Backwoods Gallery comes forwards with a super promising debut show from one of the best painters in Melbourne.
Meggs has been painting hard for this big solo show under the banner King for a Day to give us a collection
King for a Day is a brand new collection of paintings, screenprints and installations that examine society’s celebrity obsession through the prism of our own mortality and inner duality. An energetic depiction of those who crave power, wealth and fame in both life and death, King for a Day looks at how contemporary media and social networking has accelerated stardom and increased the pitfalls that come with celebrity attention.
King for a Day will be Meggs’ final Melbourne show before his first UK solo exhibition with ZeroCool Gallery in early 2011.
Why have you called the gallery Backwoods?
We’re in the back streets of the (Colling)wood!
What makes Backwoods Gallery something new and different from other artist run spaces?
I think the difference with Backwoods is the combined knowledge and talents of the people running the gallery, and that we all have a genuine and established passion for street/fine art and have been involved in this culture for years. We have a big network of talented artists both locally and internationally and we plan to establish Backwoods as a connection
point for overseas artists to exhibit here and local artists to work overseas.
What are your pet hates when it comes to gallery life?
My pet hates are the PR and admin side of things like going through mailing lists, deadlines, organising sponsors, printing etc. Its all really important but does my head in sometimes, so thankfully we have Edwina and Alex on board with the skills in this department.
What is the history of the space you're going into? What's special about it?
The space was previously Utopian Slumps Gallery, which has now re-located in the city. Aside from being a nice physical space, our advantage is our proximity to the Everfresh studio and having the alley way area to utilise as well.
What are you really proud of with regards to this new venture?
I’m proud of the fact that what started as a simple ‘maybe’ idea has become a reality through the combined efforts and hard work of the people involved. Essentially everyone on the team is volunteering their efforts so its great that as a team things are working really well so far and everyones putting in to make it happen.
Who can people look forward to seeing over the next 12 months?
We’re still in the process of locking down the calendar, but some names I can mention are Kami & Sasu, Josh Robenstone and Elph (UK), plus some possibilities with other dope Japanese (illustrative) artists and some well-known artists from the UK and US.
Who makes up the team behind Backwards? What do they all bring to the table?
The space will be curated by myself, Rone, Ghostpatrol & Alex Mitchell. Collectively we bring experience and contacts in both our artists network and putting on events as well as the understanding of an artists perspective when putting on exhibitions and dealing with the gallery/commercial art world. Edwina and Izzy bring the management, front of house and PR expertise to the mix as well as a genuine passion for the arts. We’ve all known each other for a while now too, so it helps to have trust in everyones abilities and experience.
Why the pigeon?
If you saw the alleyway when we first moved in you wouldn’t need to ask. Pigeon proofing is a must in the woods.
With the Banksy film and the launch of Street Studio ... street art is right at the front of everyone's minds ... how does your new show connect with all that?
My show explore’s the pros and cons of status and power, which is similar to the celebrity status themes raised in ‘Exit through the giftshop’ and somewhat of a reflection of the growing interest and attention on ‘street-art’ and its role within society.
How are your new works a departure for you? What new things are you exploring / doing?
My new work is a lot more abstracted than previous pieces and I’m departing more from using stencils as a dominant aspect of my art and more as a smaller part of the whole. I’ve been using a lot of personal photograph references for illustrations than before and incorporating symbols and typography more too.
How much do you love paint?
I love paint a lot. Original hand-painted artwork is completely unique and I think that’s something special in our mass-manufacture society.
What are your plans in Hong Kong? Is this a completely fresh show?
The show in HK is a smaller follow-on version of this Melbourne show. So its very similar work, some which I’ll be taking with me, but several I’ll be painting live in the gallery itself.
What's top of your list when you get to Hong Kong?
I haven’t even really had time to stop and think outside of the exhibition stuff so far to honest. Lots of eating and drinking is probably high on the list.
Who are your top 5 super heroes:
Phantom, Batman, Spiderman, Hulk,
Ideal soundtrack to your new show
Well of course I’ve been listening to Faith no More’s ‘King for a day’, ha, as well as Angel Dust – classic album!
But mostly a lot of metal/hardcore like Bleeding Through, Amity Affliction, Black Sabbath, Mastadon, He Is Legend and the like.
Friday, 25 June 2010, 6-8pm
until 18 July 2010
25 Easey St
Collingwood, Melbourne