ERIC ORR. 19/03/10.
March 16, 2010
Yesterday, we welcomed NYC artist Eric Orr back to Auckland New Zealand. Two years ago when he first came to NZ we hosted a small gallery show in our gallery/creative space of his NY subway map series, but sadly, due to conflicting events on his schedule he wasn't able to be there in person. This time however, he's back and wants to put on a show for everyone.
Starting out in '78 as a graffiti artist in the heyday of the NY subway/street art scene, Eric's career has spanned over 30 years, where he still lives in the same Bronx neighborhood as he grew up in; in his own words, the "spiritual home of the hip hop movement". His history within the NY street and music scene through the 80's is nothing short of a walkthrough of NY's (and subsequently, the world's) most influential personalities - producing graphics for, and working with legendary icons such as Afrika Bambaataa, Strong City Records, Jazzy Jay, Busy Bee, and the DITC crew. Perhaps his most famous accolade was the result of a 1982 meeting with a man and fellow artist, who later became a true cultural icon of the era - Keith Haring. Keith and Eric got along well as friends, which resulted in a collaborative series of chalk drawings and paintings in the NY subway in 1984, combining Keith's "radiant baby" and Eric's "robot head". To this day Eric holds the accolade of being the only person to have collaborated with Haring in the iconic NY subway medium, which is certainly no small feat.
After a small hiatus to raise his family, he returned to full time artist work in 2003, where he continues to be involved with projects and personalities in the music and art realm. His latest achievement: being part of a three artist line-up who have designed the first limited edition picture disc control vinyl for the Serato system.
Having exhibited in New York, The Netherlands, Milan Italy, Japan, Sydney Australia, and New Zealand, we're glad to have him back here and to present a rare opportunity for everybody here to see his perform his artwork live, alongside The Underwater Collective, a local group of artists and illustrators from Hamilton.
Here is a look at a series of limited edition teeshirt prints that he recently produced, in a men's and women's print. "Hugs and kisses". Constructed from a medley of his infamous robot heads. If you look closely he sometimes incorporates certain symbols as a tribute to other NY luminaries and legends - JM Basquiat, Michael Stewart, and old friend Keith Haring. These teeshirts will also be available on the night for those attending the event.
(poster design: Eric Orr)
Alongside Eric's live performance on the night, he's also assembled a line-up of local talent including The Underwater Collective, a group of extremely talented local painters/artists from Hamilton, and a performance by local MC Billyfluid and DJ Charlie Brown.
FREE admission, and it's an all ages event so please do bring your friends for this rare opportunity to see Eric Orr and The Underwater Collective paint live.
"SHARING SPACES"
Live Art by Eric Orr (NYC)
Feat. The Underwater Collective
Performances by Billy Fluid
FRIDAY March 19th
6:00PM - 10:00PM
Free admission, all ages.
QUBIC STORE
154-160 Broadway
Newmarket
Auckland
NEW ZEALAND
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