Corrosive X-PLOSION at Pixel Ink Gallery

06.05.09

Corrosive X-PLOSION at Pixel Ink Gallery

Wellington aerosol-stencil artist, KIRAN-X will unleash “The Corrosive Empire” at Pixel Ink Gallery on Wednesday the 20th of May at 5.30pm.

The Corrosive Empire is a new series of stencil works by KIRAN-X inspired from his fascination with the decomposing, towering billboards of north-east Asia.

“Stationed somewhere in the rural-industrial landscape and too expensive to take down, these pollution smothered and weather ravaged billboard faces advertise cosmetics products to a ghostly arena,” says KIRAN-X.

“They are the dark sirens of irony clinging to existence, for one last seduction of a lost consumer,” he adds. “Once you are mesmerized, you cannot escape the manufactured decadence.”

Using a variety of new stencil techniques, cultivated surfaces and deviously grinding mayhem, KIRAN-X recreates the journey through excessive vanity glory to the destructive oblivion of these marketing idols in visceral-aerosol detail.

The exhibition cleverly portrays a visual paradox which is all too common in today's world of excessive advertising.

Pixel Ink Gallery director, Rosalind Clark said, “Although depicting their cosmetic decay, the billboard inspired artworks masterfully retain a sense of beauty the advertisers were originally trying to sell us.”

“There is a huge sense of irony but also honesty, that as things get older and decay, they can appear more beautiful in other ways,” adds Clark.

As an artist, KIRAN-X is influenced by the urban environment and the juxtaposition of decaying visual media - fashion, commerce and popular culture.

• Exhibition details:

KIRAN-X
The Corrosive Empire
Pixel Ink Gallery, 12 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington

Runs from 20 May – 7 June 2009
Opening night: Wednesday 20 May 5.30 – 7.30pm

Admission FREE, all welcome to attend.

Gallery opening hours:
Mon – Tue: Closed (open by appointment)
Wed – Fri: 10am – 5.30pm
Sat – Sun: 10am – 3.30pm

For more information visit www.pixelink.co.nz

ENDS

Artist Biography

I am fascinated with breaking apart nostalgic images of people and objects into component shapes then rebuilding them against layers of visceral pattern and textures. Taking an image of something that is symbolically or socially beautiful and purposefully degrading it for graphic imperfections is my twisted obsession. I’m more like a big kid playing Dr Frankenstein in my very own Grindhouse movie. My greatest source of inspiration comes from the texture and colour of the urban environment and the juxtaposition of decaying visual media - fashion, commerce and popular culture.

KIRAN-X (Kiran Gandhi) is a Tutor/Mentor at Pablos Art Studios where he facilitates developmental Art projects. KIRAN-X has also lectured on the Creative Technologies programme at Wel-Tec, covering Moving Image, Digital media, Painting and Photography.

About Pixel Ink Gallery

Pixel Ink Gallery provides a space for emerging and established artists to showcase and sell their works. The gallery specialises in contemporary illustrative art.

Our mission is to exhibit and sell fine art in a space where art lovers, art investors and artists alike can experience all that is great about New Zealand art, alongside a small selection of boutique fashion.

The Pixel Ink fashion boutique, art gallery and illustration studio is located at 12 Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand.

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