ONE WEEK PHOTO EXHIBITION CELEBRATES MOS DEF’S TWO GRAMMY AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR “THE ECSTATIC”

Mos Def: Ecstatic Moments - Photographs by Cognito, Opens Jan. 30, 2010

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 25, 2010) - HVW8 Art & Design Gallery, Union LA & Frolab present a photo exhibition entitled MOS DEF: ECSTATIC MOMENTS. Photographer, filmmaker, visionist Cognito showcases rare performance and behind-the-scenes images captured during the two year journey of making and supporting the June 2009 release of “The Ecstatic” (Downtown Records.)

This special one-week exhibition features candid photographs of Mos Def, including images from visits to the Cape of Great Hope, South Africa, performing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and a powerful series of US Summer Tour “end-of-the-night posse shots” featuring such artists as Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, and even a surprise guest appearance by the legendary Shuggie Otis. Cognito has also immortalized Mos Def in bright moments from “The Ecstatic” studio sessions with producers Madlib, OH NO, Preservation & Georgia Anne Muldrow. The photographs in this exhibit, soon to be published in book format, are offered by Mos Def to his family, friends and fans in order to share the many “ecstatic moments” he experiences while creating, recording, traveling and performing around the world.

Regarded as one of the most insightful artists of our time, musician, activist and actor Mos Def has captured the attention of critics and audiences alike with a celebrated body of work that has crossed all artistic genres-from music to the Broadway stage, film and television. In 1996, Mos Def became an underground favorite in the hip hop world, which lead to the recording of “Black Star”, his legendary collaboration with Talib Kweli, whose debut release would become one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop albums of its generation. The following year Mos released his solo debut, “Black On Both Sides”, which was certified gold and credited by critics with bringing hip-hop back to its soapbox roots. His latest album, “The Ecstatic”, has been lauded by critics as one of the top albums of 2009 and has garnered two GRAMMY Award nominations in the categories Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance for the single “Casa Bey.”

Over the past twenty years, Cognito has contributed immensely to the propagation of Hip Hop culture–from concert promoter to FatBeats record store operator to touring the world as a member of the underground group massinfluence. Most consistently, Cognito is known for documenting legendary hip hop artists such as De La Soul, Talib Kweli, MF DOOM and Kanye West on both still and video media. He has filmed MF DOOM for the Gorillaz live DVD, documentaries on both Talib Kweli and Goodie Mob, and a music video for rock diva Nikka Costa. Though their friendship began over 10 years ago, Cognito has acted for the past two years as the “official archivist” for Mos Def. Cognito is well known within the Hip Hop community for his ability to connect artists for significant collaborations. Examples include his roles as A&R for the Black Eyed Peas’ remix album “Renegotiations”, bringing Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Large Professor and DJ Jazzy Jeff to the project. Cognito also worked as consulting producer on the recently aired documentary on music sampling entitled Copyright Criminals, securing Pete Rock, De La Soul, Mr. Len & Bobbito Garcia for their priceless insight. Cognito is the co-founder of Frolab.com, a marketing, design and production collective based on the concept of “frolaboration,” formed with graphic designer and photographer Jewell Green.

Mos Def looked to the multiple dimensions of his life for inspriation for the album “The Ecstatic”. His album is named after the book by Victor LaValle, and a still image from the groundbreaking 1970s film Killer of Sheep by Charles Burnett is used as the cover artwork.

A private VIP opening reception will be held Friday January 29, 2010, 7 - 10pm hosted by Frolab with music by Mos Def’s DJ, Preservation. RSVP at ecstatic@frolab.com

The exhibition will be open to the public from January 30, 2010 through February 6, 2010 at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery, located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles CA, 90036; open Tuesday to Sunday, 1 - 6 pm or by appointment. (323) 655-HVW8(4898)

In addition to the photo exhibition, there will also be a limited edition t-shirt produced in conjunction with style destination Union LA. The t-shirt is available exclusively at their boutique, located at 110 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (323) 549-6950. Union LA is one of the only US retailers for Japanese brands Neighborhood & Visvm, worn by Mos Def in many of the photos on display.

Established in 2005 in Los Angeles by Tyler Gibney with Addison Liu, the HVW8 ART + DESIGN GALLERY is a studio/gallery space for HVW8 and friends. The current mandate is supporting avant-garde graphic design such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra (April 2007 + April 2009), American designer Brent Rollins (August 2007), Swedish design SSON (Sept 2007), Kevin Lyons (June 2008), Ray Noland (August 2008), the Enjoi Pop-Up Shop (March 2009), Michael, Kevin and Geoff (Michael Leon, Kevin Lyons and Geoff McFetridge Nov. 2009) and most recently the Megane Zine exhibition featuring Ed Templeton (Jan. 2010).

For more info:
www.frolab.com/ecstatic
www.hvw8.com
www.unionlosangeles.com

Megane Zine is a regular publication aimed at introducing artwork of young, up-coming Japanese artists to the United States. “Megane” is Japanese for “glasses”, Megane Zine focuses it lens on the inspired achievements of  artists.

Megane Exhibition and Release Party at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery

661 N. Spaulding Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90036, USA
Tel: 323.655.4898

January 9th, 2010
7-10PM
Drinks provided by Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Live music performance from Japanese artists.

Comic zine’s to the first 20 people on January 9th.
Limited Edition HVW8 x Megane tshirt designed by Ed Templeton will also be available.

Photos from the opening night HERE

Ed Templeton pieces and collaboration T-shirt HERE.

Artists that will be featured:

ED TEMPLETON (http://www.toymachine.com/ed/) Starting as a pro skater in the US, Templeton has since established his own skateboard company TOY MACHINE and became art director of the company in 1993. His lifework was introduced in the documentary short film “Deformer”, directed by Mike Mills. He is a west coast artist and photographer and was seen in the film “Beautiful Losers”.

YUSUKE HANAI (http://hanaiyusuke.com) Yusule participated in “The Happening NYC” show and “The Greenroom Festival Japan.” He is also a good surfer in Japan. He was influenced by The Road and The Sky, along with music and surf culture in 60’s to 70’s.

SHINPEI ONISHI (http://shinpeionishi.com/) Shinpei Onishi (b. 1978, Tottori, Japan) Created the Kanako series. He is a graphic designer, Illustrator and artist.

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facebook RSVP

The SITE of NOW

Opening Oct. 3rd, 7 to 11 pm

“The SITE of Now” exhibition will be a “Best of” collection from the past two years of artists from the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery. Select pieces from the past ten years of HVW8 Art Installation and exclusive private collections will also be on view. The exhibit will feature artwork from such noteworthy artists as Parra, Brent Rollins, Kevin Lyons, HVW8 Art Installation (Gene Pendon, Tyler Gibney and Dan Buller) and Winston Tseng.

Curated by Tyler Gibney.

The SITE of NOW

artwork from :
Brent Rollins (Brooklyn)
HVW8 Art Installation (Montreal/Los Angeles)
Kevin Lyons (Philadelphia)
Willo Perron (Montreal/LA)
HVW8 vs Brnstrmers (2001)
Raif Adelberg (Vancouver)
Tyler Gibney (Los Angeles)
Parra (Amsterdam)
Winston Tseng (NYC)
skypager (Los Angeles)
+ more

Also shown will be Select works from collectors Sharifa and Eduardo Burillo; including a limited-edition print by Basquiat, pieces by Blek Le Rat, Nick Walker, eelus and Andy Warhol’s Brillo boxes by Charles Lutz.

HVW8 Pop up shop with
T-shirts
Prints

Music performance on opening night by:
Coultrain

DJ Thee Mike B

opens Oct. 3rd , 7 to 11pm

at Royal/T
8910 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
T 310 559 6300

show runs until Oct 18th.

For more than ten years, HVW8 Production House has blurred the lines between art, music and design. Established in 1998 in Montreal, Canada, HVW8 Production House’s initial artistic endeavor was the HVW8 Art Installation with artists Tyler Gibney, Gene Pendon and Dan Buller. After the group’s first “live painting” performance series at the Montreal Jazzfest, HVW8 started touring the world creating live pieces along side musicians such as the Herbalizer, Roots Manuva and Africa Bambaata, while holding exhibitions at such esteemed galleries as Parco in Tokyo, Museo De Arte De Puerto Rico in San Juan and MOCCA (Museum of Canadian Contemporary Art). HVW8 then created the acclaimed installation series “Political Minded” in 2004, which showcased in pop-up galleries in NYC, Montreal, L.A. and San Francisco.

In 2005, The HVW8 Art + Design gallery was established in Los Angeles as a studio + gallery space for HVW8 and friends. The current mandate is to support avant-garde graphic design, such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra, Swedish design house SSON, skateboard company enjoi and American designer’s Brent Rollins, Kevin Lyons and Ray Noland. Most recently, HVW8 Records was founded in 2008. Look out for upcoming releases by Red “the Man Without the Machine,” Master Blazter feat. Computer Jay, J-1 and Dam-Funk and Hawthorne Headhunters with Black Spade/Stoney Rock.

Basquiat

Raif Adelberg

Parra

HVW8 Art Installation

Michael, Kevin & Geoff
New works on paper from three old friends from Los Angeles.

Opening Saturday, Nov. 7th, 7pm to 10pm
Exhibition runs through Dec. 20th, 2009
rsvp to: MichaelKevinGeoff@hvw8.com

Music will be provided by Danny Holloway.
Wine will be courtesy of Bear Flag Wines and beer courtesy of PBR.

HVW8 Art + Design Gallery
661 N. Spaulding Ave. L.A. Ca 90036
Hours: Tues to Sun, 1 - 6pm
www.hvw8.com
323 788 4898

For Press inquiries contact Kim Parker: kparker@hlgrp.com

Gallery website: www.gallery.hvw8.com

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Opening Night photos.

Installation Photos.

Photos from SlamxHype.

Purchase Artwork HERE.

Michael Leon

Michael is an artist and graphic designer. He is also a product of the skateboarding scene of the late 80s, early 90s. Both of these facts leave Michael in a unique place within the worlds of art and graphic design. He has the education and discipline of a trained professional, but embodies the freedom of thought and Do-It-Yourself tenacity of a skateboarder. A combination which has produced impressive work in many forums and mediums — from paint to print to photography to music.

His artwork has been exhibited internationally in numerous exhibitions. He was a co-creator of Commonwealth Stacks, Rasa Libre, and Nike’s Tech Pack. He has contributed art direction to Fourstar Clothing, Girl Skateboards, and most recently, Nike SB.

The 20 prints/paintings for “Michael, Kevin, and Geoff” were created in London over one week. They also mark the first time Michael has exhibited his “Untitled (Skull behind Sunglasses)” image. A process that involves re-questioning the same imagery with each painting; similar to how a skateboarder makes decisions about execution each time he approaches the same curb.

Michael Leon was born in 1974 in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from CalArts in 1997. He is currently based in Portland, Oregon.

http://michaelleonstudio.com
http://www.commonwealthstacks.com/

Geoff McFetridge

McFetridge is an artist based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Canada, he was schooled at the Alberta College of Art and the California Institute of the Arts. He is part of the Beautiful Losers Exhibition, and makes solo exhibitions from Los Angeles, Berlin, Paris, London, the Netherlands and Japan. Instinctively ignoring creative boundaries, McFetridge is a truly multidisciplinary artist and “an all round visual auteur.” From poetry to animation, from graphics to 3D work, from textile and wallpaper to paintings, McFetridge has complete control over these widely divergent disciplines.

Understatement is central to the impact of his work, inviting participation. It gets through the filters by offering the viewer an opportunity to play with a puzzle for a moment, a puzzle that doesn’t have one simple answer. Often imitated, but never equaled, in the past ten years, Los Angeles-based McFetridge has created in his work and in his commissions a unique imagery, which is detailed and abstract at the same time. Full of hands and teeth, objects and animals, hands and heads.

In the field of Graphic Design, McFetridge won public acclaim when he was still a student, winning awards from the Art Directors Club and ID magazine for his student work. From 1996 to 1998, he was art director of the famous underground Beastie Boys magazine Grand Royal. He has worked independently since then he has started the design studio Champion Graphics which has done projects for numerous clients.

McFetridge has created a double helix of personal and commercial art projects, blending disciplines and purpose in almost every project he does.

“McFetridge is well-known within the graphic design community for imagery that is economical and spare, yet powerfully communicative. Geoff developed motifs echo themes found in sculpture, such as the relationship between man-made and natural forms, the interplay between two and three dimensional space and visual conundrums” said Michael Darling, Seattle Art Museum Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art.

“He is part of a new generation of designers who are eager to leap the old divides between image and product, design and art, the flat page and the moving image.” Paul Warwick Thompson, Director, Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum

www.championdontstop.com
www.solitaryarts.com
www.pottokprints.com
www.thedirectorsbureau.com

Kevin Lyons

“Kevin stands as the dirty cousin to Geoff McFetridge and Michael Leon. While he is embracing of their culture, he is forever pitted the opposite against their form. While Geoff has chosen success and money as well as artistic freedom, Kevin has stewed in mediocrity, retail galleries, and limited time spent on self. While Michael has chosen authenticity and hipster form making, Kevin has fallen into work so juvenile that it is never referenced nor stolen. In the end, Kevin might just well be the only ‘Beautiful Loser’ here.” - Jennifer Smith, Art Director, Art Papers International Art Magazine

Kevin Lyons is a 1992 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design where he received a degree in film. After working for Nickelodeon/MTV as an Associate Producer, he co-founded the NYC based design firm, stereo-type which for two years was responsible for much of the graphic look of the New York City underground Hip-Hop and Acid Jazz scene. This included the logo design for the long standing NYC based club, GIANT STEP. Stereo-type’s client list also included Soul Kitchen, 555 Soul and the LA-based, Brass Recordings. After receiving his masters degree from CalArts in 1998, Lyons has gone on to work for Nike, both in and out of house, was the former Art Director of Urban Outfitters on two separate occasions, and has been Art Director of Girl Skateboards subsidiary, Fourstar. He was also the original US Art Director for TOKION Magazine and maintains long-standing freelance relationships with Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, Stussy and Stussy Japan, Beams Japan, HUF, Nieves Books, Stones Throw Records, Commonwealth Stacks, and long-time friend and collaborator NYC artist, SSUR.

A typographer, an Art Director, a designer, a teacher, and a father. In 2001, he was named as one of “The Top Forty Designers Under Thirty” by ID Magazine. His work has been published worldwide from Thrasher to The Face to Lowdown to Anthem and Refill. He has shown worldwide including solo shows in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Tokyo. He has written articles for the AIGA Journal, as well as addressing the AIGA on two occasions including once as a published recipient of its Fresh Dialogues Series. He has also held teaching assistant positions at both RISD and CalArts, and has been a visiting critic at the Yale Graduate School of Design. He was an Assistant Professor at the Pratt Institute teaching Typography from 2000 -2002. Most recently, Lyons was the Design Director of the legendary Stussy and then Creative Director for the alternative retail giant, Urban Outfitters from 2003 - 2007.

He is now the Design Director for and Managing Partner of New York City based Anomaly, a brand incubating, marketing juggernaut with plans on running the world. He also produces three clothing lines; Atlantis, We Free Kings, and the third under his personal namesake, NATURAL BORN. All are distributed globally. Currently, Lyons also maintains his own small experimental graphic project also under the namesake, Natural Born and often can be found collabing with his two daughters drawing type and bumping Twin Hype.

www.bonethugsandtypography.com
www.anomaly.com
www.naturalborn.com

About HVW8 Gallery

Established in 2005 in Los Angeles, the HVW8 ART + DESIGN GALLERY is a studio/gallery space for HVW8 and friends. The current mandate is supporting avant-garde graphic design such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra (April 2007 + April 2009), American designer Brent Rollins (August/Sept 2007), Swedish design SSON (Sept 2007), Kevin Lyons (May/June 2008), Ray Noland (August 2008) and the Enjoi Pop-Up Shop (March 2009).

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“Is that a Gun My Friend?” New Works by Parra. The opening party is Saturday, April 4, 7 - 10 pm and the exhibit runs through May 9. HVW8 Art + Design Gallery is located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles CA, 90036; open Tuesday to Sunday, 1 - 6 pm or by appointment. Parra will be creating new original works exclusive to the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery.

Music will be provided by Mr. French (Mathieu Schreyer - KCRW)

RSVP to parra_rsvp(at)hvw8.com

32-year-old Dutch illustrator and designer Parra has decorated the Amsterdam underground with his playful, bizarre graphics that span a broad base of themes, from introspective to audacious and bawdy. The mostly self-taught artist channels vintage forms, yet with a decidedly modern, post-pop approach and a distinctive, hand-drawn feel. His vibrant images and typography can be seen on prints in various exhibitions around the globe, on a flyer for a club near you, on the sleeve of a record, or on limited-edition tees and sweaters.

Parra’s characteristic style has also extended into his music career with electro-rock group LeLe. Their most popular track “Breakfast” features Parra’s typography and imagery set in motion to the song’s pulsating beats and comical (and slightly naughty) lyrics. Feel free to check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-zfbDHipG8

To view Parra’s previous exhibition LALALA at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery please go HERE.

More information on Parra can also be found on his website HERE.

Purchase Artwork HERE

View opening night event photos HERE and HERE.

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enjoi just another skateboard art show

featuring work by : winston tseng, matt eversole, todd bratud and jerry hsu.

March 8th - April 1st at the HVW8 Art + Design Gallery, 661 N. Spaulding Ave. 90026

opening reception Saturday, March 7th, 7 to 10 pm, by invitation only.

rsvp enjoi@hvw8.com

 
Birthed 2000 years after his brother Jesus, enjoi has steadily become one of the most revered/reviled brands in skateboarding.  Love it or hate it, enjoi brings fun and creativity to skateboarding, blazing a path for lesser beings to imitate.  Contrary to message-board belief, this multi-thousand dollar brand runs off the work of just a handful of individuals.  enjoi just another skateboard artshow takes a look at selected works from a few of the creative minds behind your new favorite company (no homo):

Winston Tseng lives behind his computer.  Officially, he is the “art director” for enjoi, and unofficially he is the lone graphic artist dedicated to spending every waking moment of his life trying to come up with ideas and graphics for enjoi.  Less skilled than most, Winston relies heavily on his use of colors to make his graphics “sellable”.

Todd Bratrud is too famous and talented to work for any one company.  Fortunately for enjoi he has become a recurring “guest employee”, contributing his signature style graphics to boards, tees, wheels and anything else demanded of him.  Having worked for conglomerates such as Teenage Runaway, Burton, Volcom, Nike, Consolidated, Flip and The Skateboard Mag, it’s clear that Todd’s best work has been for enjoi.

Jerry Hsu rides for Bakewish, or was it Deather?  Actually Jerry is one of the o.g. pros and has signed a lifetime commitment to enjoi.  If he wasn’t so well known for being the Best-Asian-Skater-Ever, he might be more known for his photography.  You’ve surely seen his photos featured in cool guy galleries, cool guy websites, cool guy magazines, and cool guy enjoi ads.

Images of the Exhibition/Pop up shop -

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Photos from the Opening Night Party HERE

Article from Opening night HERE

Purchase Artwork HERE

For Immediate Release…

GoTellMama!

Got Next Tour 2008

GoTellMama! Is pleased to announce the general election Got Next Tour 2008 Art Series. A Traveling Art Exhibition of Barack Obama inspired works with stops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago and New York. The tour begins in July and runs through October.

The GoTellMama! Got Next Tour 2008 is ­brought to you by artist Ray Noland aka CRO. The show is part of a two-year artists run and operated independent political art campaign in support of Barack Obama. The previous Officially Unofficial Show was a huge success with exhibits in Chicago, Philadelphia, Raleigh and Portland during each of their states 2008 primary election. We are focused on communicating with voters in an array of contemporary grassroots methods such as a national street campaign of posters and stencil art, animated viral videos, and creative use of internet technology.

GoTellMama! was created in November 2006 while Noland was recovering from a severe bicycle crash — jaw wired shut for six weeks and mending a dislocated shoulder. The Chicago-based artist devoured Senator Barack Obama’s book, ‘Dreams from my Father’ and became consumed with the man and his story, but also the potential of his [Obama's] window into the 2008 election.

What began as the simple production of 25 (pre-ordered) limited edition ‘Dream’ screen-printed posters has grown into a collection of prints, stencil graphics, gocco prints, fine art pieces, animated videos, an aggressive national street campaign and a series of art exhibitions across the country.

The ambition of the GoTellMama! campaign is to heighten awareness of Barack Obama using non-traditional tactics. GoTellMama! exhibits the collection of screen-printed & offset posters, stencils on canvas, guest artists works, and original videos dating back to 2006. 10% of show sales donated to Obama for America.­

About the Artist: Ray Noland is a Chicago-based artist and designer working under the alias CRO. He has been an artistic driving force behind the scenes for over 10 years, and is now trying to unshackle the political world from its outdated rules for campaigning. Noland has a BFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (’95) and has worked as art director for Scion & URB Magazines. His clients include, Ogilvy & Mather, Arc Worldwide, Burrell, FCB Draft, Eat/Drink & Vessel Ideation. His art & illustrations have been published in Straight No Chaser, Beautiful Decay, Victionary, ExitStrategy, Faesthetic, Yo! What Happened to Peace, Lumpen and XLR8R.

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Photos from the opening HERE

Purchase Artwork HERE

For the past ten years, Heavyweight Art intallation’s live painting canvases have featured the portraits of favorite musical influences and cultural icons, writers, and artists celebrating their contributions to our cultural lives. In the Political Minded series - now created in studio, we have directed the focus on the lives of people who help define the meaning of activism and/or whose work or careers reveal information about a political climate that can often be missed in corporate media. The figures represent stories in which people insist on putting their careers, lives and freedom at stake in order to provide qualified, educated information about important world situations and strife. Others whose confrontations with policy, authority and inhumane idealologies highlight the struggle against injustice, and in some cases their actions typifying the qualities that we would hope of from our own leaders, society and policies. Some figures represent voices of impassioned leadership, the goals for progressive political objectives through basic democratic principles, or the yearning of the oppressed to be heard.

CESAR E. CHAVEZ
SHIRIN EBADI
PAUL KRUGMAN
SALVADOR ALLENDE
ROMEO DALLAIRE
NOAM CHOMSKY
RENE LEVESQUE
FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI
HELEN THOMAS

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The Run Up: An Artist Documentation Series - TRAILER - Microcinema

THE BIKE SHOW

OPENING 7 – 10PM
SAT. SEPT. 29.07

Bikes by :
TOBIAS ADOLFSSON (SSON - SWEDEN)

Artwork on Bikes by :
PARRA • BRENT ROLLINS • 
GEOFF McFETRIDGE • WILLO PERRON 
TYLER GIBNEY • ADRIAN NYMAN • GROTESK 

“The details are not the details. They make the design.” —Charles Eames

On 29 September, HVW8 Gallery hosts the U.S. unveiling of Sson 003, the bicycle series created by Swedish design innovator Tobias Adolfsson. Suggestive of Charles Eames, Adolfsson creates clean, well-crafted yet affordable bicycles, appealing to those within his culture of fashion, music and design. Eames was heavily entrenched in process, with the process to finalize a product often taking many efforts of trial and error. Adolfsson relates this spirit to his own design principles, resulting in the 3-speed, coaster brake, freewheel and BMX commuter models of Sson 003.

“I mix and match from my personal back catalogue of memories and the urban culture around us,” says Adolfsson. “People with fond memories of their childhood BMX riding around the block, listening to hip hop and watching ET, might know what I mean when riding the Sson 003.” Adolfsson became interested in bicycle design after becoming aware of the fact that most bikes look tacky, likely created by lazy designers. He then engaged in a strategic planning process to fabricate a well-designed, yet low cost and low maintenance bicycle. 

The latest Sson bike series brings all Adolfsson has researched, crafted, owned and dreamt about since age four. The actual planning process over the last six years results with a limited edition series of Sson 003 bikes, all painted white to finalize the last step, artistic collaboration. 

As Adolfsson believes a bicycle can be as much a fashion product as a pair of modish pants, he leaves it to experienced artists and designers, who are also based in the avant-garde culture, to finalize his most recent craft. Although rooted in strong production principles, the bike surface remains simple, offering the opportunity for others to create a design reflecting their interests and curiosity. 

HVW8 Gallery and Sson personally invited 7 artists to translate a model from the 003 series, to reflect their style and preferences of the Swedish handicraft. Paint, drawings, photographs, among other visual aesthetics complement the bike design. 

Visit http://www.sson.org to view the previous Sson 003 artist campaign, featuring Swedish artists The Jens, Fox, Burfitt, CKR, Fienden, Stickkontakt, IOH, Strüwer and Ziggy. The opening was held earlier this year, at Stockholm’s Boutique Sportif.

Images from the SSON Show

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Purchase Artwork and Bikes HERE

Established in 2005 in Los Angeles, the HVW8 ART + DESIGN GALLERY is a studio/gallery space for HVW8 and friends. The current mandate is supporting avant garde graphic design such as Dutch designer/illustrator Parra (opened April 7th, 2007), American designer Brent Rollins (August 8th - Sept. 23, 2007), Swedish design SSON (opened Sept. 29th, 2007), Kevin Lyons (May 10th - June 15th, 2008) and Ray Noland (opened August 8th, 2008).

March 7th - enjoi pop up shop

April 4th - Parra - Is That A Gun My Friend?

The Gallery is located at 661 N. Spaulding Ave., Los Angeles CA, 90036. The gallery is open Wed. thru Sat. 1 - 5 pm or by appointment at 323 655 4898.

To purchase or inquire about any works please contact Tyler Gibney .

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