MIND THE GAP Print

ARTIST STATEMENT ” Whilst I use a variety of materials and processes in each artwork, my fascination is harnessing the spray can. I am captivated by its chaotic temperament and versatility, and how it demands your focus to control its output. “ My art takes a critical view of its immediate surroundings. Often referencing the landscape of world cities, exploring the relationships between urban architecture and communities. The subject matter of each body of work determines the materials and the forms of production. I’m passionate about playing with a multitude of surfaces on which I create; walls, canvas, cars, fashion, and metal. In my varied and diverse approaches to making art, the context of the work has an impact on the piece’s relationship with the viewer. The art takes on various forms intended to draw the viewer in as a co-contributor and witness new and unpredictable cycles of thoughts and associations. Providing an experimental chance to challenge one’s perceptions, perspectives, and assumptions.I decontextualize. Then I reconstruct. Having engaged in subjects as diverse as cult icons, provocative language, and arranging them into new conceptually layered works of art. Exploration is key,boldness is king and colour is my way. I am driven to create every day and my goal is to inspire those who see my work to look more carefully at the world around them, to be intrigued and moved by their surroundings.” ABOUT Gustav Szabo, better known as Szabotage, born in Brighton, is recognised as a prolific contemporary urban artist and designer. Szabotage grew up in Hove and London and studied architecture and has worked as a designer. By the 2013, Szabotage relocated to Hong Kong, where he became active in the street art scene and began to gain notoriety in the local and international urban art world. Szabotage’s work is characterised by bright colours mixed with popular cultural references. His vision takes a critical view of its immediate surroundings and often references the landscape of world cities, exploring the relationship between urban architecture and their communities. Szabotage is working with a variety of techniques and mediums, with his body of work ranging from canvas portraits, prints, interiors, cars, sculptures, stencils and products. The artist constantly challenges typical canvas limitations, through upcycling and recycling, creating sculptures using deconstructed aerosol cans, metals and wood.