Life of Guangzhou - German Graffiti Shakes Guangzhou

Starting May 29th, an international exhibition named Graffiti-From Germany to China Guangzhou shall bring to south China the real spirit of modern graffiti. This urban artform includes a wide range of techniques such as drawings, ink works, air brush works, videos and spray paint.

Live graffiti presentation gave at the opening ceremony

Modern graffiti began in Philadelphia and New York in the late '70s, early '80s as an underground urban artform. As new forms and methods were developed, it evolved rapidly from a tool to reflect social urban issues, such as race, gangs and poverty, to become an important language for modern visual arts.

In 2010, Akim Walta was selected by the German Ministry of economics to curate and choose artists to represent the Urban Art program at the German Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo. Guangzhou 53 Art Museum is currently directing its efforts to build up an ideal platform for graffiti art lovers in China.

Live graffiti presentation gave at the opening ceremony

German graffiti artists at the opening ceremony

LOOMIT and ZEBSTER are two famous German graffiti artists who are important pioneers in the graffiti movement. They've been painting since the '80s and have traveled extensively around the world. TASSO is part of the world famous Maclaim crew and earns his living with huge mural art projects. These three artists will be in Guangzhou along with GRACO ALLSTARS with STEAK, SIRIUS MO & GOGO PLATA. Works on display include those of SCOTTY, WOW123, CASE, KOBOLT & ROLF, JAYFLOW, ARTIME JOE, STAN and SINIC.

Curator Profile

Akim Walta is an internationally known artist, author and music producer that helped pave the way for hip-hop culture since 1983. He has organised hundreds of events, tours and projects and has curated many exhibitions worldwide.

Duration: May 29th - June 29th, 2010
Venue: Guangzhou 53 Art Museum
Address: No. 17-21, Huiyuan Street, Guangyuan Express Road, Guangzhou

(By Jessie Huang, David Keyton)