SanArt

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art Presents Pretty Decorating, Bristol-based Artist Nick Walker’s First Solo Exhibition in the U.S. –
On View February 2 – 24, 2008

Pretty Decorating will feature Walker’s most intricate stencil paintings to date, all related to the satirical narrative of the English Vandal from his “Morning After” series. Walker presents some 30 new works in the exhibition, revealing the exploits of a character whose mission is world domination through artistic expression. Pretty Decorating will be on view February 2 through February 24, 2008, with an opening reception held on February 2, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. A custom-designed, 20-foot hot air balloon, the Vandal’s mode of transport, will be tethered outside the gallery and scheduled to launch over Hollywood air space as part of the exhibition.

Pretty Decorating follows the path of one man – the Vandal. Each painting represents the character’s endeavors to bring the dull architecture of the world’s largest cities back to life, animated with color – a more dramatic turn on the term ‘painting the town red’. The paintings reveal the Vandal’s chosen cities (including Bristol, Sydney, London, New York, and Los Angeles), his tools, and clues as to how he sets about achieving his ultimate goal, but never disclose his true identity. The series of works entitled ‘The Morning After’ illustrate the Vandal taking a moment to observe his achievements from the night before. “He is the quintessential Englishman,” states Walker, “observing something he shouldn’t have done, getting away with it – a good night’s reflective moment. Up close or at a distance, he’s scott free.” The Vandal is the archetypal practitioner of urban art, and an ironic symbol of the myth that now surrounds this worldwide phenomenon. The show will unfold like a story, each painting depicting another page in the narrative.

“I’ve put a lot of time into the work and have explored new ideas, so I’m looking forward to exhibiting the pieces,” said Walker. “A solo in LA has been on my mind for a few years now so it’s good to be showing a body of work about a character who epitomizes the street art culture.”

Walker has perfected his technique of combining intricate stencil images with his conventional freehand methods since his initial experimentations in 1992. The artist continues to evolve his style, which allows him to juxtapose almost photographic imagery with the rawness of a traditional graffiti aesthetic. “Stencils introduce an impact element to my work,” explains Walker. “They allow me to take an image from anywhere – dissect any part of life – and recreate it on any surface.”

Walker frequently includes elements of humor and irony in his work. “Painting is a form of escapism for me,” he states. “And if my work allows the spectator to do the same thing, then I’ve achieved more than I set out to do.”

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