ART ASYLUM BOSTON

In recent weeks, it has come to our attention that a gallery based in Boston named Art Asylum Boston has been involved in treating their clients, customers and artists in a very poor and unprofessional manner.

We at Abztract can not erase the fact that we have worked with AAB in the past (taking part in the Art Strikes Back art show as well as mentioning their upcoming shows and events on this very blog). But, what we can make sure is that people out there do not get scammed in the future by the terrible business practices that Art Asylum Boston are currently being accused of.

We at Abztract and BirdGunBlog love art. We love the hard working artists who work with us, we love the artists who inspire us daily and we love the people who keep this culture moving forward. Whether its supporting the culture by donating artwork to a charity, purchasing art, blogging about recent events, photographing found art on local streets, or even a gallery (large or small) who help give artists a chance to share their talent with people who enjoy seeing it, the support of the people in this culture is what makes it so great and really what makes us here enjoy working in it day in and day out.

We are saddened to see that there are people out there who take advantage of those who love and appreciate the arts and use it to serve themselves an unprofessional manner.

So, we just want to let our fans, family and friends know that Abztract and BirdGunBlog have no affiliation with Art Asylum Boston or their actions. We hope that the people at AAB will face their actions. Whether its standing in front of the people they have taken advantage of, or having the law catch up to them. We hope that the people who ended up getting the bad deal in the situation get what rightfully belongs to them.

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The Abztract Family

The Dark Side of Art

UPDATE: Due to recent scams and apparently a whole plethora of blog posts, forum discussions and articles (including posts by David Flores, Shepard Fairy and Kaws) in regards to the very shady business practices that Art Asylum Boston have been conducting (both robbing customers for money or refusing to pay artists or even offering art from famous artist for a charity event that never existed) we want to let our readers and fans know that we are in no way affiliated to them. To know more about what AAB did, you may visit: The Life Vicarious as well as read our official statement HERE.

We will leave the post below in its original form (somewhat) so that viewers can still enjoy the photos and info from the night.

We here at Abztract are fans of three things. 1) Street Art. first and foremost. 2) The occasional skate or surf session when time permits it. and 3) Star Wars.

This past weekend, we drove up to Boston to be part of the Art Strikes Back art show curated by Art Asylum Boston.
Not only did the event have booze and amazing art by the likes of KAWS, Mr. Brainwash, RYCA, Scribe, Evoker, David Flores, Shai Dahan, Rourke Van Dal, our pal Arkiv and many others, but it also had the blessing of Lucas Films (UPDATE: Some of the artists including KAWS have come forward that they never offered their art to this event and are unsure how AAB got their work for this event. It also has come out that Lucas Films never gave their blessings regardless of AAB confirming this to us). To put icing on the cake, the event had three storm troopers in full decked out outfits at the event who spent the time dancing, drinking and most importantly, posing inappropriately with guests (which we will keep in our personal collection as to not embarrass the Empire).

Below are a few images from the event and you can see ALL the photos from the event by visiting our ABZTRACT Flickr page by clicking here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abztractgallery/sets/72157622633201481/

Abztract co-founder Shai Dahan, Rebels, and Art Asylum Boston founder Jason Zenga

Update: Abztract/Shai Dahan is no longer in contact with Jason Zenga and has no affiliation with Jason or AAB.

Reminder: Art Strikes Back in Boston - Nov. 6th

This Friday, Nov. 6th, artists Shai Dahan and Arkiv of our Abztract Collective will be taking part of the Art Strikes Back event curated by our good friends at Art Asylum Boston.

If you are in Boston, make sure to stop by. Shai Dahan will be in attendence along with some of the other artists who make up the fantastic roster (30+ artists).

Below are images of the pieces that will be on display by Shai Dahan and Arkiv along with the flyer and additional details:

IMPERIAL NATIVE TOTEM (by Shai Dahan): Available for purchase through info@artasylumboston.com

THE TRAP (by Shai Dahan): Available for purchase through info@artasylumboston.com

by Arkiv: Available for purchase through info@artasylumboston.com

by Arkiv: Available for purchase through info@artasylumboston.com

Art Asylum Boston

Presents

Inspirations From Above:

"ART STRIKES BACK"

Unique, Imaginative, Intricate, and Emotive "Art Strikes Back" is an extraordinary collection of art featuring the works of over 30 artists from around the world, inspired by one of the most influential films of all time...

Featured Artists Include:

Adriean Koleric, Arkiv, Biserama, Cassandra, David Flores, Dolk, Dustin Mounce, Eli Rutten, Eelus, Eyeski, Evoker, Fake, Fas, Joshua Budich, Justin Volpe, Jon-Paul Kaiser, Kaws, Lil'Tuffy, Landon Richmond, MCA, Michael Mitchell, Matt Mcguire, Mr. Brainwash, Mariangela Tan, Nathan Caberara, Nick-Z, Pure Evil, RYCA, Ryan Madden, Raffa Jenn, Rourke Van Dale, Ric Stultz, Sab_One, Scribe, Shai Dahan, Sucklord, Spencer Davis, Stolen...

Opening Reception:

Friday, November 6th

7:00 - 9:00pm

(Exhibition Runs through December 6th)

1301 Boylston St.

Boston, Ma 02215

617-818-0724

www.artasylumboston.com

Art Strikes Back - Nov. 6th in Boston

It is our pleasure to announce that our good friends at Art Asylum Boston have invited featured artists Shai Dahan and Arkiv (who is also an Art Asylum featured artist himself), to be part of their wonderful upcoming event titled "Art Strikes Back: Inspiration From Above".

The event is an all STAR WARS inspired art show with over 30 artists giving their interpretation of the beloved saga.

Abztract will be in attendance at the event and you can even get a sneak preview to the art that artist Shai Dahan will be providing to the event below.

Info:

Art Asylum Boston

Presents

Inspirations From Above:

"ART STRIKES BACK"

Unique, Imaginative, Intricate, and Emotive "Art Strikes Back" is an extraordinary collection of art featuring the works of over 30 artists from around the world, inspired by one of the most influential films of all time...

Featured Artists Include:

Adriean Koleric, Arkiv, Biserama, Cassandra, David Flores, Dolk, Dustin Mounce, Eli Rutten, Eelus, Eyeski, Evoker, Fake, Fas, Joshua Budich, Justin Volpe, Jon-Paul Kaiser, Kaws, Lil'Tuffy, Landon Richmond, MCA, Michael Mitchell, Matt Mcguire, Mr. Brainwash, Mariangela Tan, Nathan Caberara, Nick-Z, Pure Evil, RYCA, Ryan Madden, Raffa Jenn, Rourke Van Dale, Ric Stultz, Sab_One, Scribe, Shai Dahan, Sucklord, Spencer Davis, Stolen...

Opening Reception:

Friday, November 6th

7:00 - 9:00pm

(Exhibition Runs through December 6th)

1301 Boylston St.

Boston, Ma 02215

617-818-0724

www.artasylumboston.com

Upcoming Featured Artist : ARKIV

Arkiv Vilemansa has been painting, illustrating and designing cartoon like figures since 2005. Shortly after finishing his Bachelor degree in Architecture he plunged into the art world citing his love for drawing figures as his inspiration for this change of career path.

At 26 years old, Arkiv, an artist from Indonesia has been taking over peoples desks and collection shelves with his ARKIV vinyl toy. A creature he has designed himself that has been gaining popularity among collectors. Arkiv has been painting his character for a while now and creating mash ups of iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and Marvin The Martian using his ARKIV character design.

Arkiv describes himself: “I’m a half animal and half dream. I’m a blend of an overweight panda and Killer whale. I eat kids and I drink bloods. I’m instantly rude and 100% dirty. I sleep longer than any creation the world has ever seen, I sleep like a dead hero and no star. I talk rubbish and my breath smells like it.”

Abztract will have a few original pieces from Arkiv exclusively on Abztract.com. So stay tuned and stay Abztract.

Also, we had the pleasure of meeting the folks at Art Asylum Boston. As they are featuring ARKIV as one of their featured artist as well, Abztract and Art Asylum Boston will be joining together to co-curate two solo shows for Arkiv in 2010 right here in the U.S. after he has completed his gallery tour in Europe (Amsterdam, London and a few other spots).

So stay tuned for more info on the ARKIV X ABZTRACT X ART ASYLUM BOSTON events coming later next year. For now, check out the amazing talents and products that Art Asylum Boston has to offer at www.artasylumboston.com

Art Strikes Back : Fresh art from Rourke Van Dal for AAB

This killer piece was done by Rourke Van Dal for an art show put by our friends at Art Asylum Boston titled "Art Strikes Back". We love it. For details on the show check out the invite here.