“…WHY DO WE ENDLESSLY SEARCH, WHY DO WE WANDER? TO REVEAL.” EXCERPT FROM WAW EXHIBITION

This past September I flew down to New York for a two-day whirlwind of a trip for one reason only: to see and experience the 7,000 sqft pop-up exhibition Wondering Around Wandering (WAW) by artist and graphic designer, Mike Perry. WAW is a free three-month exhibition and community art project in Crown Heights—an emerging Brooklyn neighbourhood where Mike lives and works. More than an exhibition, there have been free events, workshops, screenings, gatherings, open discussions and other fun stuff  held by Mike and and other design and illustration professionals. Mike has moved his studio into the space for the duration of the exhibition. The aim is to give back to the large community of people that have supported him over the years. Open to the public since September, WAW is now in its final days, closing forever on Tuesday, November 20, 2012.

ABOVE: MIKE PERRY, PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH JENKS. ARTWORK SAMPLE COURTESY OF MIKE PERRY’S PRESS KIT.

MIKE PERRY

In case you’re not familiar with Mike Perry’s work, he is kind of incredible!  An interdisciplinary artist, he illustrates, draws, paints,  silkscreens, builds, animates, makes zines, curates books, designs and the list goes on! You can spot his work and aesthetic from a mile away! I’ve always been drawn to his quirky,  doodle-esque, bold, colourful (lots of neon!) approach. He represents DIY at its finest! Describing him as prolific is an understatement. Earlier this year  Mike’s first monograph of his work was published by Rizzoli, titled Wondering Around Wandering (Works So Far). This book inspired the exhibition.

KICKSTARTER

The exhibition was  a Kickstarter project. Back in the summer when I visited Brooklyn,  I noticed Mike’s 12 hour draw-a-thon to draw awareness for the project, with the goal of raising $30 000. Tons of supporters (766 to be exact)  happily donated,  I being one of them and helped to exceed the goal.  The exhibition is also sponsored by Urban Outfitters (a long time collaborator with Mike) along with Duvel, Dry Soda Co. and Paper Tiger.

WATCH MIKE PERRY’S VIDEO ABOUT THE WONDERING AROUND WANDERING PROJECT

SCULPTURES AND SCREEN PRINTS

“…WE WILL COLLECTIVELY CREATE A UNIVERSE AND BE FURTHER INSPIRED AND TRANSPORTED BY IT” EXCERPT FROM WAW EXHIBITION

Mike wanted the space to become a “dynamic environment for continuous creation”, where visitors can “explore freely and create their own unique experiences”.

“…SO AS YOU ENTER HERE, LET YOUR IMAGINATION BE UNSURPASSABLE, RECALLING THAT IN TRAVELING IN TO THE INFINITE, WE BECOME IT. YOUR ARE THE STARSHIP; WE ARE YOUR MISSION CONTROL. TOGETHER, WE MAKE REVELATION POSSIBLE. THROUGH OUR GROUP IMAGINATION, WE SEEK TO KNOW NEW WAYS OF DREAMING TOGETHER.” EXCERPT FROM WAW EXHIBITION

PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES

TYPE WORKSHOP

I participated in a type workshop while in town.  I have always admired Mike’s approach to hand-drawn lettering. I knew it would be a blast to hang out in the exhibition space for an afternoon and build alphabets—and it was! My NYC bud Angela to signed up too.

I picked up one of  Mike’s Japanese prints at the show. Everyone at the workshop walked away with a silkscreened bag and peel and stick hand-dreawn type wall decals, design by Mike for Urban Outfitters.

On this trip, I chose to stay in  Crown Heights, Brooklyn (airbnb again!) I wanted to experience another part of Brooklyn and check out the places in the neighbourhood recommended by Mike. I made multiple stops to Crosby coffee,  just around the corner from the show.

HAND DRAWN TYPOGRAPHY “A LITTLE LOST BUT ON A GREAT JOURNEY”

I feel lucky to have been able to visit the show a few times while in the city and take part in a workshop. I was very cool to be part a small part of this awesome project.

According to the website, the Wondering Around Wandering show has:

/ welcomed 3,000 visitors
/ hosted 14 workshops
/ held 3 performances & screenings
/ exhibited 3 group shows with 100 artists
/ hosted tons of class trips & kids events
/ sold 70+ works of art.

Do you live in the NYC area and still have time to make it to the show? Attend the  CLOSING FOREVER GALA, a benefit for Sandy relief. I wish that I could! //