Photos by: Jon Lake
ASKEW ONE | DIASPORA
Opening reception: April 19, 2014 | 8-11p
On view: April 19 – May 3, 2014
Known Gallery
441 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
info@knowngallery.com
About Diaspora:
In Askew’s first Los Angeles solo exhibition, he continues to explore themes from last years Sydney show, ‘The Evolving Face’ – specifically the dynamics of cultural, ancestral and social identity in the greater Pacific region. This concept redefines itself as these communities disperse in places like the West Coast of the US, Australia and New Zealand. There is an omnipresent duality existing within Pacific communities – concepts of transience and migration but with strong specific cultural identities that flourish and maintain strength, often impacting and evolving wherever they gain a foothold. For this show ‘Stelly’ who is based in Sydney, Australia and is of Fijian descent is the face of this concept.
In the artists home base of Auckland, New Zealand, the city’s identity has been dramatically altered by Pacific migration over the past 3 decades. Auckland is arguably the current epicentre of the modern Pacific, this forces it’s people to reevaluate the way they identify themselves – even those of European or Asian descent. Feeling a disconnect from his various European ancestries, Askew One has mostly embraced this new sense of identity, yet still walks a fine line between immersion and the analytical view point of an outsider.
About ASKEW ONE:
ASKEW ONE is recognized worldwide for his unique approach to graffiti art and remains at the forefront of the international art scene through constantly exploring new and exciting styles in a world of imitators. With over 20 years of experience and the need to reach out to the world from his home in remote New Zealand, Askew is self-taught in graphic design, illustration, photography, publishing, directing and editing music videos and moving images.