Detroit Banksy Mural In Court Now Since Factory Landowner Claims Ownership
July 16, 2010 · Print This Article
Back in May & June we wrote about Banksy’s trip to Detroit and his mural that was created in the old derilict Packard plant there. That mural of a boy with a paint can saying “I remember when all this was trees” was quickly excavated from the cinder block wall it was painted on by the local art group 555 Nonprofit Gallery & Studios, they moved it to their gallery space and quickly came under threats and negative attention. Well now they are in court.
Bioresource Inc., the company owned by land speculator Romel Casab, filed suit this week in Wayne County Circuit Court to regain possession of the mural. The suit which names 555 Gallery and it’s executive director Carl Goines as defendants says the 1,500 pounds mural, which may be worth $100,000 or more, was removed without authority and that 555 Gallery did not respond to a letter dated June 7th demanding it’s return.
The 555 artists have attested from the beginning in May that they took the work to prevent its destruction and have no interest in selling it. Gallery attorney Don Lewis said his clients were given permission to take the mural by a scrap metal removal crew foreman named Butch.
“That’s a key issue,” Lewis said. “Would a jury think it was reasonable to assume that he had the authority he said he did — that he was speaking on behalf of the owner?”
I keep saying this isn’t over and that eventually Bansky might make a statement since it serves his interests to be the final voice but he does have a history of disavowing works once they are removed or altered from their original state. This may be no different, but there will be more to come I am sure.
LeRoy and Janet Neiman’s have contributed $1 Million to create the LeRoy Neiman Scholarship that will provide student scholarships and support Ox-Bow’s Fellowship Program.
A gift which provides studio space and funding for 12 to 14 students from art schools across the country to spend their summer at Ox-Bow.
Both LeRoy and Janet are alumni of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago & Ox-Bow.
“LeRoy Neiman has been intimately involved with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Ox-Bow for many years—as a student, then a faculty member, and now as a wonderful benefactor with his wife Janet, herself an alumna of SAIC, LeRoy is particularly sensitive to what Ox-Bow offers to the working artist, and comments often on the productive time he spent there and how the bucolic serenity of that special place was crucial to his development as a painter. These generous scholarships are especially significant as they are a gift from one remarkable artist to many young artists. Because of the Neimans’ gift they’ll be able to study at this unique open-air studio for many years to come.”
TUESDAY’S VIDEO PICK | Double Rainbow Remix
July 13, 2010 · Print This Article
The trick in life is to enjoy the simple things, be they moments with friends, great meals or even “double complete all-the-way rainbows” right in your own backyard.
Paul a self described Photographer, Multi Media Artist, Mixed Martial Artist, Farmer, Mountian man living just outside Yosemite National Park had just that moment and recorded it and his reaction to it for the internet. The first video below is his recording and the second below that is a remix turning it into a viable song. Enjoy.
Art Center’s Mischief Night
July 12, 2010 · Print This Article
It’s the night before Halloween – the night when pranksters come out of the woodwork to wreak havoc on their neighbors. It’s called “Mischief Night,” and this year artists are taking it over.
Artists are masters of constructing moments of subversion, spectacle and illusion. On Saturday, October 30, the Hyde Park Art Center is asking artists to create those moments. From 3pm until 10pm, they will have games, art-making workshops, and performances taking place in and around the Art Center – all with the prankster in mind.
Sound interesting? They are looking for artists who would like to be a part of the mischievousness by concocting artist-run workshops, performances, temporary installations, public programs for kids and/or adults, or any other creative ideas you can scheme up. They are open to input. If you’re interested, please send a proposal including:
- Your name and contact information
- Name and description of your event/workshop/prank/performance
- Any supplies you may need
Deadline for submissions is July 14. Please send your proposals to Crystal Pernell at cpernell@hydeparkart.org.
Episode 254: Jen Delos Reyes and Harrell Fletcher
July 11, 2010 · Print This Article
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This week: Our Open Engagement series draws to a close with an interview with conference organizers Jen Delos Reyes and Harrell Fletcher.
