If you read this blog consistently then you know I have some talented friends and visual artist Jason Griffin is one of them. He is having an artshow and the opening reception is this Thursday in Manhattan. Click here for pics from last years show. If you are awesome, you want to be here this year. Check out the press info below.
80′s babies
The raging 80’s- a time of sex, white lines and financial excess, gave way to a generation of twentysomethings worlds away from their baby boomer parents. With a title seemingly cribbed from a John Hughes’ film, “Getting to Know Someone: 80’s Babies” explores the intersection of self and city in a generation freshly bereft of their cultural icons.
80’s Babies continues Jason’s dialog with the 1980’s generation. “These works are elaborate profiles of the subject and the city in which they live,” states gallerist David Kesting, “With the incorporation of found materials, Griffin’s paintings capture the relationship between the city, the viewer and his subjects.”
This installation-heavy exhibition, a collection of figurative paintings and illustrations with strong influence from photography methods, marks the second solo endeavor by Griffin. “For me it represents a passion for people, collaborating with them to discover their story,“ Jason explains. “In this collection I am trying to discover the sitter’s narrative, the life they lead and where they lead it. It’s much more personal than any portrait.”
Personal narratives are a recurring theme in Griffin’s work. His recently celebrated book release “My Name is Jason : Mine Too” combines Griffin’s work with poet Jason Reynolds’ words, documenting their creative coming of age in New York City. The monograph released through HarperCollins publishing has received critical acclaim and has sold several thousand copies with write ups in the Washington Post and numerous other publications.
Jason Douglas Griffin’s sophomore solo exhibit “Getting to Know Someone : 80’s Babies” opens to the public with a reception for the artist at Leo Kesting Gallery on Thursday, October 8th from 7:00 until 10:00 pm.
Leo Kesting Gallery Presents:
Jason Douglas Griffin – Getting to Know Someone : 80’s Babies
October 8 – November 8, 2008
Opening Night Reception: Thurs Oct 8th from 7 – 10pm
812 Washington St (at Gansevoort) NY, NY 10014
8th Ave A, C, E and L train Stop or 1,2,3 to 14th St
Tue – Sat from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm Sun 1– 6pm
Admission is free to the public phone: 917-650-3760 / 917-292-8865
http://www.leokesting.com