We are SOO excited to be apart of the second installment of the Grind 2.0
Last year was such an overwhelming turnout we can only hope to raise as much awareness again this year.

THE GRIND 2.0
OPENING RECEPTION: OCTOBER 10.2008 7PM-11PM

“The Grind 2.0″ is a collection of contemporary art created on skateboards by a list of nationally recognized artists. The entire exhibit will be auctioned for charity. All proceeds from the auction will benefit construction of The Swift-Cantrell public skate park. The silent auction will take place at the opening reception. All bids must be received by 11PM on October 10, 2008. On-Line bidding is NOW OPEN - Please visit our website for more info.

The Swift-Cantrell public skate park is being built in Kennesaw, GA. The park will be included in the Swift- Cantrell mixed recreational use park now under construction just outside of downtown Kennesaw. The planned 35,000 sq. ft. concrete skate park will include street and transition skating areas and will be designed and built by one of the top skate park designers in the country. Costing an estimated $1,200,000 the park will be the first and only public skate park in the area.

Featured artists: Dave Kinsey, David Ellis, Aiko Nakagawa, Tessar Lo, DOSA, Ashley Montague, Steve Caballero, Amy Sol, Dan May, Scott Musgrove, Greg Lamarche, Jason Thielke, John Malloy, Joey Remmers, D*Face, Mear One, Billy Mode, Chris Stain, Joshua Krause, Marion Bolognesi, Steven Daily, Nathan Spoor, Joshua Ellingson, Dan Witz, Revise, Chris Ryniak, Jason Limon, COPE2, Tara McPherson, Steven Lopez, John Hinkenmeyer, Buff Monster, David Hale, Nate Van Dyke, Nic Klein, David Choong Lee, Jef Aerosol, Dan Brereton, Rene Arriagada, Kris Marchovich, Kenji Hirata, Morning Breath, Charlie Owens and MANY MORE…

Come expecting to hear, dance to, and see some really cool shit all night… DJ Jay Envy’s got a mix of hip-hop, deep house, dubstep, industrial, & some other shit that just cannot be categorized. It ain’t about posting up here it’s about getting on the floor. If your looking for lights, fog, sounds, video, photography,underground house, subterranean, industrial, & electro you’ll find it here…..

EVERYONE FREE UNTIL 11PM
91 Broad Street near GSU+ 5 Points+ Underground

GET OUT THA HOUSE!!!

FOR MORE INFO CHECK OUT +FRESH. i. AM+

MAP

CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER

Make it out to Atlanta Contemporary Art’s Center this Thursday evening, and hear Dosa Kim’s presentation about his work as well as the current Atlanta art scene. He will be speaking along with four other influential artists across the U.S. Speech starts at 7pm so don’t be late!

the contemporary

NOW PROJECT

Atlanta Artist Dosa Kim recently contributed to the Now Project featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The project entailed the use of steel 3d block letters spelling out the word NOW. Dosa and his team, Staccato 17 laid out the artwork and prepared the letters for children from various schools to paint them. These letters will be on display at the High Museum later on this month. Be sure to stop by the High to check them out.

KISS ATLANTA ICE CREAM TRUCK


This week look out for the Bodega Nights Ice Cream Truck designed by Dosa for Kissatlanta.com. The truck has already become a big hit with late night party-goers, and has made appearances at MJQ, and Graveyard Tavern. This truck will be really hard to miss with its mix-tape themed wrap and cool color pallets! Look out for it!

kissatlanta

PASTE MAGAZINE

Check the new issue of Paste Magazine showcasing an interview with Dosa and fellow Atlanta artist Michi. The interview features their collaboration on the Br’er exhibition held at Beep Beep gallery in February. The show was based the controversial children’s novel Br’er Rabbit, and racial issues deeply rooted in southern history. Don’t miss it.

pastemagazine

also check out his website to his new work DOSAKIM.COM

I would have checked out Reka Nyari’s 2nd Solo exhibition this year @ Mansion…

The show has gotten a lot of press–Including the attention of ABC News!
Check out Truth Through Action’s website to support the cause & to see more of Reka’s photography. Amoura
Photo By: Reka Nyari

Forward Arts Foundation
Emerging Artist Award 2007-2008

Finalists: TindelMichi

Opening Reception:
Thursday, June 19 6 to 8pm
Swan Coach House Gallery

DATE: June 19th - July 26th
TIME: 6-8pm (gallery hours tue-sat 10-4)
LOCATION: The Swan Coach House, 3130 Slaton Drive, Atlanta, GA

THIS THURSDAY NIGHT

DOUBLE FEATURE @ THE BEEP BEEP GALLERY

POP-ART @ HALO

BACK AGAIN!!

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to interview New York fashion photographer Reka Nyari. Not only does her photography inspire me, but she is so down-to-earth & personable! I also attended her solo exhibition @ Mansion in Manhattan a week ago, and let me tell you the place was packed and I had a lot of fun! It was cool to see her amazing works up close & personal:) She is now selling limited edition prints from the show on her website… go get one!
Reka Nyari Interview

You moved to New York to pursue a degree in Fine Arts… How did you get your start in photography?
I started with photography initially as a by-product to Fine Arts… I was creating huge hyper-realistic, sexual paintings, and began taking photographs as a reference. At one point, I began wondering why I wasn’t just satisfied with the photograph but wanted to paint it… it just seemed too easy!
I really started off taking photos after coming back from traveling as a model for 3 years, and not having space for a studio in NYC… I also started an insane Nightlife job that inspired me to start a dark self-portrait project which led to my first exhibition as well as commissioned jobs.



Do you still find pleasure in painting?

I still love painting, but have had recently no time or space for my usual ambitious projects. Back in the day I used to have a huge, cheap studio far in Queens, ever since I’ve compromised location for space.
I do feel that photography satisfies my artistic urges on all levels… and it’s very close to painting for me, although a lot cleaner!



I want to ask about your Late Night Sessions project… what initially inspired you to photograph yourself?
My Late Night Sessions were much broken-heart and night-life induced… My life had become about indulgences and partying, and even though I had planned to art on the side, I hadn’t produced anything for months. It was just crazy good times, socializing, and traveling. I came home one morning, saw something interesting and raw in the mirror and started shooting myself… I took it on from there, shooting myself almost every night, both being very real and role-playing as well. I was not planning on showcasing the images; they were very private and almost therapy-like.


There has been recent criticism over photographers who document themselves—though photographers have depicted themselves since the late 1800s. In modern times critics have said that these artists are self-absorbed and vain. Do you feel that self documentation is narcissistic or a form of self promotion? Do you think female photographers are more censured?
Self Documentary is narcissistic, but so is every form of art… As artists/photographers we feel that what we have to say is important or special enough should be shared or viewed in a gallery.
For me, self portraits have much less to do with my image than the emotion or a message I’m pushing through… In my last exhibition many viewers did not realize the women in my prints were me, and I was quite happy with the fact. I had a man come and criticize my choice of models, while another one told me I’d be much better shooting myself than the girl in print #3. I had a buyer of my self portrait confess that he was obsessed with the image of the woman on his bedroom wall, and begged for me to reveal her identity. I thought this all very satisfying.
I don’t feel female photographers are more censured.
You capture such a raw emotion in your subjects… how do get them to reveal that inner emotion?
I consider making my subjects very comfortable an essential part of photography. Anyone can be made comfortable in front of a camera, no matter how tense or awkward they feel. It’s actually a challenge that I enjoy… and I totally adore the interaction with most of my subjects.
I also think that as a female photographer I have a special advantage of making my models feel very comfortable. My shoots always tend to be much fun and very relaxed.

I especially love your series inspired by the movie Blade Runner… How did you come to this concept? How was it working with Caridee from America’s next Top Model?
Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies of all time…. I’ve wanted to do a related shoot as long as I remember. Movies actually inspire me a lot… I just shot an “American Psycho” inspired sexy/bloody story a few weeks ago.
Caridee was fun… We goofed around a lot. I had her doing headstands and splits next to bloody waste and garbage in the Meatpacking District.

Do you carry your camera everywhere you go?
Yes I do… always! Can’t bring the real deal along everywhere though… but I have my tiny point-and-shoot in my bag or pocket at all times.
What is it about New York that makes you stay? Think you’ll ever leave?
I love New York! I’ve lived here almost 12 years now. It’s my city; I think I will always keep coming back.

Lastly, what part of the photographic process do you most enjoy?
Hard to say… I’ve had so many jobs, and finally found something which I truly love.
Amoura W.

Works by Cooper Sanchez May 2nd @ Function Event Space 508 E Howard Ave. in Downtown Decatur.
See you there!

If you missed the show on April 4th at the City of Ink, here’s some pics from the show! Even though it was raining like crazy we all had a great time. Photos by Amoura W. Photography.