VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

DiverseWorks and Aerosol Warfare's GONZO247 pair up to present Grandalism.  Curated by GONZO247 and featuring ABELS, on view March 11 through April 16. Opening reception: Friday, January 14, 6-9pm, FREE.

Starting in September 2010, DiverseWorks’ dock will be the backdrop for a rotating series of large-scale works by some of Houston’s most accomplished and sought after street artists. Every 8 weeks, a new artist reveals Grandalism, showcasing the raw talent and innovation of the city’s freshest and most prolific urban artists selected by Gonzo247, one of Houston’s most notable street art legends.

Grandalism explores the combination of street art’s traditional large scale format, it’s “grand” from the public, and sometimes its unappreciated label of vandalism.

• Gonzo247 - September 10-October 23, 2010
• Pilot (FX) - November 5-December 18, 2010
• Asiaoner - January 14-February 26, 2011
• ABELS - March 11-April 16, 2011
• W3R3 - April 29-June 11, 2011

ABOUT THE ARTIST

ABELS is currently the most "up" illegal graffiti artist in Houston. He has been known for keeping true to the old-school traditions of the illegal essence of what graffiti was about when it started. ABELS' style uses a clean and consistent letter form. He's recognized as all-city, meaning not bound by one neighborhood or area in graffiti terms.

ABOUT THE CURATOR

Gonzo247 is a native Houstonian who was exposed to graffiti and began his pursuit in 1984 as an artist. Gonzo247′s list of achievements include opening Aerosol Warfare Gallery, producing a graffiti video series, establishing a Houston Wall of Fame (the city’s largest art production of its kind) and working with top brands on advertising campaigns that speak to urban communities.