Museum of Graffiti proudly announces its 5th-anniversary exhibition, featuring the pioneering work of OG Slick, an artist whose influence on graffiti, street culture, and contemporary art has reverberated globally for over three decades. Debuting during Art Basel Miami Beach, the exhibition runs from December 4, 2024, to February 2, 2025, with a public first look at 12PM on December 4, 2024.
The event promises to be one of the highlights of the Art Basel calendar, with OG Slick’s provocative body of work, culinary F&B pairings courtesy of CookUnity and Paso D’Oro, and Modelo, and musical performances curated by Rolling Loud.
OG Slick’s work encapsulates a deep understanding of the visual and cultural tensions between the underground and mainstream. This specific show really begs big questions about happiness in the modern era by remixing traditionally “happy” markings such as Mickey Mouse’s hands, the three little pigs, or the classic yellow happy face first introduced in 1963. His art embodies a unique, cunning aesthetic that has fused street culture with commercial and fine art for more than 30 years, making him a seminal figure in both the graffiti world and the larger art narrative.
OG Slick’s art defies easy categorization, but always tends to explore themes of urban decay, pop culture, and excessive commercial commodification and consumption. His pieces—rooted in graffiti’s raw energy—are sophisticated commentaries on mass culture and society’s obsession with branding and consumption. This exhibition offers an in-depth examination of his thematic evolution and his ability to oscillate between the world of street art and the institutional confines of the gallery. Highlights include:
Sticker Collage Paintings: These works reference Slick’s roots in streetwear and graffiti, where stickers were once the most effective means of guerrilla marketing. In this series, Slick repurposes logos and brand identities, creating intricate compositions that highlight the tension between individuality and mass consumerism. His deft manipulation of color and form is not just an aesthetic triumph but also a statement on the commercialization of dissent.
Happy Face Series: This immersive, multi-media installation extends beyond the gallery walls, inviting viewers into an alternate reality defined by Slick’s signature happy face. The bright, playful aesthetic belies deeper commentary on societal expectations, rebellion, and the role of art in public spaces. This body of work merges visual languages by including paintings, sculptures, vinyl toys, and digital art.
As a special component of the anniversary celebration, the Museum of Graffiti will offer limited-edition prints, sculptures, and exclusive merchandise designed by OG Slick. These collector’s items encapsulate the spirit of Slick’s artistic journey and provide a tangible connection to his legacy.
In a fitting tribute to Slick’s roots in urban culture, Rolling Loud, the world’s largest hip-hop festival, will curate a live musical performance that complements the exhibition. This fusion of hip-hop and graffiti reinforces the Museum’s mission to celebrate the interconnectedness of street culture, art, and music, elevating both to a global platform.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, OG Slickmoved to Los Angeles in 1986 at the age of 19, swiftly establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the West Coast graffiti scene. His work reflects the duality of his cultural upbringing—melding American and Japanese pop culture into a satirical critique of mass culture. Over the years, he has collaborated with global brands like Adidas, Levi’s, Microsoft, and Mercedes-Benz, while his murals have become iconic, including the Big Smiling Aloha in Honolulu and Slick Hand Luke in Long Beach.
Slick’s career is a testament to his ability to navigate both the underground and commercial art worlds while maintaining the subversive edge that first earned him recognition. His work consistently challenges conventional boundaries and invites the viewer to question the commodification of rebellion.
“OG Slick has defined the essence of graffiti as both an art form and a cultural movement,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of Museum of Graffiti. “His ability to seamlessly blend high art with street culture has made him a seminal figure in the history of graffiti. As we celebrate five years of the Museum of Graffiti, it feels only fitting to mark this milestone with an artist who has been a driving force in the evolution of street art as a legitimate and impactful form of contemporary expression.”
This exhibition isn’t just a celebration of one artist—it’s a broader commentary on the legitimization of graffiti within the art world. For decades, graffiti was dismissed as vandalism. Today, artists like OG Slick are not only recognized but celebrated, as their work enters museums, galleries, and international art fairs. The Museum of Graffiti’s 5th anniversary, highlighted by this exhibition, marks a significant turning point in the understanding and appreciation of street art’s role in the wider art historical narrative.
Source: Ameyawdebrah
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