More than 15 emerging artists transformed Divisadero Street (between Hayes and Grove) into a public interactive art exhibit as part of Absolute’s Open Canvas initiative.
From coast to coast, Absolute is inspiring creative risk-taking by collaborating with, and empowering, local artists to transform entire street blocks into art pieces. The initiative first launched in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York earlier this summer and is now available for local San Francisco passers-by to interact with and enjoy through September 1.
Transforming the Ordinary to Extraordinary
The Divisadero Street (between Hayes and Grove) transformation began August 12, when building facades became stark white canvases featuring a message to the public that read, “The Future is Yours to Create,” and a date 8.24.13.
On August 24, the collective artists involved pushed the bounds of creativity, by sharing their respective artistic marks on the street while locals interacted with and experienced the free outdoor art exhibit.
“We’re excited to bring the Open Canvas initiative to the West Coast by creating a free outdoor art exhibition for the local San Francisco community to experience,” said Maxime Kouchnir, Vice President of Vodkas at Pernod Ricard.
“By collaborating with 15 celebrated artists, many of whom are local to San Francisco, we can continue to empower not only the art community but people everywhere to transform the present and future by taking risks every day.”
Through September 1, the San Francisco community is invited to experience Absolute Open Canvas and interact with the creativity that surrounds them, including:
- OLEK. Known for being a fashion rebel, her piece, “Money Won’t Love You Back,” includes crochet, rainbow camouflage and framed insets.
- Lele Saveri. Founder of the art publishing collective 8-Ball Zines, Lele created a Zine library installation in collaboration with local artists, bookstores and publishers, including San Francisco’s own Colpa Press.
- Michael Krouse. Native to San Francisco, Michael’s work, “1 Big Tree, 1000 Little Trees 2013” includes transforming one tree with 1000 tree-shaped, pine-scented air fresheners.
- Henry Taylor. A Los Angeles–based painter, “Henry’s Family Reunion,” a series of acrylic painting depicting a gathering of Henry’s actual family and passerbys that become like family.
- Daniel Arnold. Armed with his cellphone, Instagram account and the internet, his “Self Portrait: San Francisco 2013” comes to fruition.
“I’m really proud to be a part of Transforming the Ordinary to Extraordinary’s Open Canvas initiative and to celebrate my hometown of San Francisco in such a unique way,” said Michael Krouse, participating artist and long-time San Francisco local.
“From the beginning, Absolute gave us free reign to interpret and present our creative take on the belief that ‘The Future is Yours to Create’, giving us the opportunity to share our personal view on what it means to look towards the future.”
Collaborating artists participating in Absolute’s Open Canvas San Francisco include: Alicia McCarthy, Aurora Halal, Brian Sharp, Daniel Arnold, Darren Bader & Jesse Willenbring, David Benjamin Sherry, Henry Taylor, Jennifer West, Jenny Sharaf, Jerry Hsu, Joe Roberts, Lele Saveri, Michael Krouse, Mat O’Brien, Mateo Tannatt, Matthew McGrath, OLEK, Tofer Chin.
The initiative also includes poster artists such as: Asger Carlsen, Bevin McNamara, Blaise Cepis, Chris Shaw, Jason Nocito, Tim Barber, Kyle Brunel.
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