Lazarides Gallery Presents: Bäst “Botulism” (London. Rathbone Place)

August 11, 2010 Artists, Events, Gallery, London, Opening

Bast: “Botulism”

Bast "Read My Lips" Image Courtesy of the Gallery

Lazarides is delighted to announce Botulism, the first solo exhibition of Brooklyn’s infamous collagist Bäst at the Rathbone Gallery. Bäst will present a collection of new works, developing past preoccupations in an exciting new direction.

Bäst’s work is inspired by the early punk flyers of London and New York, playing with a variety of 21^st Century icons and appropriating imagery from a variety of media. From advertising to comic book characters, Bäst subverts the familiar and recognisable into distorted counterparts. His collages, wheat-pasted posters and paintings morph Mickey Mouse, Pinocchio and Papa Smurf into multi-eyed sexually charged portraits of their former selves. Food packaging, 50’s newspaper clippings and brand logo’s all feature as the backdrop to his vibrant, brilliantly coloured works.

Whether appearing in the doorways of downtown New York or on the walls of a gallery, Bäst’s graphic language translates into prints, paintings, collages and mixed media sculptures. His latest acrylic paintings on wood have developed the colourful repetitive patterns so often present in his collages. For Botulism expect myriad unprecedented works with that classic Bäst flavour.

Bäst recently exhibited with longtime collaborators Faile in the Greek Street gallery space, the acclaimed Deluxx Fluxx Arcade showcasing a groundbreaking display of customised arcade games pasted with a collage of the artists’ unique imagery and paired with tunes composed by post-punk art rock band Les Savy Fav.

Lazarides Rathbone is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am – 7pm. pm. Admission is free. For more information visit www.lazinc.com

Bast "Pork Pie" Image Courtesy of the Gallery

Bäst

Bäst has been an intricate part of the street art scene for the past 10 years throughout New York and Europe gaining cult status and recognition from fellow street artists. Hailing from Brooklyn, Bäst is an elusive character whose work centralizes around the art of collage.

Little is known of his work outside of what the public sees throughout New York’s urban environment but since 2003 his work has evolved and been exhibited in various exhibitions: Faile Bast Deluxx Fluxx Arcade at Lazarides, London (2010), Graffiti at Galerie du Jour – Agnes B, Paris (2009), Beach Blanket Bingo at Jonathan LeVine Gallery, New York (2009), This is China at BLVD Gallery, Seattle (2008), Ridiculousnessofitallshow at New Image Art, Los Angeles (2005) and Fancy Faile and Bast at Galerie Neurotitan, Berlin (2003).

Apart from showing in Japan, LA, Colorado, New York, London, Paris and Berlin, he’s also released a limited edition book, Revolucion De Papel, the only publication to bring his many works on the streets of New York together.

www.bastny.com

Bast. Detail (Photo © Jaime Rojo)

Bäst: Botulism

Lazarides Rathbone, 11 Rathbone Place, London, W1T 1HR
20 August – 1 October 2010
Preview: Thursday 19 August 6-9pm

Lazarides

Working outside conventional practice and the contemporary art system, Lazarides welcomes a broad audience to an extensive exhibition programme, off-site projects and online exhibitions and collectives. Lazarides supports and develops the work of a group of artists who collectively, defy categorization.

Founded in 2006 by Steve Lazarides, Lazarides represents some of the most exciting and innovative artists working today including Antony Micallef, David Choe, JR, Vhils, Faile, Jonathan Yeo, Charlie Isoe, Conor Harrington, Ian Francis, Stanley Donwood, 3D, Invader, Kelsey Brookes, Mode 2, Todd James /Reas, Blu, Paul Insect and BAST.

The exhibition programme runs across spaces in London and Newcastle: Lazarides Rathbone, presents seven solo and group exhibitions each year, while The Dungeon on Greek Street, Soho and The Kitchen in Newcastle provide a platform for emerging talent and experimental projects by Lazarides artists.

Recently launched in July 2010, THE OUTSIDERS will become the home of publications, limited edition prints and collectable artistic ephemera as well as smaller presentations and screenings. Incorporating the online shop and the spaces on Greek Street and in Newcastle, THE OUTSIDERS will continue to welcome over ten thousand visitors annually and provide a one-stop-shop for all things outsider.

In addition to their extensive programme, Lazarides has also presented numerous exhibitions outside the UK most notably Banksy’s Barely Legal in Los Angeles (2006), Antony Micallef’s Impure Idols in Los Angeles (2007) and The Outsiders group show, New York (2008) along with the current successful 4-month exhibition programme in Beverley Hills showcasing a variety of group and solo exhibitions including the talents of David Choe, JR, Vhils, Conor Harrington, and Jonathan Yeo.