Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is proud to present "Up on the roof countin' pigeons", the first solo exhibition of work by Baltimore artist Chris Stain. Artwork featured in the exhibition will include stencil, spraypaint and mixed media on metal and found objects. A preview reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2009 from 7.00pm - 10.00pm. The exhibition will be open for viewing through Thursday, February 26th 2009 from 1.00pm - 7.00pm.
For "Up on the roof countin' pigeons", Chris Stain will transform the gallery into a NYC rooftop scene, complete with pigeon coop and live jazz music. The enigmatic stencil portraits integrated into the large-scale installation pierce the gaze of viewers and offer a unique perspective of contemporary inner city life.
"My work explores the emotional and physical struggle of growing up in an urban environment. Through hand-cut stencils and installations made from found materials I hope to inspire compassion for the often overlooked individuals of society." - Chris Stain
1. Across the Alley, stencil on metal mounted on wood frame and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $1000
2. Homeward Bound, stencil on metal mounted on wood frame and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $1000
3. God As My Witness, stencil on metal mounted on wood frame and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $1000
4. When It Comes To Pride, stencil on metal mounted on wood frame and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $1000
5. Railroad Bill, stencil on metal mounted on wood frame and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $1000
6. Ski, stencil on metal mounted on wood frame and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $1000
7. Here Comes the Sun, stencil on found sign, coated, one of a kind, 30" x 24" (76cm x 61cm), $2000
8. No Matter How Hard You Try You Can't Stop Us Now
wood cut, hand colored, stained and mounted, one of a kind, 35.5" x 23.5" (90cm x 59.7cm), $2000
9. N 9th St, wood cut, hand colored, stained and mounted, one of a kind, 35.5" x 23.5" (90cm x 59.7cm), SOLD
10. War in the Streets, stencil on found metal shelving, coated, one of a kind, 16.5" x 35" (42cm x 89cm), $2000
11.Threat Of Chance, stencil on found metal shelving, coated, one of a kind, 16.5" x 35" (42cm x 89cm), $2000
12. Urban Harmony. stencil on metal, coated, one of a kind, 24" x 31" (61cm x 78.75cm), $2000
13. Self Preservation, Stencil and Spray Paint on Found Metal mounted and coated, one of a kind, 22" x 19.5" (56cm x 48.3cm), SOLD
14. Up on the Roof, stencil on metal mounted and coated, one of a kind, 12" x 24" (30.5cm x 61cm), SOLD
15. In Memory of Oscar Grant III, stencil on metal, mounted and coated, one of a kind, 17" x 22" (43.2cm x 55.9cm), $2000
(all proceeds for the sale of this piece to go to Oscar Grant's daughter)
16. Emma, original stencil, hand cut dura-lar, painted and framed, one of a kind, 17" x 13" (43.2cm x 33cm), $800
17. Dollar-a-day, original stencil, hand cut dura-lar, painted and framed, one of a kind, 17" x 13" (43.2cm x 33cm), SOLD
18. Miners, original stencil, hand cut dura-lar, painted and framed, one of a kind, 17" x 13" (43.2cm x 33cm), $800
19. Almost Lost Detroit, screen print, hand colored on archival paper, signed and numbered, edition of 20, 12" x 12" (30.5cm x 30.5cm), $100
20. No Matter How Hard You Try You Cant Stop Us Now
screen print, hand colored on archival paper, signed and numbered, edition of 20, 25" x 19", (63.5cm x 48.3cm), $200
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Chris first developed an interest in art through graffiti at the age of eleven. He learned printmaking in high school, which later led to stencil cutting when money wasn't readily available for printmaking equipment.
His subject matter is drawn from his working class upbringing on Baltimore's east side. The people he portrays in his work carry with them the struggle for a better life that all of us can relate to, especially in the current times.
Chris' self-taught style has gained him recognition worldwide. Since 2000 he has exhibited his work in galleries situated across the globe, including New York, California, Paris, London, Germany, and Amsterdam, amongst others. His work has also been published in several books about stencil graffiti and street art.
Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is fast gaining recognition as one of the major exhibitors of emerging international contemporary art on the US West Coast. After several years of organizing shows and private events, co-curators Seth and Elisa Carmichael opened Carmichael Gallery as a fresh alternative voice on the Los Angeles gallery scene. In just over one year they have established themselves as a major gallery with a global collector base.
Carmichael Gallery is located at 1257 N. La Brea Avenue, on the SW corner of La Brea and Fountain, West Hollywood, CA 90038. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and by appointment. For more information, please visit our website www.carmichaelgallery.com, email art@carmichaelgallery.com, or call 323.969.0600.
