them from canvas to 3D collectors’ items.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, MEGGS has proven to be one of the most progressive street and fine artists with countless murals and gallery shows worldwide. MEGGS’ massive large scale murals throughout the globe have made him a must see artist at mural festivals like POW! WOW!, Forest For The Trees, and Sea Walls. Taking this same tireless work ethic to fine art gallery shows with creative and immersive installations at California’s White Walls and Thinkspace galleries, MEGGS’ Spoiled Rotten will be sure to impress.
Please join them from 6-10pm on September 19th for an artist welcoming reception and opening night celebration.
Inner State Gallery
1410 Gratiot Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48207
313-744-6505
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