Titi Freak "Vida Apaixonada"
Jonathan LeVine Gallery
This event has ended.
Jonathan LeVine Gallery presents Vida Apaixonada, a solo exhibition featuring new works by Hamilton Yokota, the Brazilian artist better known as Titi Freak. For Vida Apaixonada (which is Portuguese for: Passionate Life), Titi Freak has created a new collection of original mixed media paintings, drawings and collages on a variety of alternative surfaces and found objects. He has also begun a new series of hand-carved etchings. Expanding on his signature style—working on canvas, wood panel, fabric, sake packaging and other found materials—the artist uses screens, stencils, spray paint drips, and graphic brush strokes of varying line quality. These elements collectively result in layers of vibrant colors, rich in pattern and texture. The work will be incorporated into a site-specific installation, transforming the space into a completely cohesive environment.
Drawing influence from his Japanese heritage as well as his Brazilian upbringing, Titi Freak’s diverse mixture of cultural backgrounds combine to form a very distinct perspective, and unique creative voice. Often wearing street fashions and somber expressions, his figures appear alongside details inspired by the urban landscape such as electrical pole shadows and silhouettes of stray dogs. At times, his work uses imagery derived from Japanese wood block prints—traditional kimonos, cloud forms, sumo figures, and historical national symbols of Japan, such as the rising sun flag. Additional elements include highly stylized lettering, Japanese calligraphy, and Pichação (a form of graffiti writing specifically native to São Paulo, the artist’s home town).
Media
Schedule
from May 16, 2008 to June 14, 2008
Opening reception: May 17, 7-9pm