EXHIBITION: Eric Orr "Subway Signs"
Written by Admin on May 13, 2013
New York artist Eric Orr SUBWAY SIGNS Exhibition
Custom painted Unique Subway Car Signs
Opening Tuesday May 28th 6pm, through to Saturday June 1st (12 – 4.30pm)
THANKS to Tommy T video display, Lothlorien Feijoa Wine, Base FM and Spin 33
Eric was raised in the heart of New York’s South Bronx, He was one of the first graffiti artists of the early 80s to substitute typography in art, using a symbol, character or icon as a moniker. The icon, known as “robothead”, was inspired by the space age and the robotics era. The robot head has become the visual identity associated with his artwork.
Eric found his passion in art through experimentation with colour and texture. In 1982, Eric’s style and recognition lead to a meeting with American artist Keith Haring who had been recognized on the New York scene for his “graffiti” and “pop art” images. The two had a fond appreciation of each other’s work and quickly became friends. In 1984 Haring and Orr collaborated on a series of drawings in the New York City subways. The black panel spaces provided a strong backdrop on which to achieve bold drawings in white chalk that were easily identifiable by commuters riding the subway. The drawings stretched from the number 6 Pelham Bay line in the Bronx to the 4 and 5 subway lines to Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan.Haring’s iconic “radiant baby” and Orr’s “robot head” became part of New York City subway history.
Eric was recognized early on by his peers and mentors as he has the ability to work across diverse forums, from writing in his neighborhood and the New York City subways, to entry into international exhibitions at fine art galleries and work placed at highly esteemed Sotheby’s and Christie’s auction houses. He has designed for music recording labels and artists such as Afrika Bambaataa, Jazzy Jay, Lord Finesse, Brand Nubian, Joe Ski Love, Positive K and designed clothing and apparel lines. Eric curated a custom face plate show for XBox at the E3 2007gaming conference showcasing work by his fellow graffiti artists such as Futura, Tats Cru, Tristen Eton and Dizmology.
His affinity with nature has also led him towards creating 3D ecological artforms and using found objects as a canvas. More recently, he has applied his life experience to working with artists and youth in transformational environments within communities.
