Shai Dahan - Photos from his Swedish Studio

Some new work by artist Shai Dahan. This piece titled "Float" is his first piece since moving to Sweden from NYC and will be part of a series for an upcoming exhibit. Stay tuned for more info and new photos. Enjoy!

BirdGunBlog on a list among friends

Sometimes we find info about Street-Art in the strangest places. Today, we found out that this blog (BirdGunBlog) which is the official blog of Abztract.com was on a list of the "Top 49 Street Art Blogs".

First, we are honored. Most of our posts are about events and things happening with our featured artists. We try to expand to the rest of the street-art world at times, but we actually see some really great websites out there already who do that way better and more often than we ever can wish for.

Second, we are stoked to be on a list with such great names (as well as some friends of ours) including Unurth, Brooklyn Street Art, Vandalog, Streetsy, Arrested Motion and so many others we have had bookedmarked for ages and hope that you will too.

So, here is a link to the fabulous list of the: Top 49 Street Art Blogs. Take the time and visit each of them, we guarantee you will find a couple worth returning to (and make sure to bookmark this blog if you haven't already).

We are number 17 if you looking for us ;)

Taka Sudo joins Abztract Collective

Abztract is proud to have Taka Sudo join our collective in 2011.

Taka Sudo was born and raised in Tokyo Japan and moved to BC Canada in 2001.
His inspiration comes from his enviroment and random thoughts and objects.
Sometime on mountaintop with powder snow and sometime in overcrowded subways in Tokyo.
From a high mountain range to glassy skyscrapers.
With ketchup and with soysauce. With glacier beer and with sake.
These things he says, are inspiring to his creativity only a little.
"Glamourous people with amazing creativity", that is what he claims to be his true inspiration.

To check out his work you may visit the Abztract site at: TAKA SUDO

and you may also visit his website at: TiFdyL

Abztract X Crewest Gallery Opening Recap

This past Friday, Crewest gallery let Abztract curate a fantastic group show titled "Street Degrees of Separation". Below are photos from opening night. The show will be there until the end of the month so if you are in Downtown Los Angeles, make sure to hit them up. Info can be found HERE.

artist and Pro Skater Danny Gonzalez

artist David Flores

Artist/Pro Skater Danny Gonzalez chatting with Abztract co-founder Rich Galan

Shai Dahan and Joe Iurato Duo Exhibit at VMG

VINCENT MICHAEL GALLERY PRESENTS A DUO EXHIBITION

This February, Vincent Michael Gallery is pleased to present a dual exhibition featuring new works from artists Shai Dahan in the exhibition, Natural Selections and Joe Iurato in Salvation. Both exhibitions will be on display February 4th to February 25th. In honor of our artists, Vincent Michael Gallery will be hosting an opening reception Friday, February 4th 7PM to 10PM.

In his newest body of works Natural Selections, artist Shai Dahan has continued to explore the issues of survivalism within the animal habitat by addressing the effect of human’s behavior and disruption to the natural order and environmental conditions. In Natural Selections, Dahan has created a series of aesthetic paintings that exemplify this struggle and focus on wildlife’s two key traits of which they must depend on: Movement and Survival.

Dahan portrays the distress to the natural society of wildlife by combining elements of realistic portrayal and abstract motion. He takes his interpretation of this environmental conflict and unseemingly symbiotic relationship a step further by utilizing amusing hints of industrialism and manmade weapons.
Along the same lines, Joe Iurato explores another deep-seeded relationship for man: the struggle between belief amidst trials and hardship.

In his first solo gallery exhibition, artist Joe Iurato’s latest works in Salvation examine the ever-present bond between man’s faith and misfortune in modern times. With his illusive imagery, Iurato portrays the struggle between seeking solace in self, God, or society - everyone turns to something during times of adversity.

Coming off his recent success at Art Basel Miami with ArtWhino Gallery's "The Takeover" exhibition, the NBA supported "Art of Basketball" exhibition, and Primary Flight, Iurato set focus on developing a new body of work for his gallery exhibition, utilizing new methods and mostly found materials. For Iurato, Salvation is a deeply personal body of work, one that arose from the question: Is our faith, wherever it may come from, a road to greener pastures or is it merely a component of tragedy in disguise?

Exhibition Details What: Natural Selections & Salvation: Featuring New Works from Shai Dahan and Joe Iurato Where: Vincent Michael Gallery 1050 N. Hancock St. Suite #63 Philadelphia, PA 19123 When: Exhibit runs February 4th thru February 25th Opening Reception Friday, February 4th 7pm – 10pm More Information 215.399.1580 x. 704 / International – 1.877.291.1138 or contact@vincentmichael.com

About The Artists

Shai Dahan, founder of Abztract Collective, is a New York artist who currently resides in Sweden. Shai's work predominantly focuses on animals and their environment conditions, and how the repercussion of human tampering causes them to evolve into survivalism. Animals painted and illustrated with witty and humorous hints of man-made weapons, expresses Shai's hopes in letting the viewer see the hybrid effect of man's hands in animal society and its disruption on the natural order.

Shai Dahan: "Foolishly Loaded" 48" x 48". Wheatpaste, acrylic, markers, spraypaint, watercolor on plywood.

Joe Iurato is a New Jersey based artist, prolific in street art and mural installations and has shown extensively in New York City, L.A., Miami and Europe. Joe Iurato specifically signs his work :01. It’s not an alias to conceal his identity, though. It’s a reminder to himself, and one that he chooses to share, that a single second is the most powerful measurement of time. “It only takes a second to decide you’re going to move forward in a positive direction regardless of the obstacles or challenges you’re facing in life,” Joe says. “And from that decisive moment on, you should never look back. Know that life isn’t a race or a competition – you can’t lose unless you give up on yourself. When you get slapped around, get back up, wipe the dirt off and move forward with purpose and conviction. While you’re at it, make it your business to help others along the way.”

Joe Iurato: "Rubble" Spray paint and polyurethane on cardboard affixed to a reclaimed cabinet door

About Vincent Michael Gallery
Wanting to support and contribute to contemporary art, owners and avid collectors Elizabeth Gault, Armon Vincent and Andrew George established Vincent Michael Gallery in Philadelphia, PA. The gallery is a multifaceted space that exhibits diverse forms of art from both emerging and established artists. By incorporating the use of progressive technology, we strive to challenge contemporary art as well as our artists, and seek to create an open forum for on-going dialogue and community engagement.