“CONCRETE ECHOES” MARTIN WHATSON
HARMAN PROJECTS
SEPTEMBER 9 - 30, 2023
Introducing "Concrete Echoes," a captivating solo exhibition by the talented artist, Martin Whatson, proudly presented by Harman Projects. This marks the artist's inaugural solo showcase at their gallery, and they are thrilled to bring his exceptional work to the forefront of the art world.
Martin Whatson's artistic journey began in the early '90s within Norway's burgeoning graffiti scene. Since then, he has left an indelible mark on the global landscape of public art through his extensive collection of monumental murals. His distinctive style is instantly recognizable, characterized by mixed-media paintings that seamlessly blend grayscale stenciled subjects with vibrant layers of graffiti. Whatson's art exists in a perpetual state of contrast, where the realms of street art and graffiti coexist harmoniously. Notably, his work in the streets and within the studio mutually inspire and enrich each other, showcasing his dynamic artistic evolution.
At the heart of Whatson's artistic expression lies a profound exploration of the human impulse to make a lasting impact on the world. In "The Poster," a powerful piece within this exhibition, a male figure meticulously wheatpastes a graffiti-covered poster onto a barren, gray wall. This poignant image draws a parallel between the artist's own street art practice and that of his contemporaries in the expansive street art movement. It masterfully amalgamates various artistic disciplines, including graffiti, street art, muralism, stencilism, and wheatpasting, offering a fresh perspective through the lens of contemporary art.
New York City, the birthplace of modern graffiti, serves as the perfect backdrop for "Concrete Echoes." The exhibition's title encapsulates the constant interplay between street art and fine art, inspiration and execution, as well as the dichotomy of solidity and fluidity. "Concrete Echoes" sparks essential dialogues about the ownership of public spaces, the eternal struggle between creation and destruction, and the fragile beauty of nature. It is a testament to the enduring power of art to provoke thought, inspire change, and leave its mark on the world.