Thinkspace is pleased to present Kaili Smith’s ‘A Utopia Where The Problems Are Not Fixed‘, Nuno Viegas’s ‘Yard Romance‘, STOM500’s ‘Infra Red‘.
October 17, 2020 – November 7, 2020
Kaili Smith – ‘A Utopia Where The Problems Are Not Fixed‘
Inspiration behind the exhibition: After reflecting on my last body of work from my show with Thinkspace in 2018, I had several points of changes I wanted for this show. The first was to move away from the “Le Petit Prince” reference in my paintings. Secondly, to include backgrounds that placed the context and environment of the figures, and lastly, work more on narrative in my paintings. I spent a long time working on a mind map drawn on to my studio wall. The mind map was made out of keywords that branched into sentences, rough painting sketches, photos from my childhood etc. This ended up with three themes that the works would center around: Violence/Vulnerability, Crime/Prize, and Companionship/Lotgenoot. The title of the show came up through the mind mapping process and is the perfect contradiction that in so many ways captures the world I’m trying to create in the paintings, as well as the environment and memories the works are inspired by.
Nuno Viegas – ‘Yard Romance‘
Inspiration behind the exhibition: The main focus of my body of work for the last years has been the graffiti scene. Graffiti shaped my life and I keep evoking its elements in my work while paying a constant tribute to all the graff writers out there. I have huge respect for this scene and consider this way of life inspiring besides all the negativity associated with it. Even though graffiti can be visually aggressive, dirty, and disturbing to a lot of people I consider it carries many values humanity should be aware of and look up to. Values like brotherhood, teamwork, dedication, loyalty, passion, equality, amongst others, while having fun and living the moment pumped by adrenaline – to FEEL ALIVE! Graffiti only disturbs people who don’t like it, It doesn’t hurt anyone. The only “downside” I see to it is the fact that if you don’t like it and you wish to clean it up, you will need to spend money to do so and sometimes people are trapped in a position where they have to pay for it even if they don’t want to or can’t afford to – for example if you live in a condo and all of a sudden you have a massive condo bill to pay for maintenance of the building. That’s why I always avoided painting in private spots. But hey nothing is perfect in life!
This is not graffiti!
STOM500 – ‘Infra Red‘
Inspiration behind the exhibition: For the last couple of years, I have worked with light in my composition. The bees are like a kind of spot and they create some spectacular lights which are often colored. For this mini solo show, I wanted to create some works only with this same colored light. Also, I think the red is an interesting color choice because it creates something energetic and cozy too.
Also for me, it’s another highlight to show and make the focus on my bees. They are always the smallest part of my work but currently the most important because they give all the flow and the atmosphere.
The exhibition will be on view from October 17 through November 7.
We plan to have visitation for the show each Saturday, including opening day from noon to 6 pm. We will post a scheduling platform link on our website this coming week.
Video courtesy of Birdman
