"Truth in Myth"
New Work by Meggs
White Walls is pleased to present “Truth in Myth,” a solo exhibition from Australian artist Meggs. The opening reception will be Saturday, July 14th, from 7-11pm, and the exhibition is free and open to the public for viewing through August 4th, 2012.
Mythology tells the stories of gods, heroes, humans and supernatural beings as the personification of natural phenomena and more importantly the human condition. In traditional folklore, a myth tells a story that is designed to explain certain ideals, practices and behaviors within society. Following from his interest in superheroes and comic book narratives, Meggs delves deeper into the subject of fantasy to explore characters and stories from older mythological tales through the morals, dualities and emotions that these superhuman characters represent.
Fusing elements of contemporary superheroes to ancient mythological beings, “Truth in Myth” is a collection of new paintings, collage, sculpture and mixed media artworks that expressively reference classic renaissance composition and contemporary pop culture. The layered and detailed works of “Truth in Myth” serve as a continuation of the artist’s search for balance in the understanding of physical and ideological duality of self.
“We live in the stories we tell ourselves. In a secular, scientific rational culture lacking in any convincing spiritual leadership, superhero stories speak loudly and boldly to our greatest fears, deepest longings and highest aspirations… the best superhero stories deal directly with mythic elements of the human condition… they help us confront and resolve even the deepest existential crisis. We should listen to what they have to tell us.” - Grant Morrison, Supergods, 2011
Growing up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, David 'Meggs' Hooke, immersed himself in the worlds of drawing, cartoons, sci-fi films and skateboarding. In 2000, Meggs graduated from University with a Bachelor of Design and soon after became recognized for stencils and poster art on the streets of Melbourne. In 2004, Meggs became a founding member of the renowned Everfresh Studio a respected and unique collective of street artists known for large amounts of collaborative street work and aerosol murals. In 2010, Meggs art directed and designed Everfresh:Blackbook, a 254 page publication documenting the studio members’ lifestyle and artworks from 2004-2010.
Since entering gallery shows around 2004, Meggs has spread his street and gallery works nationally and internationally to cities such as London, San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, Hawaii and Hong Kong as well as hosting solo exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, London & Los Angeles. Meggs has recently been a key inclusion in the National Gallery of Australia's (NGA), 'Space Invaders - Australian street art' retrospective; the 'Everfresh Studio' exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria's (NGV) NGVStudio space and 'Young & Free - Contemporary Australian Street art' at 941 Geary Street in San Francisco, 2011, further cementing his position as one of Australia's most progressive and committed street & contemporary artists.
White Walls Gallery has worked for nearly a decade to exist as the premiere destination for urban art in the Bay Area. Combined with the Shooting Gallery just next door, this 4,000 sq ft space is one of the largest galleries on the west coast. Justin Giarla founded the gallery in 2005 with a commitment to furthering the urban art movement, drawing directly from street art and graffiti culture. Named for its plain white walls, the gallery takes a backseat to the real focus: the work of our artists.
White Walls Gallery
835 Larkin St,
Mythology tells the stories of gods, heroes, humans and supernatural beings as the personification of natural phenomena and more importantly the human condition. In traditional folklore, a myth tells a story that is designed to explain certain ideals, practices and behaviors within society. Following from his interest in superheroes and comic book narratives, Meggs delves deeper into the subject of fantasy to explore characters and stories from older mythological tales through the morals, dualities and emotions that these superhuman characters represent.
Fusing elements of contemporary superheroes to ancient mythological beings, “Truth in Myth” is a collection of new paintings, collage, sculpture and mixed media artworks that expressively reference classic renaissance composition and contemporary pop culture. The layered and detailed works of “Truth in Myth” serve as a continuation of the artist’s search for balance in the understanding of physical and ideological duality of self.
“We live in the stories we tell ourselves. In a secular, scientific rational culture lacking in any convincing spiritual leadership, superhero stories speak loudly and boldly to our greatest fears, deepest longings and highest aspirations… the best superhero stories deal directly with mythic elements of the human condition… they help us confront and resolve even the deepest existential crisis. We should listen to what they have to tell us.” - Grant Morrison, Supergods, 2011
Growing up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, David 'Meggs' Hooke, immersed himself in the worlds of drawing, cartoons, sci-fi films and skateboarding. In 2000, Meggs graduated from University with a Bachelor of Design and soon after became recognized for stencils and poster art on the streets of Melbourne. In 2004, Meggs became a founding member of the renowned Everfresh Studio a respected and unique collective of street artists known for large amounts of collaborative street work and aerosol murals. In 2010, Meggs art directed and designed Everfresh:Blackbook, a 254 page publication documenting the studio members’ lifestyle and artworks from 2004-2010.
Since entering gallery shows around 2004, Meggs has spread his street and gallery works nationally and internationally to cities such as London, San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, Hawaii and Hong Kong as well as hosting solo exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, London & Los Angeles. Meggs has recently been a key inclusion in the National Gallery of Australia's (NGA), 'Space Invaders - Australian street art' retrospective; the 'Everfresh Studio' exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria's (NGV) NGVStudio space and 'Young & Free - Contemporary Australian Street art' at 941 Geary Street in San Francisco, 2011, further cementing his position as one of Australia's most progressive and committed street & contemporary artists.
White Walls Gallery has worked for nearly a decade to exist as the premiere destination for urban art in the Bay Area. Combined with the Shooting Gallery just next door, this 4,000 sq ft space is one of the largest galleries on the west coast. Justin Giarla founded the gallery in 2005 with a commitment to furthering the urban art movement, drawing directly from street art and graffiti culture. Named for its plain white walls, the gallery takes a backseat to the real focus: the work of our artists.
White Walls Gallery
835 Larkin St,
San Francisco CA 94109
Phone: 415-931-1500
Phone: 415-931-1500
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