Sub-Version

SUB - VERSION

2009-09-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sub-Version has moved to www.subversionmagazine.com

Supra x Palms Hotel

2009-07-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

Supra Sky Tops

2009-07-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

New Supra Release, Samantha Ronson's skytop colorway- sick sick sick!

Pedro Matos - Interview

2009-07-22T12:37:00.001-07:00

"Street Art is really powerful! It reaches hundreds of people everyday, and it interacts with the city and people in a way it's not possible in a gallery."

NeKelia: It is obvious that a lot of emotion goes into each of your paintings. Tell me about Pedro Matos as a person and how your personal life/upbringing/experiences influence your art.

Pedro Matos: I am 20 years old and I live in Lisbon, Portugal. Having a graffiti/skateboarding background and traveling a lot has definitely influenced how I live, see, think and paint. I am a pretty emotional person myself, so I guess that will just reflect upon my work no matter what. The emotions expressed on my paintings are my own.

NK: It’s amazing how much you’ve accomplished thus far in your life. Your website mentions your rapid headway in the art world. How did you go from Lisbon’s underground art scene to international gallery shows in such a brief time frame?

PM: Thank you! Actually, that happened both out of ambition and necessity. There weren't any galleries in Lisbon showing and representing the so called urban artists / low-brow / pop surrealism / whatever it is called. And I felt the need to go further and push myself and that's why I had to go international early on. Fortunately, Elisa from the Carmichael Gallery in LA liked my paintings and gave me the chance to show some pieces there. I didn't even have a clue about how to ship paintings overseas, but they got there in the end. She has been very kind and supportive. I had another show in London last April, which was cool because I could make it to the opening.

NK: I know you are a graffiti artist as well. How do you tie your graffiti passion into the beautiful works you create on paper and canvas?

PM: I don't do traditional graffiti these days that much and that has always been something I did with friends just for fun. I do take street-art more seriously though, and I try to put up good work. Having a graffiti background has given me the experience to go out and not get caught. Obviously those influences translate into my paintings, and I find it beautiful to juxtapose this graffiti/street look with something more classic, realistic, figurative and detailed.

NK: Which surface you prefer: the walls of the streets or the blank canvas?

PM: They both have unique features and I can't chose one to another (That's why I do both). Street Art is really powerful! It reaches hundreds of people everyday, and it interacts with the city and people in a way it's not possible in a gallery. Being ephemeral makes it a precious experience because you know it's not going to last forever.

On the other hand, painting a canvas on my studio allows me to go further and make higher quality paintings. It gets to people in different and unique ways and both mediums really compliment each other. It's also great the feeling that one might create something that might outlive him.

NK: Your website also mentions how you choose to depict the “downtrodden, unnoticed, and unappreciated” people in society. These words make your movement sound political. What message are you hoping to carry out via paints and pens?

PM: I see it more as a social message than political. For instance, I recently noticed this ambiguous situation in Lisbon. There are a lot of empty buildings in the heart of lisbon. They fill all the doors and windows with bricks and concrete so no one goes inside, and they have been like that for several years. And you see a lot of homeless people sleeping just outside these buildings in the cold and rain.. So, it just made perfect sense to me, to represent them, and paste them up on these same buildings. It's funny how people ask me "are you painting that to put it on the streets? that's such a waste.." and they don't ask how much of a bigger waste is the building where I am pasting up these people on.

NK: Do you remember the first drawing you ever did or the moment you recognized your talent?

PM: I do remember drawing as a kid. I did these drawings on math paper with all the squares, and I remember doing a lot of landscapes too. But that was abandoned for a few-years. The skateboarding lifestyle and people like Ed Templeton made the connection from skateboarding to art and I started painting when I was 16 or 17.

NK: Many of your pieces have a destroyed look to them. The dripping paint, fading colors, and eliminated backgrounds give your artwork an ambiguous, dream-like tone. Is this on purpose?

PM: It is in a certain way. It is my very particular way of seeing things when I wonder in the city. I find myself captured by the beauty of this homeless street musician the same way I am about this damaged, tagged and vandalized abandoned 18th century building.

NK: What is the meaning behind presenting an individual person in each piece?

PM: If I paint more than one person on the same piece, people will look for the connections and relations they have. And that's not what I have been interested in exploring so far. I might do it in the future, but for now, I rather portray someone's individuality, feelings, aesthetics, emotions, and so on, in a way they become more noticeable.

NK: Are the people in your paintings people you’ve actually encountered in life or do you paint what’s in your imagination?

PM: I draw / paint both from life and photos. Sometimes sketches from memory, but it's essential to have some sort of reference to have the light and expressions correct. Either way, they are based on real people and real lives.

NK: What other passions do you haveoutside of artistic expression?

PM: Life. My family, girlfriend, friends, music, skateboarding, yoga, cycling, travelling, movies .. and so on. It could all be an artistic expression though right?

NK: I noticed your art is for sale. How did it feel the first time you sold a piece of your work?

PM: The very first ones might have been symbolic sales to friends and family but when I had my first small show in Lisbon, while I was setting up the show I sold two pieces to the owners before the opening and that felt really good. Having people paying for something you create and wanting it that bad in their lives, it's amazing!

NK: You are a detailed artist when it comes to shadows and color choice and placement. How did you teach yourself such skilled techniques?

PM: Actually, I do not have a clue about what I am doing. I just try to do it, sometimes it works, some times it doesn't.

NK: Do you have a ritual or routine when it comes to your personal creative process?

PM: Loud music is mandatory.

NK: Where can the public go to purchase your artwork and/or find more information on your upcoming shows?

PM: There are some pieces available at the Carmichael Gallery in LA and at The Brick Lane Gallery in London. I will be having a solo show in Lisbon in November 2009.. www.pedromatos.org has everything on it.

NK: Upon viewing your work, it is hard to believe you are only 20 years old. What do you do in your spare time? What is in heavy rotation in your CD player or iPod?

PM: Thank you. I will be attending Fine Arts school this year.

Other than that, I try to balance my time between all the interests mentioned above and I try to do new things and go to new places as much as I can. My iPod plays a lot of different things. From Rusko, Crookers, Steed Lord.. to Pete Doherty, Nirvana, Edith Piaf, Beethoven, Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Velvet Underground, Doors, Notorious B.I.G.. just to name a few.

Mark Jenkins @ FAME Festival

2009-07-21T05:26:00.001-07:00

Dave Kinsey - New Release

2009-07-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Dave Kinsey's ceramic limited edition. 220€

banksy in africa ?

2009-07-17T15:48:00.001-07:00

Banksy ? It's a great piece either way..

vans chucka low

2009-07-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Zevz Arrested

2009-07-16T03:00:00.001-07:00

French Street Artist Zevz got arrest after doing this liquidated logo at Channel. His show opens today though..

EINE @ Carmichael Gallery

2009-07-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos from "The A - Z of Change", a solo show from the london based street artist EINE. More info at www.carmichaelgallery.com

Anthony Lister up in Syndey

2009-07-11T05:11:00.000-07:00

Going Vertical

2009-07-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

“Two brothers in Rio are living over the edge — literally: sleeping, working and eating on the side of a building 33 feet (10 meters) up in the air,” reports Associated Press. “Twenty-seven-year-old Tiago Primo and his 20-year-old brother Gabriel spend 12 hours a day in the bed, hammock, chair and dining table they've attached to a bright red-and-yellow wall as part of an art exhibit in Rio's old center.”

“The brothers are equipped with mountain climbing gear, and if nature calls, can scramble over to the verandah of a neighboring art gallery, where an indoor bathroom awaits.

æThe brothers have been hanging out wall-side since the end of May. They plan to continue the display until Aug. 20." - Juxtapoz

Cool hun?

Pedro Matos Interviewed at Living In A Tree

2009-07-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

"It has been interesting to explore those who usually wouldn’t be. " - Read the full interview here.

Supra - Duck Tape Edition

2009-07-06T04:51:00.000-07:00

dj MANAIA - Dance or Die megamix

2009-07-04T07:08:00.001-07:00

Portuguese DJ Manaia has just released a new mega mix - "Dance or Die" - Grab it here .

Nike x Andrea Crews

2009-07-04T06:55:00.001-07:00

Custom Dunks from the French Art and Fashion collective - Andrea Crews

Vhils - Scratching The Surface

2009-07-04T06:36:00.001-07:00

Conor Harrington stopped by.

Scratching the Surface is the first solo show Vhils (Alexandre Farto) had in London, UK at the Lazarides Gallery ( Rathbone Place ).

Artist Profile: Greg Gossel

2009-07-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Greg Gossel Artist Profile from Kwality Media on Vimeo.

Pedro Matos & more @ Fresh Bash, Interpress

2009-06-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Reebok Pumps

2009-06-29T05:04:00.000-07:00

Alife & Barneys

2009-06-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

Sub-Version Recommends

2009-06-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

www.myspace.com/carminhofado - She's so talented.

Greg Gossel - The Shooting Gallery

2009-06-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Photos from Greg Gossel's show at The Shooting Gallery. His biggest show so far, with and amazing body of work! More about Greg here.

ABOVE gets up in Madrid

2009-06-22T13:44:00.001-07:00

Rise Above My Fears - This is a really good site specific street art piece from street artist Above. I hope it lasts a bit longer than the ones in Lisbon.

Swoon - Drift

2009-06-21T14:01:00.001-07:00

Photos from Swoon's exhibition at the Glowlab in NY

Music: Steed Lord, DJ Set

2009-06-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

My firend AC is a singer, rapper, DJ, art creator, and member of the icelandic electro band Steed Lord.

This band consists of 3 brothers (AC, M.E.G.A and Demo) and the female singer Kali.

Their debut album "Truth Serum" was released in December 2008 and since then they have been performing both live and with dj sets worldwide. This album includes remixes from Crookers, DJ Mehdi, Jack Beats, Klever and Russ Chimes.

The London based AC has DJ'd all over the world in the best clubs such as Le Regine - Paris, Berns 2:35:1 Club in Stockholm and Bungalow 8 in London.

He is now having a DJ Set summer tour, and his next gigs will be on Friday 19th of June at the Longstreet bar in Zurich and Saturday 20th June at the Loft Club in Lausanne.

- Steed Lord (ICELAND, Dj Set)

http://www.myspace.com/steedlord

- Däskö (Lausanne, Dj Set)

http://www.myspace.com/daskomusic

- Chukk$ (Lausanne, Dj Set)

Shepard Fairey Video

2009-06-17T13:51:00.001-07:00

Shepard Fairey from Arkitip on Vimeo.

London Police - Street Art

2009-06-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

The London Police go big in Amsterdam. It was authorized by the building's owner but the City Council wants to remove it anyway. It's ok to do drugs as long as you don't get all creative in Amsterdam ..

Space Invader Video

2009-06-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

Nike Blazer

2009-06-14T14:04:00.001-07:00

Banksy Summer Show Photo Preview

2009-06-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

The show that has generated so much rumors opens on the June 13th at the Bristol City Museum. Here are some teaser pics of banksy's show with aprox. 100 pieces, 70 of them brand new..

Pedro Matos: Studio Visit

2009-06-11T17:28:00.001-07:00

My friend and photographer Senhor Manel came by for a studio visit and took a couple of photos. Here are some of them.

Also mind checking his blog here.

Banksy Solo Show

2009-06-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is all the information given so far. My guess is for a Solo show in Bristol, but what the hell do I know?

Shepard Fairey hits Venice

2009-06-10T02:36:00.000-07:00

Hush at the Bristol's Upfest

2009-06-09T07:31:00.001-07:00

Neglected Children

2009-06-08T05:11:00.001-07:00

The Brick Lane Gallery - Six Degrees of Separation

2009-06-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Six Degrees of Spearation - A group show at The Brick Lane Gallery in London with prints and originals from Banksy, Faile, Paul Insect and some other big names. The show opens today and will be up until the 15th of June. For more information check their website here.

Nike Zoom Toki

2009-06-05T03:58:00.001-07:00

NOMAD in Puerto Rico

2009-06-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

Insa - Street Installation Rooftop

2009-06-02T04:49:00.001-07:00

Augor Installation

2009-06-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

Augor installation at Upperplayground LA. More info here.

Reebok

2009-06-01T05:11:00.001-07:00

Make sure they match your ice-cream!

Seen in Valencia

2009-06-01T01:29:00.001-07:00

Sylvia Ji - Haute Epoch

2009-05-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

Nike Blazer Air Force 1

2009-05-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

Alex Mizurov

2009-05-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Silver Truck Co. released a video feature of Alex Mizurov. This guy is sick! Watch it here.

Reinking Urban Art Collection in Germany

2009-05-25T06:42:00.001-07:00

Rik Reinking shows his private collection at the Weserburg Museum in Germany. This show includes artists as Banksy, Eine, Shepard Fairey, Zevs, Mark Jenkins, Os Gemeos, Boxi, Space Invader, Swoon, Miss Van and more.

Out There

2009-05-25T06:34:00.000-07:00

Post in Stockholm
Sten and Lex in Palermo, Pope Sergius, The first pope from Palermo.
Zevz

Nike Jordan 1

2009-05-24T13:31:00.001-07:00

Pedro Matos hits Bairro Alto

2009-05-24T07:36:00.001-07:00

Freestyle in the streets of Bairro Alto

pedroMatos.org

Charming Baker - The Meaning of Everything

2009-05-23T08:52:00.001-07:00

Charming Baker has recently e-mailed me about his next solo show in London. "The Meaning of Everything" will feature 10 new paintings and 5 new limited edition screen prints.

The opening party will be on the 4th of June (6 pm) at 50 Redchurch Street in Shoreditch in London. It will go on until the 14th of June.

Check the video from his last show:

OBEY vs STEREO

2009-05-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Jason Lee, the former pro-skater and main actor in the TV show My Name is Earl, has just relaunched his skateboard brand STEREO skateboards. Check out this board series designed by Shepard Fairey.

Anthony Lister Gets Up

2009-05-21T06:05:00.000-07:00

Anthony Lister: "out onto this roof the other night. i wasnt even sure that i had finished this piece but when i returned the next day i was surprised that it looked like this. the wall was so big and high that i couldn't step back at all. i am still surprised the proportions were correct.

Skatable Public Art

2009-05-20T17:09:00.000-07:00

Lance Pattinson . 360 flip

Jeff Soto gets up in London

2009-05-20T02:39:00.001-07:00

Again.

Vhils - Scratching the surface

2009-05-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

Vhils has really been putting the word Vandalsim in a whole new perspective!

More from Lazarides Rathbone

2009-05-17T04:12:00.001-07:00

Nike x Rio Ferdinand

2009-05-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

pedro MATOS @ slamxhype

2009-05-16T16:31:00.001-07:00

www.slamxhype.com (article)

flattering

José Parlá in Hong Kong

2009-05-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

José Parlá has a solo show at the Ooi Botos Gallery in Hong Kong!

Also check his Video Interview

New Half-Cabs

2009-05-15T14:30:00.001-07:00

Outsiders @ Lazarides Rathbone

2009-05-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Outsiders group show opening photos @Lazarides Gallery - London

C215 hits Bergan

2009-05-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

C215 hits the streets of Bergan in Norway.

Jeff Soto hits London

2009-05-15T08:26:00.000-07:00

Jeff Soto hits Bricklane, London, where he has a solo show at Stolenspace Gallery until the June 7th.

Joshua Allen Harris

2009-05-14T17:50:00.001-07:00

Mark Jenkins Interview

2009-05-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

Street Art, Street Installation, Sculputre.. you name it! I just think he's a genius. Read his recent interview by Don't Panic here.

Pete Doherty in Lisbon

2009-05-12T01:43:00.001-07:00

Pete Doherty and The Wonderland Club have just surprised Lisbon with an unannounced concert last night at the MusicBox in Lisbon. Great Show!! Check his new album here.

Vans x Parra

2009-05-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

Get Rich Quick - Opening Photos

2009-05-10T06:39:00.001-07:00

A couple of photos from Arrested Motion on the Carmichael Gallery - Get Rich Quick show opening. This show includes artists as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Faile, Kaws, Antony Micallef and so on. Learn more about this great secondary market art show on www.carmichaelgallery.com

Ron English in London - Lazarus Rising

2009-05-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

Photos from Ron English's show ate the Elms Lester Painting Rooms. This show form the street and fine art legend runs until June 6th. More about him on www.popaganda.com

Conor Harrington hits LA

2009-05-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Conor Harrington hits LA. Crazy wall piece!!

Sneaker Releases

2009-05-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Asics Gel-Lyte Speed

Nike SB Zoom Harbour Mr.Fish

Nike Dunk 3M Supreme Spark
Reebok Court Pump Victory II

Dave Kinsey Print - Sold Out!

2009-05-05T16:03:00.001-07:00

Dave Kinsey has just mailed me about his latest print called "Loosing Faith", an edition of 120, 100% cotton rag, and 24 x 18 inches ( 61 x 45 ) cm was available for just 120$. Too bad it was already Sold Out just a few hours after the e-mail. Hope this is a good sign on the art market.

Check his website here. He also runs one of my favorite galleries in California with Jana DesForges, called kinsey\DesForges (was once BLK/MRKT Gallery).

Siggi Eggertsson

2009-05-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

Siggi Eggertsson is a great illustrator from Iceland. He lives in Berlin now, and has done some great commercial and gallery work! This guy has been covered in SWINDLE magazine, Dazed & Confused, Nylon, just to name a few. Check out his website here.

Steed Lord . M.E.G.A DJ Set

2009-05-05T06:58:00.000-07:00

Steed Lord

Dalek & Mike Giant in Paris

2009-05-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Photos from Dalek and Mike Giant in Paris ate the Magda Danysz Gallery. The show is on until the May 23rd.

pedro MATOS in Lisbon

2009-05-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

A new Street Art piece by Pedro Matos in Lisbon, Portugal (Chiado). Charcoal on paper paste up, spraycans and water. You can also visit pedroMATOS.ORG

SUPRA

2009-05-03T12:26:00.001-07:00

Supra skytop I colorways. Skytop II coming out on July 2009 here.

PIXAÇÃO

2009-05-03T12:11:00.001-07:00

Damage Control - Banksy

2009-05-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Artists must have very delicate hands.

Waking Aurora - London

2009-05-02T10:18:00.001-07:00

London Miles Gallery presents: Waking Aurora - A group show featuring emerging artists Scott Belcastro, Nimit Malavia, Yuta Onoda and Timothy Hun Hong Lee. Opening Reception: May 7th - 7.00 PM to 10.00 PM

More info at London Miles Gallery

New Blaine Fontana Print

2009-05-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

New Blaine Fontana Koi Fish series large print!

"Due to overwhelming requests, inquiries and love off the Koi series, we are happy to publish this large print beautifully smooth semi matte paper. A limited edition of 250, 24" x 24" , 2" inch bleed, hand signed and number. Here's the best news, they are being offered for $60" - Blaine Fontana .

Pretty affordable says I ! Grab your copy here:

http://www.blainefontana.com/storefront.html

LAZARIDES Gallery re-opens in London, Rathbone Place

2009-05-02T05:33:00.000-07:00

After a few months of closed doors, Steve Lazarides has just bought a new 5 story building for the Lazarides empire! The gallery is located in 11 Rathbone Place, London W1T 1HR and will open on the May 15th.

The first show will be another "Outsiders" group show, including artists as Banksy, Bast, Conor Harrington, JR, Antony Micallef, Vhils, Faile, David Choe and more.

(painting by: Antony Micallef)

www.lazinc.com

DIGIKID84 Remixes Steed Lord

2009-05-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

Digikid84, a French DJ and prducer has just remixed Steed Lord's "IS WHAT YOU DO 2 ME" !

Grab it here:

http://neonized.net/uploads/stuff/2009/sueltas/digikid2.mp3

Also check: steed lord and digikid84

JR in RIO

2009-05-01T09:55:00.001-07:00

Fresh stuff from street artist and photographer JR in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Get Rich Quick - Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art

2009-05-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art presents: "GET RICH QUICK!"

A show featuring some of the greatest names in the art world as:

Antony Micallef, Banksy, Barry McGee, Bast, Beejoir, D*Face, Dalek, David Choe, David Choong Lee, Faile, Ian Francis, KAWS, Nick Walker, Paul Insect, Shepard Fairey, Sixeart, Skullphone, Space Invader, Swoon, Will Barras and more to be announced!

Opening reception: Thursday, May 7th 2009 / 7.00pm – 10.00pm

www.carmichaelgallery.com

pedro MATOS - The Brick Lane Gallery - Opening

2009-05-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

A couple of photos from the Art in Mind group show - The Brick Lane Gallery in London, UK.

Enquiries : info@pedromatos.org / info@thebricklanegallery.com - www.pedromatos.org / www.thebricklanegallery.com