When you think about graffiti, painter isn’t always the first thing that comes to our mind. A painter in the sense of Velazquez, or Titian, or a force like Bacon or Malevich. Graffiti rarely is spoken in the same sentence. Jaybo Monk is one of the exceptions. Jaybo Monk is a modern day master. Not only does he work primarily in spray paint, but he uses it in the spirit of a painter. Jaybo has been a long favorite of ours so it was great to see him finally make the trip to the states, and what better trip to arguably one of the hottest art markets in America Los Angeles. Thanks to Carlos Gonzalez we were able to get these great photos of the opening.
Jaybo Monk capped his 3 week residency off at newly launched Soze Gallery with an opening solo exhibition titled “Silent listen”. We had the pleasure of spending the weekend before the opening with Jaybo. An amazing man Jaybo has a quality in him that is rare. Coined Jayboisms you can see the manner of the artist as a humble person understanding the complexities in life and how fast things can change. Jaybo having been through hard times himself knows first hand the importance of the moment. His paintings reflect this moment and how important it is to seize it. A paradigm shift within graffiti, a move towards painting. As we mentioned earlier a graffiti painter who utilizes the tools and tradition that they have grown up with, and to bring something fresh to it. To take these tools, mix in some new techniques and paint with flesh and shape form is amazing to be able to witness. We watch with intrigue as the doors have opened and a new form of art emerges, Jaybo is one of the artists at the forefront of this movement.
With beautiful form, contorted compositions and flesh, “Silent Listen” delivers a strong showing.
GF
6 comments
Termine G says:
Mar 8, 2012
Great Jaybo – well done –
whatever says:
Mar 12, 2012
a few of those are real dope, but as afar as it being the beginning of “a new form of art”…?
what happened to the critical writing on this site? frankly this reads more like a pat on the back than a critique of the show and his new work.
Graffuturism says:
Mar 12, 2012
It is a pat on the back, and if you reread that sentence you will see that Jaybo is mentioned as one of the artists in this current age of “a new form of art” not single handedly leading it. It is artists Like Jaybo that are redefining graffiti art in galleries. We appreciate your comment but disagree with your assessment. On a side note this blog is about positive commentary on artists and shows that we feel like covering. We donot need to cover or review every show, if we are critical of a show we would not post it. We are not art critics, only supporters of content that we feel is a match to our overall aims.
WHATEVER says:
Mar 12, 2012
clement greenberg praised and helped prop up abstract expressionism as an important movement because it matched the overall aims of what he thought painting/art should be (isn’t this essentially what you’re doing?). you might not claim to be an art critic, but you are definately involved in the discourse.
if artists like jaybo, kofie, geso, etc. are redefining graffiti art in galleries/the art world, then the writing on the work should reflect that shift. I think the early writings on here, in particular the “A Look at Graffiti’s Evolution and Progression 2011” series, did this very well.
and lastly, critiquing/being critical is not synonymous with giving a negative commentary. being critical is not hating, it’s being constructive.
Graffuturism says:
Mar 12, 2012
Well stated, I agree with your point on Greenberg, and this is the reason why in past posts including a post i made around new years I asked the community to engage and help with the dialogue. It is difficult to be the only source of critique at times for our own posts. We are at times too close to the situation to have strong objective responses. Like I said in the case we do not feel a show we more than likely pass up posting it in favor or focusing on something we do appreciate.
We understand that this might not be the most critical method, but it is a model we have decided to move forward with. We do however as you referenced try to feature articles where we can bring some more in depth responses out as in “The evolution and progression of graffiti”, yet still in that case we left it in the words of the artists. We have had guest writers here and there, and would always be open to anyone contributing. If someone wanted to take on proper critique of shows under their name as a critic we would be open to that. We as a site though donot want to speak as a site when being critical of an artist. Believe me there are plenty of occasions where we have taken the high road in this. We appreciate you support and genuine response. Anyone wanting to contribute you can always email us at graffuturism@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you.
GF
Mare139 says:
Mar 15, 2012
Well stated and stressed. The missing link in our culture is the written narrative both in reflection and critique both which are vital to cultivating these new ideas for future generations. Unfortunately kids are to lazy to write and engage in lengthy analysis about our history or process so they don’t develop the language in which to address it. We are left to fend and learn for ourselves how best to represent this emerging art form. Graffuturism has made its position clear- analysis over review; in that it will best serve us to learn before we speak.
M139