Galerie Ernst Hilger
VOLTA14

Works by Shepard Fairey, Boicut, Faile and Stinkfish represent the subversion of urban influences as well as the pluralism within the art world. Inspired by different (sub) cultures and using different techniques all of them have a democratic approach to art. Works of the artists have been exhibited worldwide in galleries and institutions like SFMOMA, San Francisco; Tate Modern, London; The Brooklyn Museum, New York; Dallas Contemporary, Dallas; Seoul Arts Centre, Seoul; LACMA, Los Angeles.

Shepard Fairey (USA) is one of the most influential street artists of our time. Fairey has constantly shifted between the realms of fine art, commercial art, street art, and even political art. His most famous art includes images of Andre the Giant, the Obey trademark, the propaganda poster of Barack Obama, and many more.

Boicut's (AUT) work is for the most part illustrative, combining impulsive lines and shapes. Since his early days, his work has been inspired by popular culture, skateboarding, the beauty of mundane objects and urban environments. What matters to him most in life and at work is being true to his inner child and self.

Since its inception in 1989, the artistic collective Faile (USA) has been known for a wide ranging multimedia practice recognizable for its explorations of duality through a fragmented style of appropriation and collage. FAILE blurs the line between “high” and “low” culture, but recent exhibitions demonstrate an emphasis on audience participation, a critique of consumerism, and the incorporation of religious media into their work.

Stinkfish's (MX/CO) works bursting with colour always have a stencilled portrait at their centre. These portraits are taken from photos that the artist shoots during his travels around the world. He fashions large-scale stencils based on these photographs, which in the street are then amended by impromptu, colourful halos.