Richard Hambleton x Dark Circle: Nine Minutes with Woodbury House Contemporary Art
Woodbury House Contemporary Art has teamed up with premium streetwear brand, Dark Circle, on a collaborative project to be released late November 2016.
The collaboration explores the work of “Godfather of Street Art” Richard Hambleton through a twenty-five piece edition of repurposed artworks and an elevated streetwear capsule collection.
Richard Hambleton is the sole survivor of the three key figures of the New York Street Art movement of the early 80’s. With roots in graffiti and his recurrent themes of crime-scene-style chalk outlines as well as his later shadow man series which were all painted on buildings, Hambleton achieved much public recognition and, as he moved
towards conventional media and exhibitions, this was echoed in considerable market success.
Twenty-five of Richard Hambleton’s works - including pieces from the Horse and Rider series, Stop Sign and the artist’s iconic shadow man figures - have been reworked by Dark Circle into twenty-five one-of-a-kind jackets, which will be available to purchase as artworks exclusively through Woodbury House.
After Nyne spent Nine Minutes with Mike Doohan, Co-Founder of Woodbury House Contemporary Art, to get the lowdown on this exciting new project.
Mike what was the single starting point of inspiration for this project?
The Woodbury House team wanted to do something completely different. We have keen interests in street wear and of course, street art. The opportunity to combine the two was a dream come true.
What is it about Richard Hambleton’s work that makes it right for this collaboration?
Richard Hambleton's story is still quite unknown to the masses so we feel it is only right to get it out there. He paved the way for artists such as Banksy and has inspired so many people over the last 30 years - Richard Hambleton really is the 'Godfather of street art’.
Who are the key figures who have been involved in the project?
Aaron Dezonie, creative director at Dark Circle, has played a major role. It was Aaron who came up with the concept of the canvas jackets and he designed the whole capsule collection too. Andy Valmorbida has also been heavily involved in the project imparting integral advice and additionally, giving us this unique access to Richard Hambleton.
In my opinion this project raises interesting questions about art as a consumable and accessible entity. What are your own thoughts on that?
This was our goal. Six years ago, I walked into your typical art gallery in Chelsea and was treated as if I wasn’t meant to be there. I felt like the art world was closed off to the masses and it inspired me to do something about it - that is the fundamental ethos of Woodbury House
In your opinion, how does a street artist manage to differentiate him/herself from their competitors?
Creating something original which stands out always helps but nowadays with the constant access to social media, street artists can engage with their fans and followers easier than ever before!
What have been your highlights of working on this collaboration?
The opportunity of bringing together two of my greatest passions has been amazing. The Woodbury House and Dark Circle team worked together to create something we are truly proud of and to finally see the finished pieces was definitely a highlight in my career.
What obstacles have you faced in bringing the show to fruition?
The problem with the art world is that it is a very dynamic industry and is forever changing. As a result, Woodbury House has to be at the forefront of what we are doing.
Which pieces are your own favourites?
The red and black Shadowman trench and the Hank O’Neal Hambleton/Basquiat T-Shirt
What would you say to the opinion that ‘once you remove street art from the street it’s not street art anymore’?
I disagree. A street artist should be able to put his creations on canvas for people to enjoy for generations to come. Walls get taken down and buildings change but this way street art lives on.
View the complete range at http://www.woodburyhouseart.com/shadowman-series
Images: Morgan Tedd
