Art & Film: New Brow: The Rise of Underground Art

The film presents interviews from artists, galleries, and collectors who initiated and gave momentum to the New American Art Movement. The revealing footage captures the makeshift studios and gallery spaces where the movement began, and the intensity and passion required to birth a new genre. The film also sheds light on non-traditional influences that are too often overlooked and under appreciated. These “low brow” references encompass everything from underground comix, Kustum Kulture, graffiti, and tattoo to skate and surf culture, punk art, and others amidst Californian sub-cultures.

The accompanying exhibition, curated by Justin Giarla, will include new works by artists featured in the film such as Eric Joyner, Shepard Fairey, Ron English, Camille Rose Garcia, Greg Gossel, Travis Louie, and Kill Pixie, among many others. If the name Shepard Fairey rings a bell it is because he is the creator of the iconic and instantly recognizable graphic, the Obama HOPE poster. The image caught wildfire during the 2008 presidential campaign and catapulted Fairey into the limelight. The exhibition has a very short run, March 19-21, and will take place at 602 West 7th Street, formerly the space occupied by Gallery Lombardi.

The film will be screened along with the new documentary, “Abraham Obama,” which chronicles legendary street and graffiti artist Ron English and his creation of the stunning and equally iconic image of President Obama fused with Abraham Lincoln. New Brow: The Rise of Underground Art is sponsored by Juxtapoz magazine.

Additionally, look for new works by Shepard Fairey around town this week. His team will be installing at various Austin locations, including the UT campus.