Above ‘Jet Set’ @ Metro Gallery
Last night saw the opening of the infamous Above at Armadale’s Metro Gallery to a packed to the brim house of street art savvy fans. This has been a while coming as the artist visited our shores early last year for a show in Sydney and a bit of a bombing spree in Melbourne at the same time, while I enjoy his street work, it’s actually his gallery work which I enjoy, just slightly more. Did this show live up to the year and abit long wait? Of course.
Walking into this show you are littered with messages and references of travelling, this in my opinion, is the greatest thing you can possibly do in life. Who wants to be stuck in the same old place their entire lives? And could there be a better way in doing it through and backed up by your art? I don’t think so. Above has travelled, explored, worked and lived in many places around the world, although there isn’t a whole lot known about the artists, this seems very apparent. His infamous arrows are littered with photo’s, drawings and even wrappers he has come across in his travels, it will immediately make you envious at the thought. In such a small room, Above has managed to show you how beautiful the world is in its seperate locations and cultures, whether it be through the imagery through his work, or the colours used associated with them. These aren’t just arrows, their a visual sign giving the viewer a look inside of what makes a particular culture and it’s people, it’s like watching No Reservations, only better.
But what is the big deal with these arrows? My girlfriend is usually open to anything, she’s come to almost all of the shows you see on this blog and has never really questions the purpose or intention of the work. But for this one she kinda didn’t see the big deal in… the arrows! Me personally, I’ve always seen Above’s arrows having a much larger meaning then, say a shape or frame to contain his work. For me, it is a symbol of positivity, like saying the only way to go in life is up and thats a way we should all live. I’m not talking about being happy and smiling for no reason, more be positive and confident in whatever you do in live, that way you’ll have no where to go, but up. I’ve always seen that in Above’s work and with the added addition in the theme of travel, I connect directly with this show, the height of success and a fulfilled life is to see as much as possible through travelling, but the only way you’re going to get there is by staying up and being on top of everything you need to get there, the possibilities are endless, just look up.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic show by one of the biggest street artists on the globe, definately one not to be missed, check it at Metro before it closes on July 14.
