Gabriel Francis, editor of Nail Biter Zine, takes us on a journey through the back alleys, rooftops and DIY spaces of NYC’s graffiti and punk subcultures circa 2021-2022.
This vertical installation will include photographs featuring ABISM, CARL, ANDY, DIP, SALVAJE as well as paintings and site-specific video by the artist.
Limited edition photographs will be for sale. A double-sided 16 x 24" poster will also be available in an edition of 100. The first 20 will be signed and numbered by Gabriel Francis and Ryan Del Val.
Join us for an opening reception on Saturday, January 28 from 3-5pm at Printed Matter. Refreshments will be served.
“The photos represent an internalization and identification with the outside world and surrounding environment. By capturing photos I am able to document and present those aspects of my life which I identify with most deeply. In this way I’m able to show the events, structures, people, friends, sights, and external influences that help to define my identity.
Paintings represent a projection of the internal into the external world. While taking photos is a theft and appropriation of images which are not my own and exist in the world around me, these paintings are an attempt to present things which do not already exist in the world, but exist inside of me.
Taking pictures is a reaction and documentation of lived experience, people I’ve known, activities I’ve been involved in, and environments I’ve existed in. While making paintings is the creation of images that would otherwise never exist.
Although these practices are drastically different, they are both a means to the same end, which is to share images that I feel can define my identity and existence in the world. The same can be said about graffiti writing, which is also a vehicle to share one’s identity and ideas in an attempt to be seen, understood, and known by others to some extent
The subject of the photos shown here vary from brick walls and discarded objects to people I love, criminal mischief, punk shows, bike riding and graffiti writing. these things are what I find most beautiful and exciting.”
– Gabriel Francis
If you’re interested in purchasing a print, poster or painting, please email craig@printedmatter.org.
