If ever there was a successful way in which to present the juxtaposition between the past and the future, Argentinian-Spanish street artist Felipe Pantone has found it. The artist, who has been practicing graffiti since he was 12, gives dated graphics (think of a 90’s Windows screensaver or the 1980’s idea of what today would feel like) an unexpected modern twist.
Most of his work, displayed at Station 16 Gallery, presents some sort of collage of said graphics, which all seem to melt into one another in an almost organic way. Then there’s the stark contrast between the monotone background with the shocks of colour layered on top of it, which are drawn with sharp lines, as if to further emphasize this disjointedness. Oddly enough, these pops of colour have a futuristic feel to them, maybe due to their sharp edges and their striking quality.
In fact, Pantone makes it a point to capture the essence of the digital age, when we as viewers are submitted to vast amounts of visual information, while also reflecting his experiences with his travels, experiences, and his views on the world as an increasingly dynamic and connected place. The artist is optimistic about technology and the future, something that is almost tangible in his work; although the colours are jarring, there’s a non-threatening quality to each piece, as if what’s immediately grabbing our attention is guaranteed to be better than what’s behind it.
This type of painting is what has helped to distinguish Pantone as one who is at the forefront of street art and what has made him remain visible over the course of what is the medium’s relatively short shelf life. Pantone also presented at this year’s MURAL Festival, a yearly event that takes place in the city to celebrate and democratize urban art. Since its founding in 2012, MURAL has amassed an ever-expanding portfolio, with over 80 murals and installations that change the landscape of Montreal’s various communities. The festival’s goal is to ensure that each new addition to the festival brings together street artists, muralists, musicians, creators, art enthusiasts, and the curious to assemble for what’s new and relevant in urban culture.
Check out the exhibition at Station 16 Gallery, on until June 24th.
Location: Station 16 Gallery, 3523 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2X 2T6
Price: Free
Dates: June 8-24, 2017
Photo by Ania Szneps (@doughboy.89); featured image by Station 16.
