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Now in its fourth year, Graffiti Gone Global (GGG) presents 33 international street and graffiti artists in "Fresh Produce," an explosive exhibition in an 11,000-square-foot warehouse space in the Wynwood Arts District. Produced in association with Primary Flight, "Fresh Produce" is curated by Cristina Gonzalez, aka She Kills He, and includes a collaboration with Operation Design and a favela-like sculptural installation by the Dutch art duo Haas & Hahn. REVOK made a massive, wall-hanging assemblage from scraps of metal and wood from the Miami streets; Tatiana Suarez flaunts paintings of wide-eyed femme fatales; Martha Cooper has a projection of 1000 graf images; and Surge has enlivened the walls of the shop with paintings of objects that
amusingly seem more fitted to a bodega than an art exhibition.
Paul Laster caught up with "Fresh Produce" curator Cristina Gonzalez and the show's chief sponsor, Sushi Samba owner Shimon Bokovza, at last night's opening to get their thoughts on this year's show.
What's the concept behind the exhibition?
Cristina Gonzalez: We wanted to bring something new and innovative, take the best of the best artists, and represent them here in Miami -- hence the title of the show, "Fresh Produce." We have a solid roster of artists.
How many countries are represented?
A lot. We brought nine artists here for the show. We brought Stormie Mills from Australia; Alëxone from Paris; REMeD, who was born in France but lives in Madrid; Escif hasn't arrived yet, but he is from Valencia; we brought Reyes and REVOK from LA; and Logan Hicks from New York. We also have artists from Brazil and a few other places. It's quite a variety.
How long have you been working with graffiti and where are you based?
CG: I've been doing it for about eight years now. I'm originally from Caracas, Venezuela, but I live in Miami now.
What does GGG add to what's happening in Miami during ABMB week?
CG: Graffiti is becoming a trendy thing, but Sushi Samba has been supporting it for quite a while. Shimon loves the art form. It's definitely not a flash in the pan for us. It's important for us to bring the "real deal." I hope people will see it.
Is GGG in a new location every year?
Shimon Bokovza: Yes, but we're trying to settle on a permanent location and we feel that Wynwood is probably the right place. We'd like to open a space year round.
What is most exciting about this year?
SB: We have a great collection of artists from all over the world. The quality of the art is fantastic. The favela installation by Haas & Hahn and is amazing and I love the Eames chairs that are hand-painted by artists. I'm very happy with the result.
Will you be collecting some of the work for your restaurants?
SB: We have the GGG Collection and will add few more pieces to it, and I'll definitely be collecting for myself.
Graffiti Gone Global continues at 70 NW 25th St. through December 5. There's an artists party Dec 3 from 7-10 p.m.
