30/1/2008
Andrew McAttee
Forster, London
Anti-Gravity. The vivid and dazzling explosions of colour and light inherent in these recent works reflect the artist's desire to project pure optimism - as an alternative to the gritty realism of modern life.
Young British urban artist Andrew McAttee will be launching his much
anticipated riotous new work in an ambitious solo show Anti-Gravity at the
end of January at FORSTER.
The highly collectable artist’s work delicately balances dreamy other-wordly landscapes with his
trademark psychedelic palette in vast pop art canvases that will dominate the east London gallery. The
vivid and dazzling explosions of colour and light inherent in the works reflect his desire to project pure
optimism – as an alternative to the gritty realism of modern life. McAttee’s comic-strip pop art landscapes
burst forth with abstract shapes and intense colours, demonstrating street art sensibilities like blended
colour and line, imbuing his work with a distinctive graffiti aesthetic.
McAttee has commented: “My aim is to provide the viewer with a
colourful riot of gravity-less forms set in highly-layered, seemingly
endless space with a sense of ambiguity, humour and celebration.
“Anti-Gravity is to draw attention to the weightless nature of a lot
of modern art from Andy Warhol's Silver Balloons or Damien
Hirst's Spot Paintings. I also wanted to suggest the opposing of a
negative force while highlighting the celestial aspects of my work
and in doing so, to say something about not being held down.”
Having made his mark as prominent graffiti street artist STET,
McAttee has been fusing his spray can talent and urban style with
fine art training since completing his degree from Central St
Martins in 1995 – making the transition from street to gallery with
his first solo show taking place in 2003.
His work draws on a wide range of sources including other graffiti art, comic book graphics, pop art and
abstract expressionism. Recent commissions have seen McAttee work with brands ranging from Benson
& Hedges, Nike and fashion designer Antonio Berardi among others.
McAttee’s story is inspirational – from working as a builder to support his younger siblings through college
to artist – giving up his day job just before his first solo show. Since then, the rising star’s career has
blossomed. Eleanor Forster launched FORSTER in 2007 with McAttee’s work as a key focus.
The extended catalogue will include an in-depth interview by writer and editor Francesca Gavin and a
critical text written by Ben Cranfield, art dealer and historian.
McAttee’s work will also be used for the album and live tour artwork of The Little Ones – an LA-based
music band currently touring with the Kaiser Chiefs. He is showing at Scope Miami Art Fair with
FORSTER from 6-9 December 2007.
McAttee studied Fine Art at Central St Martin’s, London
Since graduating in 1995 his work has been featured in numerous
exhibitions including his own shows ‘Suck It And See’ in Soho and “Off
the Wall’ with thecentralhouse in 2003.
He also runs workshops for Anglia Polytechnic University and youth
workshops in Chelmsford and Danbury.
Private View 31 January
Forster
1 Chapel Place, Rivington Street - London