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SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS in collaboration with Daniel Efram presents Modular Synthesis, the solo exhibition and Los Angeles-debut of artist Steve Keene’s Tattooed Plywood series. The show will be on view at Subliminal Projects from January 16 – February 13, 2016 and will include Keene’s multimedia works including an environmental retrospective of his signature hand painted multiples.
Modular Synthesis features more than 30 of Keene’s never-before-seen Tattooed Plywood pieces, as well as handmade furniture and over 750 hand painted multiples. This will be Keene’s first West Coast showing in 5 years.
Opening Reception:
Saturday, January 16 · 8 – 11 pm
Subliminal Projects
1331 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, 90026
Exhibition Dates:
January 16 – February 13, 2016
Keene’s unique and prolific hand painted multiples are highly recognizable from the artist’s intrinsic connection and iconic works for influential bands and musicians. For Modular Synthesis, the artist pays tribute to some of the most important album art of all time including pieces in honor of The Rolling Stones, The Clash, Bob Dylan, Joy Division and many others.
The exhibition reveals the artist’s Tattooed Plywood works to LA viewers showcasing how he carves and etches each piece onto a half-inch wide plywoodat as his canvas; producing images of irreverently titled stacked playing cards and whimsical floral patterns against chain-link fences. Keene also produced custom frames for each of the works.
Steve Keene
Online Poker Rooms, 2015
Tattooed Plywood
Steve Keene
Untitled, 2015
Tattooed Plywood
“I love to create environments and where people see my work is a huge part of how they participate,” Keene muses. “I show hundreds, if not thousands of pieces at a time and want people to be completely immersed. Hopefully they get a feel for the way the paintings are hung, because this is a big part of the performance of presenting a gallery show.”
A trained screen printer by trade, the hand painted multiples represent his version of poster art, which has endeared him to the Flatstock community as an honorary member for the past 35 years. Having produced by his count more than 300,000 of these beautiful mini-masterpieces, including nearly 80 per day for the last 35 years, Keene is the all-time most productive artist of this medium.
Steve Keene
Abbey Road, 2015
Hand painted multiple
The three-dimensional modular furniture, fashioned out of Tattooed Plywood, is designed to enhance the experiential aspect of show. Gallery goers are encouraged to participate with the art, to sit and absorb into the environment.
“After two exhibits at The Santa Monica Museum of Art (2008 and 2011), its super exciting and appropriate to show the Los Angeles premiere of Modular Synthesis at Subliminal Projects,” says show curator Daniel Efram.
Steve Keene
Exile On Main St, 2015
Hand painted multiple
Keene has shown in galleries in Germany, Australia and in several other U.S. cities. Modular Synthesis at Subliminal Projects marks his gallery premiere in Los Angeles.
The opening reception for Modular Synthesis is Saturday, January 16 from 8 to 11 pm. The exhibition will be on view through Saturday, February 13. An RSVP is required for the opening reception to: rsvp@subliminalprojects.com.
Steve Keene
Want This To Stand, 2015
Tattooed Plywood
Steve Keene
Licensed To Ill, 2015
Hand painted multiple
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