Barry McGee is a renowned artist known for his graffiti background and street-centric art. Despite this urban influence, his artworks also translate well in the white cube environment, maintaining their energy and roughness. His latest exhibition, OLDE IFFY, held at Isetan the Space in Tokyo in partnership with Perrotin, showcases his iconic patterns, faces, and oblong-shaped sculptures in a carefully curated manner.
McGee’s artworks often reflect his inner psyche, allowing viewers to delve into his thoughts and emotions. His pieces have a unique way of captivating audiences, with their immaculate color-blocking and mesmerizing patterns. The exhibition reaffirms McGee’s relevance as an artist, highlighting the enduring legacy of his alter-ego, TWIST.
Looking ahead, there are several potential future trends related to the themes presented in McGee’s work:
1. Street Art Influence in Contemporary Art: Graffiti and street art have been gaining recognition in the contemporary art world. Artists like Barry McGee have successfully bridged the gap between street art and fine art, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore this hybrid style. We can expect to see more exhibitions and artworks that embrace the aesthetics of street culture while presenting them in sophisticated gallery settings.
2. Exploration of Inner Psyche through Art: McGee’s ability to convey his inner thoughts and emotions through his artwork resonates with audiences. As mental health awareness continues to grow, artists may explore new ways to express their own inner psyche, creating thought-provoking and emotionally charged artworks.
3. Focus on Minimalism: McGee’s ability to create powerful statements using minimalistic elements is a testament to the impact of simplicity in art. The future may see a resurgence of minimalist art, where artists utilize negative space, clean lines, and limited color palettes to create impactful compositions.
4. Collaboration between Street Artists and Fashion Brands: The partnership between Barry McGee, Perrotin, and Isetan the Space demonstrates the connection between street art and fashion. As streetwear and urban fashion continue to gain popularity, we can expect more collaborations between street artists and fashion brands. These partnerships not only promote the artists’ work but also introduce their unique style to a wider audience.
To stay relevant and adapt to these potential future trends, the industry can consider the following recommendations:
1. Embrace Street Art Connections: Galleries and art institutions should foster relationships with street artists, organizing exhibitions and events that showcase their work. This will help bridge the gap between fine art and street art, allowing artists like Barry McGee to reach a broader audience.
2. Promote Mental Health Awareness: By supporting artists in exploring their inner psyche, the industry can encourage a deeper understanding of mental health through art. This could involve hosting artist talks, workshops, or incorporating mental health narratives into exhibition catalogs.
3. Curate Minimalism: Galleries and curators can dedicate spaces or exhibitions that focus on minimalism, providing artists with a platform to experiment with this style. This curated approach can help highlight the impact of simplicity while attracting new audiences who appreciate minimalist art forms.
4. Foster Collaboration Opportunities: Creating opportunities for collaboration between street artists and fashion brands can benefit both parties. Art institutions and galleries can act as intermediaries, facilitating these partnerships and helping artists expand their reach. This can be done through pop-up exhibitions, limited-edition merchandise, or joint marketing campaigns.
In conclusion, Barry McGee’s OLDE IFFY exhibition showcases his ability to transcend the boundaries between street art and fine art. His artworks provide insights into his inner psyche while maintaining a visually appealing aesthetic. The future of the industry may witness an increased focus on street art influence, exploration of inner psyche, minimalism, and collaboration between street artists and fashion brands. By embracing these trends and following the recommendations outlined above, the industry can continue to evolve and captivate audiences in new and innovative ways.
References:
1. Finkelstein, S. (2020). The Rise of Street Art in Contemporary Art. HuffPost. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-rise-of-street-art-in_b_9269434
2. Raso, M. (2019). Mental Health and Art: How Creativity Can Help Mental Health Issues. The Center for Psychedelic Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.psychedelicmedicine.com/blog/mental-health-and-art-how-creativity-can-help-mental-health-issues