4.27.2010

SEW SEW KRAFTY PERFORMING LIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN LOS ANGELES



Crewest is very pleased to announce:

SEW SEW KRAFTY
Sew Sew Krafty will be performing live for the first time in Los Angeles their two new singles "Tuxedo Jackets" and "Boots". Both jams are slamming hot and we are so excited to be able to share them with you.

Dates Performing:
May 8th, 2010 Crewest 8th Year Anniversary Celebration
May 13, 2010 during the Downtown Artwalk

Sew Sew Krafty is Relish Lapel and MisOnederful. Confused? Don’t be. They are a perpetual forward thinking amalgamation of sound, speed, color, vibe, and unrestrained energy and frankly, anything they want to be!! Holistically…Relish Lapel is a visual artist; part sage, part poet, part provocateur and you know what the say” once you go green you never go back”. He was born in Brooklyn raised on Alpha Centauri so his inspiration and influence is truly ubiquitous. His creative doppelganger is of course, MisOnederful, who seemingly sprouted from the fertile soil of the Hawaiian Islands although we haven’t been able to confirm that because there are no birth records. In past incarnations her curriculum vitae includes traveling the world performing with such mortals as Stevie Wonder, Sting and Babyface, some of MisOnederfuls other rays of sunshine include designing custom clothing for some of Hollywood’s A-List. Back to Mr. Lapel’s past life: He was a part of the legendary Hip-Hop group the Jungle Brothers who during that period created the “Native Tongues” arguably Hip-Hop cultures first socially conscious movement. They had the dubious distinction of being the first Hip-Hop act to perform in China. Other notable moments include a performance at Wembley Stadium with 100,000 people watching to honor the release of Nelson Mandela. Sew Sew Krafty’s show is art in action and their music is un-genrelized and made with love.

4.23.2010

PEDALS AND PRINTS CLOSES BUT THE BICYCLISTS WILL CONTINUE ON



In a continuing effort to promote the “bicycle as a as a viable, healthy, and sustainable transportation choice” and to expose the growing bicyclist movement growing in Downtown Los Angeles, Crewest Gallery in Downtown Los Angeles, is calling upon all Angelenos, Bicyclists and Art Enthusiasts to join them this Saturday, April 24th, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm for the closing of Pedals and Prints.



Pedals and Prints is an exhibition featuring hand printed bicycle themed art by artists who all share an undying enthusiasm for the bicycling community.



In addition to the closing event, Two Rabbits Studios, the curators of Pedals and Prints, will be releasing their new t-shirts “Penny Party” and “Dumpster Diver” both made by J. Knice Clothing Company and from 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC.

About the T-shirts:
The fabric content is made from 100% RECYCLED PLASTIC!!!!!!!!....WHY? The use of recycled polyester for clothing and other products lessens our need for oil, reduces waste (and the toxins required to burn it), and produces less pollution than when starting off with virgin polyester.

Penny Party - Penny-farthing, high wheel, high wheeler, and ordinary are all terms used to describe a type of bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel that was popular after the boneshaker, until the development of the safety bicycle, in the 1880s. They were the first machines to be called ‘bicycles’. Although they are now most commonly known as ‘penny-farthings’, this term was probably not used until they were nearly outdated; the first recorded print reference is 1891 in Bicycling News. It comes from the British penny and farthing coins, one much larger than the other, so that the side view resembles a penny leading a farthing.

Dumpster Diver - Contains an image of a gross looking dude with flies all around him. The shirt is a heather charcoal and will be printed with a water base discharge.



Also for those interested in taking part of “The Freedom Ride” aka The Bikes and Art Ride, the ride will start at the Conart/Legends Graffiti Art and Barbershop 431 N. Fairfax 90048 next door to Canters and end at Crewest Gallery (110 Winston St. Los Angeles, CA 90013) in Downtown LA. to peep the"Pedals and Prints" Art Show. Ride begins at 1pm (meet at noon) and is approximately 22 miles long. See ya Sunday.




Crewest is located at 110 Winston St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (213-627-8272)

Artwork above: "I Heart Bikes" by Hero Design and "Monsters on Bikes" by Two Rabbits.

KARMALOOP X CREWEST X PRISON INC.

Check out this new video just in from Karmaloop TV interviewing Man One to discuss "Prison Inc." and Crewest Gallery:



Direct link:
http://www.karmaloop.com/tv/?ep=79624041001

Prison Inc. was an exhibit at Crewest in February 2010 curated by Gregg Stone featuring artwork created by artist inmates.

(Click here to view images of "Prison INC" on our Flickr)

Enjoy!

www.Crewest.com

4.14.2010

FREEDOM BY RITZY PERIWINKLE

Ritzy Periwinkle showing "Freedom", a new print, this month at Crewest during the Pedals and Prints exhibition:



Freedom is available online and instore only during April.

We hope you are able to catch a gust of Ritzy's fresh vibe which she exhibits in her work.

"Ritzy Periwinkle happily mixes music and art to her own beat, bringing pure harmony to her creativity."

"Ritzy communicates a beautiful energy and respect for her community of women and people of color. Working in photography, illustrations, graphics, collage and creating a flourishing boutique t-shirt line, Ritzy compliments her gritty stylistic tendencies with a positive vibe that is attributed to her eclectic influences and unique background."

If you have any questions, please email us at info@crewest.com

4.09.2010

BEFORE THE REVOLUTION

"A hundred years ago, Emiliano Zapata conscripted Our Lady of Guadalupe to serve as the symbol of the Mexican revolution. In Gusmano Cesaretti's world, she's made flesh and walks among us, facing her devotees' oppressors, packing heat, and reminding us that the first duty of the artist, like the revolutionary, is to survive." - David Em





BEFORE THE REVOLUTION
A solo exhibition by Gusmano Cesaretti
On View May 1st through May 30th, 2010

Opening Reception
May 1, 2010
6-9 pm
Atmosphere enhanced by DJ Phyz Ed spinning hip hop, funk, 80's and more

Artwalk Event
May 13th, 2010
6-9 pm
Atmosphere enhanced by DJ Phyz Ed spinning hip hop, funk, 80’s and more from 6-8. As well as special set by DJ Afrika (Afrika Baby Bam of Jungle Brothers) with a live performance by Sew Sew Krafty which is comprised of Wendy Williams and Afrika Baby Bam) from 8-9. More detail to follow.

Official Press Release



4.07.2010

FEATURED ARTIST OF THE MONTH: CACHE




We are pleased to announce this months featured artist, Cache. Cache has created a super cool installation that is in conjunction with this months exhibit Pedals and Prints.

Here is closer look at his installation:





His goal was to create his own version of a bicycle shop


Since Cache is known for his usage of chickens, he incoporated them into his installation.


Messenger bags are a must


See that little red dot, someone got lucky and will be this pieces new proud owner


Just because one piece is sold, doesn't mean we don't have more.


We have many fun and brightly colored pieces by Cache, just come on by and take a peep. Or you could always check out our flickr page and email us if you are intersted in purchasing anything you see.

Here is some background on Cache:

Los Angeles graffiti artist and painter, Cache, migrated from Guatemala in the late eighties. Growing up just blocks from the infamous Belmont Tunnel, it is clear how he could be so easily influenced and inspired by the art on such legendary walls. From the beginning, he was mesmerized by the colorful graffiti art of the day, where crews like MAK and STN pushed the envelope. During the nineties, he was dedicated mostly to tagging and simple bomb style lettering. It didn’t take him long to discover his own voice and style in this fusion of art and street culture; and was soon found with a spray can and marker in hand, tagging whatever he could reach.

After many years of experimenting with tagging and bombs, this self-taught artist began exploring new ideas. One recurring idea was the use of bright and bubbly characters. Wishing to share his true passions with the community, he considered it essential to incorporate the use of bicycles and favorite book reads. Inspired by such writers as Carlos CastaƱeda, who describes humans as being “trapped in human chicken coops,” Cache saw how society has been constantly manipulated by corporate logos. As a result, he sought a logo of his own to combat the effects of uniformity, and a censored and diluted media assault on the human psyche. Hence, the Chickens came to life…

“Simplicity is the key” is the code that Cache uses when executing his murals, believing he can reach a wider audience, not for monetary gain but for spreading his thoughts and ideas. Even though he is a self-confessed pessimist, Cache aims to create happy and positive environments to bring a brighter atmosphere to the Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Pedals and Prints is on view through the end of April. Come on by!

WE LOVE JARRITOS



Jarritos is one of the coolest and refreshing drinks around. That's why we offer these tasty beverages at all of our events. Next time your at the gallery, enjoy a Jarritos.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Crewest event, email us at info@crewest.com.

PEDALS AND PRINTS: OPENING NIGHT SLIDESHOW

Pedals and Prints opening nite was a smash!

Great art, music, and people.

Thanks to all the riders that showed
up to make it a spectacular nite.

See you at the Artwalk on April 8th!

View all the pics from opening nite:



Or just view the art:




Pedals and Prints exhibition runs through April 25th, 2010
Don't miss it!

www.Crewest.com

4.01.2010

ENIK ONE BRINGS FORTH A NEW PRINT

ENIK ONE always widens eyes with his stellar prints. On display and for sale both at the gallery and online during the month of April is his newest limited edition print "Royal King Card" (Black ink on chrome stained paper. Check it out:



Enik's background:

Raised in the urban ecology of Southern California, EnikOne absorbed the graffiti and smog filled skylines, yet always paid close attention to his two greatest influences: his sister, an accomplished painter and photographer as well as his father, also a renowned photographer. Mimicking the images that surrounded him, he began scripting graffiti during skateboarding excursions and his "throw-ups" and "pieces" became a part of L.A.'s vernacular, adorning freeways, yards, and the occasional metropolitan edifice. Encouraged by local artists, EnikOne's work matured into an amalgamation of graphic designs, mixing his street art, graffiti, typography, stencils, stickers, paste-ups, and silk screens into a unique style emblematic of the City of Quartz but still unlike most works available. With over two decades of perfecting these methods on the streets, EnikOne has earned the attention of national and international artists, earning prizes in Los Angeles, Portland, and Germany and received invitations to show his work in Italy and South Africa to name a few. Impossible to ignore, EnikOne was asked to join the Hit+Run tour in 2005 and is among the favorites of the many talented works exhibited in these well-attended shows. He continues to experiment with images, wedding the pantheon of graphic design features with a style applauded by the art loving public.

Royal King Card can be purchased online by clicking here.

Please note ENIK ONE is an exhibiting artist for Pedals and Prints on view from April 3rd through April 28th, 2010.