GALLERY VISIT: SLAM SECTION AT STEINSLAND BERLINER
Stockholm gallery Steinsland Berliner recently invited artist and actor Leo Fitzpatrick to curate the group exhibition Slam Section. Leo, along with the artists featured in the show have had a massive influence on us growing up.
Words by Steinsland Berliner:
Introducing the East Coast art scene to Stockholm’s Gallery Steinsland Berliner, Leo Fitzpatrick has crossed the Atlantic and curated his friends for a show, called SLAM SECTION. Bringing with him works from the likes of Dave Sandey of Fuck This Life, the late great Dash Snow, Mark Gonzales, Richard Kern and many others, SLAM SECTION is bound to give the Swedish scene a greater insight into the workings and characteristics of New York’s blossoming art scene over a stretch of several decades. Amongst others, one of Norway’s most aspiring artists is featured in the form of Gardar Eine Einarsson alongside the talented, colorful Eddie Martinez and iconic skateboard photographer, Tobin Yelland. The exhibition is an homage to the DIY-generation that blossomed throughout the 70’s and has experienced a revival in the more recent years. No titles, no restrictions and no rules. SLAM SECTION, curated by Leo Fitzpatrick, will include works from the following artists:
Chris Johanson, Eddie Martinez, Josh Smith, Dave Sandey, B Thom Stevenson, Dash Snow, Richard Kern, Justin Adian, Sadie Laska, Tobin Yelland, Joe Roberts, Gardar Eide Einarsson, Mark Gonzales, Brian DeGraw, Will Boone, Daniel Johnston, Lizzi Bougatsos, Jerry Hsu, Cali Thornwill DeWitt, Neckface, Mark Flood, Ray Johnson
Leo Fitzpatrick explains his thoughts behind the show (via Steinsland Berliner):
“When I was younger, skateboarding dictated the direction each day would take and at night, I would sit in front of the TV watching skateboard videos, completely in awe of the look, with regards to the visuals, sounds and lifestyle that these videos projects. I was too small and had not enough talent to imitate my heroes in said videos but there was also one section that I could relate to wholeheartedly. It was called the Slam Section: a montage in the video that showcased the falls, blunders and mouth gaping mistakes that happen when trying to progress at a somewhat young sport that skateboarding was at the time. Some of these clips were only seconds long but are still ingrained in my brain. They illustrated the first steps that one must take, some funny, some scare but mostly painful, to feel that burst of gratification that only comes from landing a trick after hours on end struggling with it. Simply rolling away, celebration to be had by all. It was a small price to pay. In curating the show, SLAM SECTION, I tried to find the cracks in between the façade of the art world, to rip it up and start over again, to break the politically driven art market and show art for the sake of art again. I selected these pieces based on instinct instead of influence. Each work comes together not to make sense but to simply inspire.“
Leo Fitzpatrick (b. New Jersey 1978) discovered skateboarding at an early age, in turn introducing him to New York City life by the age of 12. Transfixed by the streets, he would eventually drop out of school and spend his days roaming the streets and soaking in the culture. At the age of 14, he was discovered by Larry Clark and would work together on the feature film, Kids, two years later. This friendship and collaboration continues to this day, most recently illustrated by the Larry Clark 100 Dollar Print Sale. This project started at Fitzpatrick’s Home Alone 2 Gallery; a space that was launched three years ago with his then partners, Hanna Liden and Nate Lowman. The gallery recently closed due to rising rents on New York’s Lower East Side and will face a reopening in the fall with location and date still a secret. Fitzpatrick continuous to work as an actor but his heart belongs to the art world, whether it being through creating, curating or hosting an exhib ition at his gallery. (Via Steinsland Berliner)
17 April - 16 May at Gallery Steinsland Berliner
