street art, craola, and kmndz

Got to check out a bunch of art on Saturday : )  Was able to see Yosuke Ueno's show the last day it was up at Thinkspace.  Then while heading over to the opening for Greg "Craola" Simkins and Johnny "KMNDZ" Rodriguez at Merry Karnowsky Gallery we just happened to stumble across some artwork by Herakut (my favorites) and Dabs Myla on some random buildings...

Herakut piece

Dabs Myla piece

I had an awesome time at the opening and have found a new appreciation for both Craola and KMNDZ.  The detail work and what they both do with acrylic paint is amazing.  I love how Craola can merge several animals, upholstery, and fine china, and make it look perfectly natural together.  I really like the whole "Cloud Theory" theme he had going on for this show too.

KMNDZ's reappearing rosary beads seem to pop off the canvas and his knack for illustrating all types of metal surfaces is nuts.  Definitely worth checking out in person if you get a chance...pictures and websites don't do either of these guys justice.  Both of the exhibits run through May 19th.

Johnny Rodriguez - Nothing Comes From Nothing

Johnny Rodriguez - detail from Sucker Free

Here's a video of Greg Simkins working on one of the pieces in the show (click here if the video doesn't show in your browser).  


Stuck Outside from Greg Simkins on Vimeo.

~ eye should head out to these openings more often...they're definitely inspiring and motivating.