Barry McGee Explores Complexities of Urban Life With Installations, Paintings & More
As part of an upcoming Perrotin Tokyo exhibition called “Potato Sack Body.”
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After featuring a new body of work at Perrotin Hong Kong back in September, San Francisco-based artist Barry McGee is heading to the gallery’s Tokyo location for his latest solo exhibition, entitled “Potato Sack Body.” A pioneer of the Mission School, an art movement that “encompasses the spirit of urban culture and its strong sense of community,” McGee crafts sullen-faced caricatures, vibrant patterns and stylized acronyms to explore the human condition and complexities of urban life.
For his latest exhibition, McGee experiments with the juxtaposition between imagery and material with multi-panel paintings, framed works, painted ceramics, repurposed found objects and more. The range of elements displays an inclusive approach to art, which “evokes a sense of community and diversity that could be seen as typical of the Bay area from which he hails.” Further inspired by the place he has resided in throughout his artistic career, McGee constructs site-specific installations that explore space and the dialogue between art and life.
McGee and BEAMS have also teamed up for a range of limited edition merchandise that will feature the artist’s signature motifs. From February 1 to 16, the products will be available to purchase at a pop-up store in BEAMS’ Harajuku flagship.
Take a closer look at select works from “Potato Sack Body” above. The exhibition will run from February 7 to March 28.
Perrotin Tokyo
Piramide Building, 1F
6-6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0032
Japan
For more noteworthy shows, check out HYPEBEAST’s list of 20 must-see exhibitions across the globe for 2020.