FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Toni Johnson
Marketing/Membership Director
614-645-0630
tjohnson@kingartscomplex.com
COMnGRAF 3: Breaking Boarders
[OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE]
Columbus, OH, May 26, 2011 – For the first time in Columbus, OH, the King Arts Complex and AEP will present an exhibition that represents the merging of two eclectic art mediums, Comic Book art and Graffiti art: “COMnGRAF 3: Breaking Boarders” June 4th –August 27th in the Elijah Pierce Gallery at the King Arts Complex 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue. This exhibition will showcase the collaborative grouping of both Comic Book art (or sequential art) and Graffiti art (or aerosol art) by world renowned comic book artists and legendary Graffiti artists. It will feature the works of Graffiti Legend Nic One, Comic Book Industry Veteran Rob Stull, Graffiti artist and Comic Book inker George Rodriguez (Grodz), as well as additional artists, Dawud Anyabwile, Sanford Greene, Hops, Micah Gunnell, Khary Randolph, Maxx Moses (Pose 2), Sket One and TooFly.
Hip-Hop culture and the comic book industry have always shared a mutual admiration and respect for each other. Graffiti is Hip-Hop’s visual backdrop and Comic Books are a staple of American pop culture. COMnGRAF is a first of its kind concept. The exhibition features art that showcases Hip-Hop culture through the cross-cultural influence between Comic Book art and Graffiti art. This exhibition will showcase the collaborative grouping of both sequential and aerosol art by world renowned comic book artists and legendary graffiti artists. Simply stated, it is “the fusion of two cultures” celebrating the influence each has on the other. The exhibit Breaking Boarders takes a deeper look into the backgrounds of each participating artist, by examining the process of how they create their art. As a whole, the artists represent a vast and diverse spectrum of art genres that exist beyond the traditional definitions of comics and graffiti. “This exhibit’s intent is to show that as artists, we are connected but not limited in our expression,” stated Rob Stull.
William NIC ONE Green was born in the South Bronx. As a young child, he became fixated with the New York City subway art movement of the seventies. He started painting on trains in 1984 and eventually moved on to murals and canvas. He later began documenting the evolution of the art form through his photography work. He was the co-producer of Videograf, the first ever graffiti video magazine. His art and photography have been featured at The Whitney Museum (NY), Fashion Moda Gallery (NY), The Photography Center (CA) and The Montaigne Gallery (Paris). His Graffiti work has been seen on various television shows such as, YO! MTV Raps, The Real World (Japan), The Eleventh Hour and Good Day New York. He was honored on the 2005 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors program, for his contributions to the graffiti movement and has been featured in several books. Among them; Taking the Train by Joe Austin, Aerosol Kingdom by Ivor Miller, Broken Windows and Burning New York by James and Karla Murray and New York City Black BookMasters.
Rob Stull is an accomplished illustrator, penciller, inker, designer, curator and creator of comic books. With a career spanning two decades, he is a comic book industry veteran, who has worked for every major publisher in the industry. A few of Stull’s comic book projects include: Spider-Man Adventures, Iron Man, Wolverine and the New Mutants for Marvel Comics. Currently Stull is a partner in True Elements Publishing LLC and a creative force behind the COMnGRAF project. “COMnGRAF is the fusion of two cultures; Comic Book culture and Graffiti culture. Its purpose is to show the influence each has on the other,” expressed Rob Stull.
George Rodriguez (Grodz) started writing graffiti in 1983 after viewing passing trains on the 2 and 5 lines in New York. Graffiti legends Nic One, Tracy 168 and the late great Dondi, assisted in helping George build his skills in the art of graffiti writing. George landed his first professional painting job as a billboard artist in 1992 for Signs of Design, working on campaigns for Camel Cigarettes, Polo Ralph Lauren and Nike. George is currently a partner in True Elements publishing LLC and the mastermind behind the COMnGRAF project.
In addition to COMnGRAF, the King Arts Complex will present a Comic Book and GraffitiWorkshop conducted by Nic One, Rob Stull and Grodz on Friday, June 3rd 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in The Nicholson Auditorium. The artists will also lead dialogue about the process of creating comic books and the origins of graffiti. All ages are welcome to attend. Cost is $15. For more information, please call 614.645.0644.
Exhibition attendees will be given the opportunity to meet these influential artists, see their work and hear about their experiences. As well as view the artwork of graffiti and comic book industry superstars who have played a major role in elevating their respective art forms.
COMnGRAF 3: BREAKING BOARDERS – ADDITIONAL EVENTS
June 3rd: “Live Arts Demo”
Columbus Arts Festival Main Stage 12:30-1 p.m.
*FREE*
June 3rd: Comic Book and Graffiti Workshop
The King Arts Complex 6:30-8:30 p.m.
*Cost $15 all ages* REGISTRATION REQUIRED Call 614-645-0644
June 4th: Panel Discussion “Art or Vandalism”
The King Arts Complex 4 p.m.
*FREE*
For more information, call The King Arts Complex at 614-645-KING (5464) or visit www.thekingartscomplex.com.
