RHAPSODY IN ORANGE 17.04.23
'Rhapsody in Orange' (2023)
By Stiles Be
Acrylic x aerosol on concrete
Commissioned by @arthur_artbar
Supported by @cityofadelaide
As an artist, there's nothing quite like the feeling of being commissioned to create a new piece of work. That's why I was thrilled when I was approached by @arthur_artbar and given the opportunity to create a piece called 'Rhapsody in Orange' (2023). With the support of City of Adelaide, I was able to bring my vision to life and create something truly special.
What drew me to this particular project was the building itself. Ever since I was a teenager, I've been captivated by the architecture of this particular building. Its Art Deco style has always struck me as the most beautiful, and I've always dreamed of having the opportunity to create something that would complement and enhance its existing beauty.
When it came time to start work on the project, I knew that I wanted to create something that would capture the essence of the Art Deco era while also staying true to my own style. I wanted the piece to have a sense of pop and excitement, but also a ruggedness that would provide a stark contrast to the clean lines of the architecture. I also wanted to capture the patina that the building had developed over time, and to create something that would be a testament to the history and character of the location.
To achieve this, I decided to work intuitively. Rather than having a pre-planned design in mind, I allowed the flow of the artist and the energy of the location to guide me. I started by working with acrylics and aerosol on the concrete surface of the building, layering colors and textures until I had achieved the effect I was after. The process was challenging but deeply rewarding, and I'm proud of the end result.
One of the things that I love most about this project is that it's allowed me to become a part of the building's history. By creating a piece that's so deeply intertwined with the architecture and the location, I've been able to make a lasting contribution to my hometown. I'm grateful to Cass from Arthur Art Bar for giving me the opportunity to work on this project, and to The Local Paintshop x Daklinic for providing the materials that made it all possible. And, of course, I'm deeply grateful to the City of Adelaide for their ongoing support of the arts. Without their help and investment, projects like this simply wouldn't be possible.
ASTRAL EXPRESSIONISM 24.02.23
Astral Expressionism: The Convergence of Hip Hop, Improvised Art, and Live Remix
Art and music are two creative expressions that have been inseparable since the dawn of civilization. The fusion of these two forms has produced some of the most iconic and memorable moments in popular culture. The Astral Expressionism event was one such meeting of creative minds that brought together the world of abstract expressionism and live remix in a stunning showcase of improvisation and collaboration.
At the heart of this unique performance were two artists who have made their mark in their respective fields - Stiles Be and Inkswel. Stiles Be, an abstract expressionist visual artist, brought his raw, unbridled energy to the canvas, creating an impulsive burst of colors and shapes that captured the imagination of the audience. Inkswel, a world-renowned music producer and DJ, provided the live remix soundtrack, blending past work with new creations, and responding to the nuances of Stiles Be's painting with his beats.
Together, Stiles Be and Inkswel created an enthralling experience that transcended the boundaries of traditional art forms. Stiles Be painted a hundred record covers while Inkswel recorded a live remix album, following the brush strokes and nuances of Stiles Be's free-form painting. The result was a unique and mesmerizing performance that left the audience spellbound.
But Astral Expressionism wasn't just a one-time event; it was an opportunity for fans to own a piece of this groundbreaking collaboration. All ticket holders gained ownership of a limited edition vinyl release that included a hand-numbered original portion of Stiles Be's artwork as the cover, along with the audio recording of Inkswel's live remixes.
And for those who wanted to indulge their taste buds while enjoying the show, there was a catered option provided by Pony and Cole, who offered a 'Burger Box' consisting of a delicious handmade burger and chips, with beef, chicken, and vegan options available. The event also had a bar where drinks were available for purchase.
The performance was a resounding success, with attendees raving about the vibe and energy of the show. The fusion of live art and music created an immersive experience that was nothing short of breathtaking. The vinyl release promises to be a collector's item that captures the essence of this incredible performance, and we can't wait for it to be pressed and distributed.
Astral Expressionism was a testament to the power of collaboration and improvisation, and we thank everyone involved for making this event a reality. We look forward to more such events that push the boundaries of traditional art forms and inspire creative expression in all its forms.
Special Thanks to the following:
6Manton
Pony & Cole
The City of Charles SturtÂ
Zenith Records
Inner Tribe
DJ Black Betty