“Art In The Streets” at MOCA

Posted by The G on May 31, 2011 under Artsy Fartsy, Street Art | Be the First to Comment

Photos by G.  Various Artists.

Prior to the opening of the “Art In The Streets” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, there was a lot of controversy surrounding the exhibit.  MOCA’s Jeffrey Deitch ordered the removal of a mural he sanctioned, the final list of included artists was missing many legends in street art and many artists were getting busted by police.  I had mixed feelings going into the exhibit but from the second I set foot until the moment I left, all I can say is that if you are a fan of street art or graffiti, you cannot even think about missing this exhibit.

First off, the “Art In The Streets” exhibit is enormous!  There are approximately 65 sections featuring different periods and artists in this urban movement and each portion is more amazing than the one before it.  Alleyways and the influential New York art space Fun Gallery have been recreated, large scale murals are featured everywhere, and there are photos, paintings, sculptures and films throughout the exhibit.  This is in fact one of the rare instances where the catalog of the show is worth getting.  Ironic, since they allow photography (without the use of flash) inside the museum.  Typically, museums will not allow photos so that you will buy the book, but I will certainly mention this exhibit the next time I enter a museum and they try and stop me from taking pictures.

Some of the artists that are prominently featured are Rammellzee, Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring, Banksy, Jamie Reid, Crash, Futura, Lady Pink, Fab 5 Freddy, Martha Cooper, Henry Chalfant, Lee Quinones, Roa, Eine, Craig Stecyk III, Gusmano Cesaretti, Retna, Chaz Bojorquez, Invader, Shepard Fairey, Swoon, Ed Templeton, Kaws, Larry Clark, Craig Costello, Terry Richardson, Mark Gonzales, Cheryl Dunn, Neckface, Freedom, Andre, Os Gemeos, Mister Cartoon, Saber, Revok, JR and so many more!  You will definitely need several hours to attempt to take it all in.

 ”Art In The Streets” is on display until August 8, 2011 at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Downtown Los Angeles and you should not miss it under any circumstance!