Artist Shay Bredimus to do live tattoo demo: Friday, July 26, 5-9 p.m.
Rock band Circa Survive to perform pop-up set: Saturday, July 27, 1 p.m.
In celebration of the summer exhibitions, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum will offer two special events July 26 and July 27; a live tattoo demonstration by artist Shay Bredimus in his exhibition Cartomancy-The Seni Horoscopes (Friday, July 26, 5-9 p.m.), and a stripped-down, pop-up performance by rock band Circa Survive in Esao Andrews’ exhibition, Petrichor (Saturday, July 27 at 1 p.m.). Both events are free admission, no RSVP is required to attend but capacity is limited.
The July 26 tattoo demonstration event with Shay Bredimus is presented as part of the Hack the MAC series, facilitated by Mesa Arts Center’s Creative Catalysts initiative. Bredimus, who grew up in Phoenix, is a nationally celebrated tattoo and visual artist known for his signature technique of incorporating tattoo ink and wax crayon on drafting film. Bredimus’ Seni Horoscopes are comprised of 72 unique works based on the 17th century German fortune telling card system by Italian oracle Giovanni Battista Seni. The event will also offer tarot card readings and temporary tattoos of the artist’s original art.
The July 27 pop-up performance is in celebration of the mid-career retrospective exhibition by Esao Andrews, a Japanese-American artist and illustrator who was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. Andrews’ artwork is featured as the band’s album covers and is an integral component of the band’s live performances. Andrews’ exhibition is presented by Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in collaboration with Thinkspace Gallery.
Circa Survive is performing at Disrupt Festival at Ak-Chin Pavilion later the same day. “Our relationship with Esao has been symbiotic in every sense,” says band member Colin Frangicetto. “It has easily been the most organic & pure collaboration the band has ever known, so much so that we’ve referred to him as our visual soulmate and sixth band member pretty much from the start. It’s hard to imagine what Circa Survive would even mean to the world without Esao’s imagery. We are his biggest fans and are so honored to be a part of his career and this celebration of it thus far.”
In addition to the iconic album cover artwork for Circa Survive, Andrews has also created numerous comic book covers for DC’s Vertigo Comics, and deck designs for Deathwish and Baker Skateboards. His exhibition features over a dozen iconic works borrowed from private collections worldwide and including the original artwork from the Circa Survive album releases.
From the release of their 2005 debut, Juturna, to their 2010 major label release, Blue Sky Noise, to today with The Amulet, Circa Survive’s sound is often described as progressive. On The Amulet, Circa Survive continues this legacy, but filtered through the unique lens of punk and alternative roots. The Amulet’s mix of intricate guitars, muscular bass, and interlocking drums creates a dynamic foundation for vocalist Anthony Green’s voice.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is located at 1 East Main Street, in downtown Mesa, AZ, 85201. Admission is always free.
About Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum at Mesa Arts Center
Mesa Arts Center’s (MAC) mission is to invite all people to create and discover entertaining, challenging and diverse art and arts experiences within joyous, dynamic and welcoming environments. As part of Mesa Arts Center, Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum (MCA Museum) showcases the best in Contemporary Art by emerging, nationally and internationally recognized artists. MCA Museum provides support and advancement to artists through solo, group and juried exhibitions. MCA Museum’s free admission and strong engagement programs provide visitors with free school and public tours, a robust docent program and free artist talks.
