"Boom box" by Faust, 2022. COMPLEXITY encourages visitors to learn more about this art form
SEATTLE, WA – The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) in partnership with The American Graffiti & Urban Art Conservation Project (AMGRAF) and APEX Art & Cultural Center is honored to bring the legendary DogTown Collection to ARTS at King Street Station. The exhibition, COMPLEXITY, is a celebration of graffiti art and culture presented it in all its forms.
“These graffiti masterpieces often have an incredibly short existence in the public eye,” said curator Sire One. “COMPLEXITY is a showcase of community and culture as much as it’s a display of the wide variation of style and technique. I hope people recognize the complexity of this art form and culture and join the conversation.”
Curated by Sire One (ARTS) and Baby-G Carswell (AMGRAF), COMPLEXITY demonstrates what graffiti is and can be, offering local examples of the art style and its history. The DogTown Collection is an epic collection of masterpieces created by some of the most influential graffiti writers to have painted over the last 50 years. Over 20 pieces from it will be on display along with additional works from local writers contributing pieces from their personal collections, including black-books, magazines (pre-Instagram), jackets, stickers, and more.
“This collaboration is a step toward fulfilling our promise of preserving the legacies of those who risked life, limb, and freedom for this historic art form,” said curator, Baby-G. “It’s about honoring my best friend, Miles, and his unfathomable skill, especially after he left this earth too soon. Knowing that people get to admire Miles’ artwork now and for years to come is what brings me joy.”
Opening night activation on First Thursday, June 6, includes four artists painting canvases live in the plaza of King Street Station, 4 – 6 p.m. while DJ Supreme La Rock spins 5 – 8 p.m. Catering provided by Natoncks Metsu. Attendees can form a genuine connection between what they see being painted and the works on display in the gallery. With this exhibition, the curators hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexity of graffiti and aerosol expressionism.
ARTS at King Street Station is open Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on First Thursdays. 303 S. Jackson Street, Top Floor, Seattle, WA 98104. Admission is FREE.
About APEX and AMGRAF
APEX Art & Culture Center is a cultural oasis nestled within the heart of historic downtown Everett.
The AMGRAF museum is their 501(c)(3) non-profit museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the artists who risked life, limb, and freedom to find their voices and be seen and heard. It features The DogTown Collection, the world’s largest collection of graffiti and urban art on canvas.
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