As with many other galleries around the world, Kirk Gallery has been closed to the public and only open by appointment for the past month and a half due to Covid-19. Since the situation has rapidly improved in Denmark and the authorities have decided to start opening up again, so will the gallery, with a stellar new group show ‘Inside Out’ from May 2nd, exhibiting work by 12 leading urban artists.
Many of the featured artists already have murals with Kirk Gallery as part of their ‘Out in the Open’ mural project (launched on the streets of Aalborg in 2014) and will be also creating murals for this year’s series. The original plan was to open the 6th edition of the mural project concurrently with the upcoming show, but due to the current travel restrictions, it has been postponed until later on in the summer.
Many of the artists are classically trained, and ‘Inside Out’ presents the perfect opportunity for viewers to understand how the individual muralists have translated their craft from panel and canvas onto large scale murals over the upward trajectory of their careers.
A number of artists featured at ‘Inside Out’ will also be creating murals for ‘Out in the Open 2020’ this summer – Peeta, Case Maclaim, Martin Watson and Augustine Kofie being among them. While Peeta works within modern abstraction, Case Maclaim is known for his photorealistic style, while Martin Watson is known for balancing street art with delicate stencils. The show also includes new works from ‘Out in the Open’ muralists Fintan Magee, Oliver Vernon, Telmo Miel and Herakut.
French artist Seth (who painted two murals for ‘Out in the Open 2019’) will be showcasing new works, one of which has been inspired by his previous Aalborg murals. Of particular relevance to the current Covid-19 situation, he has made a new piece called ‘Jack in the Box’ depicting a little boy who has drawn a small window and exit, presenting him with the possibility of hiding away inside the walls of the very tight box he is sitting in.
About his work Seth tells the following: “I almost always use children in my work, since through the child I can talk to everybody who will all understand. My work is about talking to the inner child inside each and every one of us. Sweetness and innocence from childhood regularly contrasts with the chaotic environments I choose to put them in. We are all able to relate to children and traveling around the world there are always children playing”.
I’m delighted that the Danish people are in a safe enough place where they’re able to enjoy art galleries again. I hope that other nations will soon be able to follow suit!
