Urban(R)Evolution

Urban(R)Evolution chronicles the fascinating development of urban art, beginning with its early stages in the form of tags , graffiti , and subway paintings, progressing through the influential middle period to eventually give rise to street art . This art initially developed based on spray paint and wheatpaste, but quickly evolved to incorporate various techniques from around the world. The explosive combination of graffiti , breakdancing and rap led to a global explosion of popular expression.

The low barrier to entry, requiring artists to learn on the streets rather than in exclusive academies, allowed widespread participation in the three distinct disciplines of music, dance and painting, which had remained largely inaccessible until the late 1970s and early 1970s. 1980. Urban art ideas, fashion, music, dance and imagery infiltrated the media , becoming a defining aspect of popular culture. This fascinating evolution is presented through the keen perspective of renowned photographer Martha Cooper.

The exhibition includes immersive sections that showcase the different styles and techniques that have evolved from the genesis of street art to the present. Renowned Portuguese and international artists create these captivating installations based on movement.

The revolutionary aspect of the exhibition lies in the intentional accessibility of works from the urban art movement. The artists’ openness to working on any surface and their use of diverse supports and techniques were decisive for a global artistic movement. Urban(R)Evolution explores the phenomenal creative explosion that has swept the world, facilitated by the power of the media and the low barrier to entry for artists.

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The crew and I had a great trip to Lisbon, Portugal to take part in two separate, but linked exhibitions, the Urban (R)Evolution group show, and my solo show “Printed Matters: While Supplies Last” at Underdogs Gallery. Lisbon based artist Vhils, and his team, were involved in both shows, as well as preparation for me to repaint my older Peace Guard mural, so I really appreciate their efforts! Urban (R)Evolution was presented at an amazing former rope factory called the Cordoaria Nacional, and curated by Pedro Alonzo and Pauline Foessel, both of whom I’ve enjoyed collaborating with previously. The show features some of my favorite Portuguese and international artists, many of whom have been a big inspiration for me. Definitely check out the full lineup. Each artist was given a room to work in and this approach allowed each artist to have an immersive space within the collective presentation. I wheat-pasted and painted my interior space but also painted a two-sided wall outside the museum space. The crew and I also repainted my Peace Guard mural in the Graça neighborhood with a new color variation. The wall is in direct sun most of the day, and had faded considerably over the last 6 years. I was very happy to renew it, this time with a UV coating to protect the paint. Thanks to my crew of Dan Flores, Nic Bowers, Rob Zagula, Victoria Yarnish, and Jon Furlong (who also shot the photos) for all of the hard work. I love Lisbon!
–Shepard