If you go to one skate art opening this year, it should probably be the opening for Russ Pope & Neil Blender’s Baggage Claim at Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow in Laguna Beach, California on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
“Baggage Claim” explores social concepts in the two artists’ complementary character-based themes and color palettes – which Pope says will come across as “darker” to those familiar with his work. Works will range from 30″ x 60″ to a handful of smaller pieces. Pope and Blender conceived “Baggage Claim” together. Pope explains: “It’s claiming your baggage, claiming all your life’s baggage. Usually the content of the things I’m working on are social commentary, things that happen in my life, like daily diaries, or what’s happening in my environment that I’m reporting on. Making art and sharing it with people it is exposing yourself and putting yourself in a vulnerable position – politics, thoughts, even colors. Laying baggage out for all to see.”
Aside from being the father of the Lien air, Neil Blender is also credited with creating the entire skateboarder-as-artist aesthetic. Baggage Claim runs April 5 – 27, 2014. The opening reception is Saturday, April 5, 2013 at 6 PM. Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow is located at 1175 South Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, California. For more on the show and the artists, follow the jump.RUSS POPE & NEIL BLENDER
“BAGGAGE CLAIM”
April 5-27, 2014
Artist Reception: Saturday, April 5, 6-9pm
Supported By : Vans & Pizza Port Brewing
LAGUNA BEACH, CA (March 18, 2014) – Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow is proud to announce a landmark exhibition, the first ever two-man show from renowned artists Russ Pope and Neil Blender. On view April 5 through 27, 2014, this will be the first time this well-known duo will show art together in California. The event marks a new chapter for Pope and Blender, who, as friends and collaborators, will emphasize the collection of all new works with “true collaborative” works that they have painted together on a single canvas simultaneously.
Viewers taking part in this exclusive and rare exhibition will get to see two of skateboarding’s most influential artists side-by-side, with their the seedy characters, loose, conservative lines and social themes. It’s no coincidence that the works sit well on the walls together: Pope acknowledges that Blender has been a direct influence on him since his teen years. “He’s been one of the bigger influences through my life on my art. I’ve always been a fan of Neil’s art and feel super fortunate to be able to call him a friend and a collaborator on this project,” says Russ. “Skateboarding and art have always been the two most powerful things in my life, and Neil was always one of my favorite skateboarders.”
“Baggage Claim” explores social concepts in the two artists’ complementary character-based themes and color palettes – which Pope says will come across as “darker” to those familiar with his work. Works will range from 30″ x 60″ to a handful of smaller pieces. Pope and Blender conceived “Baggage Claim” together. Pope explains:
“It’s claiming your baggage, claiming all your life’s baggage. Usually the content of the things I’m working on are social commentary, things that happen in my life, like daily diaries, or what’s happening in my environment that I’m reporting on. Making art and sharing it with people it is exposing yourself and putting yourself in a vulnerable position – politics, thoughts, even colors. Laying baggage out for all to see.”
A reception on Saturday, April 5 will showcase the musical talents of Cyril Mountain, artists will be in attendance.
Russ Pope and Neil Blender join the carefully curated platform of exciting artists that Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow and Vans are committed to bringing to the southern California art movement in 2014.
About the artists:
Similar to the way the human mind can’t grasp the largeness of the universe, there is simply no way to underestimate the amount of collective influence that Blender and Pope have each had on the creative galaxy in which skateboarding and art co-exist today.
Russ Pope earned “Orange County’s Best Visual Artist in 2010.” His artistic career started as youngster and has recently culminated with large installation shows in NYC. He has lectured for Pratt and Parsons schools and worked with non-profits in Los Angeles to bring art to inner city underprivileged children. Russ’s commitment to skateboarding has spanned many decades, including involvement at Creature, Scarecrow, Black Label, Fallen and currently at Vans. Russ’s art has taken him to faraway places and rekindled his roots. He has shown his work both domestically and internationally in San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, New York, Brooklyn, Miami, Austin,Washington DC, Denver, Los Angeles, Portland, Vancouver, Whistler, Hawaii, Glasgow, Edinburgh, London and Japan. russpope.com
Neil Blender is one of the most influential skateboarders of his time. In the early 1980’s, before the skateboarding industry boom, he stood apart because of his artistic ability, individuality, and raw talent. He has become an icon that many current skateboarders have aspired to emulate, but have been unable to match. He set many standards that skateboarders still adhere to today. An originator of many skateboarding tricks, another lasting contribution was infusing art into the world of skateboarding – Neil was one of the first skateboarders to make his own skate graphics, setting the bar high for all skate companies and riders to follow. He is involved in all different types of art, photography, painting and music. Neil is a private person, but he is a hero for being true to skateboarding, and true to himself.
About Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow:
Artists Republic 4 Tomorrow is a contemporary art gallery in Laguna Beach, CA dedicated to the support of emerging and mid-career artists who not only make amazing works in the studio, but are leaders in life – travelers, curators, musicians, skateboarders, surfers, teachers, builders. AR4T gallery specializes in original works, prints, books and more. In 2014 we are excited to welcome Vans as a partner in continuing our mission to create a larger platform for new artists.
To RSVP or for hires images and artist interviews, please contact torrey@ar4t.com
RUSS POPE AND NEIL BLENDER: BAGGAGE CLAIM opens Saturday, April 5 from 6 to 9pm. Artists will be in attendance. Show runs April 5-27, 2014 at ARTISTS REPUBLIC 4 TOMORROW, 1175 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA. Parking meters free after 7pm. Works are for sale. Gallery hours: Wed-Sun 11am to 7pm. www.AR4T.com.
