AUSTIN, Texas (November 7 - December 31, 2020) -- On November 7, West Chelsea Contemporary welcomes the public to its newly renovated space with the exhibit “Concrete to Canvas” featuring the biggest names in street art. The show is epic in scope, visceral in feel, and articulates a movement that continues to be hugely important to art history (with artists whose markets are only appreciating in value). With almost 8,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, Concrete to Canvas is a celebration of graffiti, street art, and the artists born of these movements. The exhibition is a rare opportunity to see and collect internationally recognized artists. The show includes an original painting by Banksy and a Basquiat print, two art legends whose work have never been shown in Austin. Concrete to Canvas runs from November 7 to December 31 at West Chelsea Contemporary (located in the heart of downtown Austin at 1009 W 6th St) and is open to all at no charge. A city known for its murals (think Daniel Johnston’s ‘hi, how are you?’, SoCo’s ‘i love you so much’ or the city’s largest, newest wall by Shepard Fairey), Austin is an ideal setting to showcase this significant collection -- one that’s relevant and representative of today’s cultural undercurrents and social landscape.
Concrete to Canvas features artists who successfully made the transition from walls and subways to studio work, including: Banksy, Basquiat, Mr. Brainwash, Henry Chalfant, Cey Adams, CRASH, DABSMYLA, Shepard Fairey, Futura, Richard Hambleton, Keith Haring, JonOne, JR, KAWS, Kobra, Kool Koor, Steve Lazarides, Daniel Maltzman, Barry McGee, Eric Orr, José Parlá, Cleon Peterson, Ricky Powell, Rammellzee, Blek Le Rat, RETNA, Risk, Kenny Scharf, Schoony, Seen, Stik, Swoon, and Vhils. Pricing is available upon request.
Graffiti, once considered an inferior art form (albeit still illegal), has run seemingly counter to today’s international art market. However, some of the biggest art stars in today’s market started their career creating on the street. Artists like Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Banksy, KAWS and Jean-Michel Basquiat, all current auction house darlings, are household names whose practice has transitioned from sides of buildings to studios. They, like many street artists, work across a range of techniques -- embracing everything from traditional media such as painting and print to exploring new mediums like vinyl toys.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors will discover the WCC Gift Shop featuring items for the art enthusiast and art collector alike. The store makes art accessible to all -- complete with KAWS companions, Keith Haring Bearbricks, and Kusama pumpkins, as well as art books covering Alex Katz, Takashi Murakami, and more. Smaller art tokens such as magnets, toys, mugs, and tea towels highlight artists ranging from David Shrigley to the Guerilla Girls.
Gallery hours are Monday - Thursday from 10-6, late on Fridays from 10-8, Saturdays from 10-6, and Sundays from 12-6. In order to maintain a safe experience for all, visitors can expect required face coverings at all times in the space, reminders for social distancing, routine cleanings of the entire gallery, and close monitoring of entrances and exits.
For more information on West Chelsea Contemporary and the opening Concrete to Canvas show, please visit wcc.art/ and follow the gallery on Instagram @wcc.art and Facebook @wcc.gallery.
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ABOUT WEST CHELSEA CONTEMPORARY:
Founded in Austin in 2002, West Chelsea Contemporary (formerly Russell Collection) offers works by names such as Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, Damien Hirst, KAWS, Hunt Slonem, Takashi Murakami, and Yayoi Kusama. Representing emerging and mid-career artists working in a range of mediums, the gallery’s program focuses on the 20th and 21st century, with a particular interest in Modern, Pop, Contemporary, and Street Art. In addition to Blue-Chip names West Chelsea Contemporary represents a selection of regional artists including Hayley Mitchell, Gil Bruvel, Cody Hooper, and Ash Almonte.
Today the gallery maintains an exhibition space totaling more than 7,800 square feet, with two satellite locations and a pop-up @ Domain Northside. WCC offers services including art consulting, delivery & installation, and custom framing. For more information on West Chelsea Contemporary and its upcoming exhibits, please visit wcc.art/ or find the gallery on Instagram @wcc.art and Facebook @wcc.gallery.
