Streetsmart

by

Motel Seven | Conform | Dion Cupido

03-25 Feb 2022

Structural Elements | Conform | 2021

WORLDART gallery’s February exhibition, titled Streetsmart, will feature three artists with roots in the street art and graffiti scene; MOTELSEVEN, Conform and Dion Cupido.

Yes, you read right – the MOTELSEVEN! This Cape Town born artist has made headlines from London to Los Angeles with her graffiti style and is one of a handful of artists from this scene who managed to successfully extend their art practice from street to gallery. Expect Japanese manga-style paintings where prettiness and sadness lie side by side, with a distinct dark and surreal undercurrent.

Conform has been active on Cape Town’s walls for years and his recognizable linear, stripy style has earned him respect and appreciation that extend well beyond South Africa’s borders. His work often feature AI inspired characters and futurist cityscapes and objects.

Dion Cupido grew up in Mitchells Plain where his exposure to local gang graffiti and street art found its way into his edgy, socially relevant paintings that made him one of South Africa’s most exciting portrait artists and gained him a strong international following.

Streetsmart presents a rare opportunity to enjoy the work of these three local stars at one event. The exhibition opens on 3 February, which is also the day that Cape Town’s popular First Thursdays event takes place. On that day the art galleries in the Church Street Art District and rest of the cbd stay open till 8pm and bars and restaurants in Breë Street add flavour with a festive party vibe. The exhibition concludes 25 February 2022.

Charl Bezuidenhout