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      Artist Interview: Arthur Bray of Yeti Out

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      In this interview, we explore the captivating world of visual contemporary artist Arthur Bray, co-founder of the renowned pan-Asia music collective Yeti Out, Arthur has left an indelible mark on the underground music scene across the globe. From his humble beginnings promoting parties in East London to headlining festivals like Coachella and Wonderfruit, Arthur’s journey has been a testament to his passion for music and culture.Through Silk Road Sounds, the record label he spearheads under Yeti Out, Arthur bridges the gap between electronica, post-punk, and experimental dance music, shaping the creative landscape of cities that never sleep. Join us as we delve into Arthur Yeti’s artistic process, influences, and the vibrant tapestry of sounds that define his unique style.Rom Levy: Arthur, thanks for joining us today. Could you start by describing your early music influences and how they have evolved since moving from Hong Kong to the UK for university?Arthur Bray (Yeti Out): Yeah, absolutely, Rom. Growing up as a multicultural kid, half English, half Chinese, a big part of who I am and my approach is rooted in the fringes of culture, at the borders, you know? My music influences range from Tibetan rap music to UK grime and garage, or UK rap. It’s all dynamic and follows a curious approach!You’ve played across various venues in the UK. How do you feel the diverse club scene there has shaped your approach to music and the scene?Every city has a different scene, but it’s always about discovery. London sets the bar high in terms of musical experience and club culture. We’ve talked about this before, but the dive bars and small intimate places like Cakeshop in Seoul or Music Bar Lion in Tokyo are just as impactful as the big rooms and festivals. Playing at Coachella in 2019 was a whole different experience compared to the after party for Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2014 when Pharrell was there. Every party and music event is unique so it’s about reading the room and making sure your USB is ready.Alongside your twin brother Tom, you developed your career. How does working closely with a sibling influence your creative process and performance style?Working with a sibling means everything is straightforward —no sugarcoating, so decisions are quick. We’re quite transient with most of our projects, so a lot of times decisions are made across time zones and when we’re in different places. Right now, Tom’s in Vietnam doing a gig, and I’m in Art Basel Hong Kong. We’re like passing ships but constantly in sync, driving things forward. There’s no rulebook, but it works because it just does.Your digital name “Yeti” comes from a unique story involving a college roommate. Can you share more about this?You’ve really done your homework, Rom! Yeah, my college roommate was a bit of a character, he was mythical, a little crazy but a lot of fun. We started throwing parties at university and then started a blog called Yeti in the Basement. After that, we started doing parties with Yeti Out. We were inspired by the idea of freedom and no rules. Everyone has a Yeti inside them; you just gotta let it out.In one of your quotes, you mention the balance of playing known and unknown tracks. How do you curate your music selection to maintain this balance, and what impact do you think it has on your audience?It’s all about keeping the dance floor entertained and allowing for discovery. A DJ friend from Bali once said, ” The bigger the club, the more you have to keep in mind a wide range of listeners, so you play two tracks that the dancefloor might like, and one for yourself. If it’s a more intimate club, then you play two for yourself, one for them.” But I guess there’s no rules, overtime it’s like collecting research from social studies. The more gigs I play, the more I learn about different audiences. It’s an ongoing learning journey.Recently launched Yeti x Lousy collaborationReflecting on the evolution of your role in music, how do you see your music and career developing in the future?The music landscape is so wide. DJing is like curating; you put one song in front of another. But if you take the same mentality with putting on events, working with artists to release music on record labels, organizing after parties, or programming a community radio station. It’s all about curating and bringing people together through music in a way that fits organically. Considering your background and experience in the music industry, how do you view the relationship between music and community building?Music is a powerful tool to bring people together. Whether we’re in Sweden listening to electronic music or in Dubai, it doesn’t matter if we don’t speak the same language. We’re sharing a moment, enjoying the same rhythm. Music is a key ingredient in community building, and if I can be a conduit for that, then that’s a beautiful thing.Your experience spans different cultures and music genres. How does this cross-cultural exposure influence your identity as an artist and your approach to creating music?I’ve been thinking about this recently. Perhaps, it’s all about life design, and these job titles don’t really matter, since we all have a perspective anyway. Whether you’re a DJ, art curator, a shopkeeper or accountant, we all leave the house wearing clothes in the morning, so there’s a decision there. Does that make us stylists? Not really, but it could be, we just haven’t claimed that role because we’d rather spend time on other things of interest, but that doesn’t disregard that there’s a viewpoint being made in that instance. We are whatever we want to be, and the next step is just about sharing that with the world and being confident with the process. Through sharing, some may connect with your ideas and that will cause ripples and hopefully inspire others to do the same; connect, collaborate and continue this creative ecosystem of what they believe in. Always work hard, but never forget to have fun.Yeti & Friends M+ Museum Takeover PartyGiven your involvement in various projects and collaborations, what has been one of the most exciting projects for you?The most exciting projects are always on the fringes of culture. For example, having a radio station studio in a luxury mall where we play underground music, or throwing parties in a chicken shop in Chungking Mansion or organizing Hong Kong’s first ever Boiler Room in a former prison. These unexpected combinations, like playing at Coachella or curating a Yeti & Friends takeover at M+ Museum with Hong Kong punk bands and Cantonese rappers, are what excite me the most. It’s about bringing different worlds together and finding gratification in that. Most recently, we worked with talented Hong Kong street artist Lousy on a collaboration titled “Primal Funk” on a capsule collection which continued his work “Lousy Playground” that debuted at M+ Museum for our Yeti & Friends showcase. Its awesome working with friends and making ideas come to life through products and experiences. Lastly, how can people stay in touch with you and listen to your music? Which platform do you recommend?We have a monthly show on NTS Radio alongside FM BELOWGROUND – the community radio station we co-founded. Stay tuned to our movements across Instagram, SoundCloud and Bandcamp where our record label Silk Road Sounds continue to release music driven by nocturnal energy from afterhours across Asia; post-punk, techno, rap & so on!Hong Kong-based selector, A&R and culture writer Arthur Yeti is the co-founder of pan-Asia music collective Yeti Out which cut its teeth promoting parties in East London before relocating to Asia to build upon the region’s underground music scene. The euphoria of late nights and early mornings are transformed into graphic-heavy artwork and audio tapes akin to the crew’s resident sets on NTS radio & RINSE FM, alongside the Hong Kong community radio station which Arthur co-founded FM BELOWGROUND, while the artists signed to Yeti Out’s record label Silk Road Sounds is a reflection of youth movements that shape creative culture in cities that never sleep, connecting the fringes of electronica with post-punk and experimental dance music; styles that steep into Arthur Yeti’s sets for headline festivals like Coachella, Wonderfuit, Clockenflap, Off-Sonar parties & Asian underground dance haunts like Mihn, All, OIL, Savage, Cakeshop & WOMB. More

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      Wall to Wall Street Art Festival in Melbourne, Australia

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      Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene takes the next step in its creative evolution with the unveiling of the city’s first official street art precinct, set to transform a long-forgotten industrial pocket of Mordialloc into a hub of creativity and expression. Returning for the first time since the pandemic, Australia’s original street art festival, WalltoWall and Kingston Council are bringing seven of Australia’s top street artists and three acclaimed international artists together to adorn the area with a stunning array of large-scale mural works from 26-28 April. Melbourne has long been revered as an international street art capital, and this groundbreaking project breathing new life into Mordialloc’s industrial laneways, ushers in a new era of artistic innovation and cultural revival for the city. Renowned artists such as Smug, Adnate, Celeste Mountjoy (creator of Filthy Ratbag), George Rose, and French artist Zoer, among others, will lend their talents to the project, infusing the precinct with their unique styles and perspectives. In addition to the tapestry of colourful and eclectic murals, the streets of Mordialloc will come alive on Saturday 27 April with a block party presented by Wall to Wall and Mordialloc’s newest culinary precinct, Urban Ground. The party will feature DJs including Byron Bay’s April Kerry, owner of Fitzroy record store Natural Selection, Charles Eddy, Berlin DJ and artist Blo, and Melbourne artist and DJ, Adnate. Food trucks, market stalls, workshops, tastings, open studios and hourly tours and tastings of contemporary spirits courtesy of renowned local distillery Saint Felix will ensure it’s a party not to miss. The project, curated by Shaun Hossack of Melbourne street art collective Juddy Roller (Silo Art Trail, Wall to Wall, Collingwood Housing Project) in collaboration with Kingston Arts and Mordi Village Trader, will see the transformation of Lamana Road and surrounding laneways into the vibrant Mordi Village Arts and Cultural Precinct. The initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the transformative power of street art while revitalising neglected urban spaces. Hossack said of the event: “Melbourne is known as a mecca for street art but still lacks well curated areas where major artworks can be viewed one after another, like an outdoor gallery. The scale of Wall to Wall is unprecedented in Melbourne’s beachside suburbs and will help cement Mordi Village Arts and Cultural Precinct as a beacon of creativity and community engagement.” “Street art was born in the heart of cities, but with the evolution of Juddy Roller’s Silo Art Trail and Wall to Wall – which originated in Benalla and this year is a multistate offering having just taken place in Murray Bridge – we can expand the artform across Australia” he said. Kingston Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns also expressed her excitement for the project, emphasising the growing importance of street art as a form of public expression and cultural enrichment: “Street art has emerged as one the leading forms of expression without bounds, out there on the walls instead of stuck inside four walls” she said.Take a look below for more photos of the festival and stay in the loop with us for more street art news around the globe. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More

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      “OPTICHROMIE for Jersey City” by Felipe Pantone in New Jersey

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      Felipe Pantone recently unveiled his latest masterpiece, “OPTICHROMIE for Jersey City“, marking his return to the global street art scene in the US after nearly a year since his last mural in Ohio.Spanning an impressive 25 floors, this mural is Pantone’s largest to date. It showcases a mesmerizing array of geometric patterns in monochrome, gradients, and vibrant colors, reflecting the artist’s signature chromatic palette. Set against the backdrop of the iconic New York skyline, the mural creates a captivating visual contrast, drawing viewers in with its bold aesthetic.“It’s been a titanic mission during a 25-day spring stay where my team and I endured rain, cold, two earthquakes (on the lift), and a solar eclipse!”The creation of this monumental artwork involved meticulous planning and team coordination, as Pantone and his collaborators carefully mapped out intricate designs on the building facade. Despite the challenges of working at towering heights, the transformative impact of “OPTICHROMIE for Jersey City” on the urban landscape is undeniable, reshaping architectural perceptions and captivating audiences worldwide.Check out below for more photos of Felipe Pantone’s latest work. default default(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More

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      James Reka – Floriana

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      James Reka’s latest show, Floriana, opens at Backwoods Gallery, Melbourne this week. The Australian artist returns to his hometown for the first time in six years for this body of work, completed partly at his studio in Malta, and in residence at the gallery.As part of the original Everfresh Crew, Reka initially made his mark in the laneways and train lines of Melbourne’s inner-suburbs where he spent over a decade developing his surrealist style. Working across bold colour palettes that are defined by their themes in each body of work, Reka’s nods to classical cubism are enhanced with technical layers and details that disclose the history of his urban canvases as much as they tell the stories of his characters.Reka’s work is both fastidious and expressive in its outcome, a duality his content contains too, sitting somewhere between the familiar and warm, and distantly observational in depth. The paradox extends further in tensions between graphic design and graffiti, and pop-simplicity and abstract geometry.Twisting together a mix of hedonism, still life in his neo-classic fine art, Reka’s studies are an examination of the human psyche, our habits, habitat, gaze, and lifestyles.‘A junction of humanity and natural forces, “Floriana” represents the intersection of my life with the innate forces of the Mediterranean – people and nature. A metaphor of my artistic journey and stylistic evolution, inspired by ancient customs and the barren natural elements of the region.’‘Using canvas and ceramic media, I have sought to reflect the inspiration of living on the ancient Mediterranean Sea – the cradle of civilisation – itself a symbol of energy, creativity and of the search for the meaning of life, for wisdom and the love of family.’‘This exhibition documents my personal journey of the last 3 years, relocating to the Maltese Islands. “Floriana” – Latin for blossoming and prosperous – is the region of Malta where I paint, inspired by core Mediterranean values, of groups congregating outdoors in piazza celebrating life, of family focused around seafood, bowls of marinated olives, wine & the ritual of basking next to the azure blue Mediterranean Sea. I have explored sun-drenched barren landscapes – massive limestone rocks, olive trees and prickly pear. The dominant theme is the saturation of colour from the omnipresent blue sky, the terracotta of the soil and the muted greens of succulents & cacti.’‘I have deliberately held a stronger focus on the abstraction of subject-matter, inspired by the geometric blocks and limestone megaliths of the Mediterranean with horizontal and vertical lines intersecting through the pieces – while the figurative content is inspired by the Venus-like statues of Fertility Goddesses, discovered in the ancient temples of Malta. The execution of my work in acrylic and spray paint, using canvas and ceramic urns, is designed to embrace the matte textures of the ancient, weathered limestone and granite of the region and the muted palette of the soil, rather than a bright and verdant backdrop.’– James RekaOpening Night : Friday April 19th 6~9 PMExhibition runs 19.04.24 ~ 05.05.24Backwoods Gallery, 25 Easey Street, Collingwood, VIC, Australiawww.backwoods.gallery/2024-james-rekawww.instagram.com/rekaone (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More

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      Patti Astor, Fun Gallery Co-Founder, Dies at 74

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      She was a founder of the Fun Gallery, which staged early shows by Keith Haring and other artists who defined the city’s downtown scene in the 1980s.Patti Astor, the downtown Manhattan “It” girl, indie film star and co-founder of Fun Gallery, the scruffy East Village storefront space that in the early 1980s nurtured young graffiti artists like Futura2000, Zephyr, Lee Quinones, Lady Pink and Fab 5 Freddy, as well as showcasing artists like Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf and Jean-Michel Basquiat, died on April 9 at her home in Hermosa Beach, Calif. She was 74.Her death was confirmed by Richard Roth, a friend. No cause was given.With her platinum hair, raspy voice and glamorous ’50s-style dresses, Ms. Astor was a formidable presence among the music, film and art makers who gathered at the Mudd Club in TriBeCa. In the summer of 1981, one of her nightclub buddies, Bill Stelling, told her that he had rented a small storefront on East 11th Street with the thought of turning it into a gallery. Did she know any artists?“Yeah,” she said, “I know a few.”The place was just eight by 25 feet, and the idea was to make a gallery by artists, for artists. They had no money and no art experience, but they had a lot of creative friends.The first show there was an exhibition of pencil drawings by Steven Kramer, Ms. Astor’s husband at the time; all 20 of the pieces sold, at $50 each, which seemed like a promising beginning. Mr. Scharf, who had already turned all of the appliances at Ms. Astor’s home into his signature outer-space critters, was offered the next show. He was also given the opportunity to name the place for its duration.“My stuff was fun, so fun seemed like a good name,” Mr. Scharf said in a phone interview.Fred Brathwaite, otherwise known as Fab 5 Freddy, was show No. 3, and his plan was to name the place the Serious Gallery. But by then Ms. Astor had bought stationery stamped “Fun” and had run out of money. Also, as she often said, “the name was so stupid it stuck.”Ms. Astor in 1983 in the backyard of Fun Gallery in the East Village during the opening of a show. Fun Gallery openings were mobbed, as uptown dealers and collectors mixed with D.J.s and aspiring teenage graffiti artists.Allan Tannenbaum/Getty ImagesWe are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      “Scar” by David de la Mano in Salamanca, Spain

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      In a heartfelt homage to the enduring spirit of women, artist David de la Mano unveils his latest creation, the “Scar” mural, gracing the walls of The House of Women “Clara Campoamor” in Salamanca. Inspired by the moving verses of Louise Glück’s poem “Dress,” the mural stands as a tribute to the strength and beauty found within life’s challenges.Nestled in the heart of Salamanca, the mural serves as a visual testament to the journey of healing and self-discovery. With his distinct style marked by intricate linework and emotive symbolism, dela Mano breathes life into Glück’s evocative words, crafting a narrative that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.My soul dried up.Like a soul thrown into the fire,but not completelynot until annihilation. Thirsty,went ahead. twitchy,not because of loneliness but because of mistrust,the result of violence.//.The spirit, invited to leave the body,to be exposed for a moment,trembling, like beforeof your surrender to the divine;The spirit was seduced, due to its loneliness,for the promise of grace.How are you going to trust againin the love of another being?//.My soul withered and shrank.The body became too much of a dress big for her.And when I regained hope,It was a completely different hope.“Dress”Louise Glück (1943-2023) USATake a look below for more photos of David de la Mano’s recent work. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); More

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      As Graffiti Moves From Eyesore to Amenity, Landlords Try to Cash In

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      Julian Phethean’s first canvas in London was a shed in his backyard where he covered the walls with bold lettering in spray paint. When he moved his art to the city’s streets in the 1980s, it was largely unwelcome — and he was even arrested a few times.“We had nowhere to practice,” he said. “It was just seen as vandalism.”These days, the canvases come to Mr. Phethean, better known as the muralist Mr Cenz. Recent facades, which he shares with his sizable following, have included an abstract mural on a Tesla showroom and a portrait of Biggie Smalls, sponsored by Pepsi Max.“I never would have envisioned that I’d be able to do it for a living,” he said.Landlords wanting to attract young professionals once scrubbed off the rebellious scrawls. That was before graffiti moved from countercultural to mainstream. Now building owners are willing to pay for it.From Berlin to London to Miami, the wider acceptance of graffiti has attracted developers looking to expand into trendy areas, companies wanting to relocate to hipper neighborhoods and brands seeking creative ways to advertise their products.But that attention to once overlooked neighborhoods has pushed up rents, leaving artists, fans and local officials with a quandary: What happens after the street art that brought character becomes commodified?Street art surrounding the Tea Building, a former tea-packing plant in London’s Shoreditch neighborhood.Sam Bush for The New York TimesWe are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      “Skin” by David de la Mano in Paris, France

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      In the heart of Paris, a thought-provoking mural titled “Skin” emerges as a testament to the complexities of human existence. Created by renowned artist David Dela Mano, this mural serves as the centerpiece of an exhibition organized by the Roaming Gallery, captivating audiences with its profound exploration of borders.Located at 47 Rue Barrault in the vibrant neighborhood of L’Île-de-France, “Skin” invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of borders beyond their physical manifestations. Delving into the depths of human experience, the mural portrays the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals as they navigate a world filled with uncertainties, fears, and hopes.Through the lens of “Skin,” visitors are transported into a realm where the boundaries between the physical and the symbolic blur, illuminating the shared elements of human experiences. As viewers engage with the mural, they are prompted to reflect on the profound impact of borders on individual lives and the timeless yet historical character of these abstract concepts. In this captivating display, Dela Mano captures the essence of human resilience and the enduring spirit that transcends the confines of space and time.Spanish artist David de la Mano is known for his large dystopian murals featuring human and animal silhouettes and minimalist style. He creates distinctive artworks which are symbolic reflections on humankind and reminiscent of dark fairytales.The single anthropomorphic figures of the artist gather together and unite in an eternal and recurring movement; the individuals become the mass and vice versa, and they are driven by their dreams, ambitions, fears, vices, hopes, and internal conflicts.Take a look below at more images of “Skin” and stay tuned for more street art updates from the around the globe. More