‘Barry McGee Lives in San Francisco – he was born there and he lives there, ‘critic and curator Richard Leydier opens in an essay that accompanies the current Solo exhibition of the artist, I listen, bee Platform. “This fact is important because his art would be deep different if he had chosen to move to another American city.”
McGee gets inspiration from the subculture of the west coast that he grew up, surrounded by skaters, surfers and street artists. He has long been interested in marginalized communities, social outcasts and those who are considered subversive.
The artist is a key figure of the Mission schoolThose in the early nineties were created by the work of a number of artists who were connected to San Francisco Art Institute, who was now degraded. Other influential artists are Margaret Kilgallen (1967-2001), Ruby Neri, Claire Rojas and more, all exploring the intersections between urban realism, graffiti, American folk art and ‘lowbrow’ aesthetics undergone by social activism.
McGee adopted Monikers as “Twist” and “Lydia Fong” in his own graffiti writing and also investigated painting and printing, which he still applies to his extensive, multidisciplinary practice. He investigates “dynamic panel mass blages, complex patterns that are reminiscent of -art and compelling installations that explore human condition,” says the gallery.
I listen Cracks with color, pattern and texture through an abundance of sculptures, paintings, prints and assemblies that come up with everyday objects again. Surf boards are dressed in optical geometric patterns in acrylic paint and McGee’s characteristic grimacing, cartoon -like faces appear on collages or instead of labels on glass bottles.
“I concentrate on everything that is currently shitty on our little planet,” says McGee. However, expressions of disgust or surprise are accompanied by playfulness. He adds: “I also celebrate all these incredible things that people invent to stay positive and healthy.” I listen will continue until 24 May in Paris.
