Subvertisements and POPaganda

Just because. I like the words. They come from the press release describing Ron English's pieces in the exhibition - Don't Do That! - at Elms Lesters Painting Rooms in London.

MAY 4th - 26th 2007
The exhibition features six international contemporary urban artists.
DELTA RON ENGLISH ANDREW McATTEE DALEK STASH MARK DEAN VECA

Urban artists? Are they saying that this show provides for a transition [+ legitimization /validation/ commercialization] of these artists' work from street to gallery? Hardly. They all seem to be pretty much well established and largely celebrated already. So perhaps their "work" is already done.

"RON ENGLISH has pirated over one thousand billboards over the last twenty years, replacing existing advertisements with his own hand-painted "subvertisements." He revels in taking on the establishment, tearing down corporate icons, and unravelling social constructs. His works on canvas contain an equally biting commentary whilst being flawlessly painted in a hyper-real style.

"The film "POPaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English" features ENGLISH as one of the leading figures of the international agitprop movement of artists who paint over billboards and create other art that takes aim at the emptiness of modern culture.

And, then there are pieces by Mark Dean Vega.

"Veca's paintings installations and drawings resemble surreal cartoons and landsapes with inspiration as diverse as 18th century Toile de Jouy fabrics, Mad Magazine, Robert Crumb and the Furry Freak brothers, with popular icons his subject matter.

Still wish I could see it.