who cares about this artist... just more rehashed "urban" gallery sloppy stylization... not very interesting... not very "real"... commercial even. Hasn't Barry Mcgee done this enough?

When will this fake unskilled graffitti influenced work stop haunting our B-galleries.

Polly,

Well, first of all, I care about this artist, and if you had read any of the other reviews and articles written about Julien, you would have discovered that there were plenty of others who felt the same way. You're still stuck on the first page Polly, with a knee-jerk reaction to imagery that is obviously urban - again read some of what was written and you'll discover his influences - that comes from the street, and is also a large part of Julien's style and technique that has for the most part, been confined to paper, cardboard, cut-outs and stencils. So, what is your point? That it's not interesting, un-original, not very "real" (not quite sure what you mean by that), commercial? Pretty subjective no? And Mcgee's not? How about Shepherd Fairey? They're "real" for you? C'mon... you're using Mcgee as your benchmark?

Did you see the exhibit at Art Produce? If not, it's quite difficult to surmise and claim the demise of an artist's work that you have not seen in person. If you did, surely you can see that the work couldn't have gotten any more direct and "real" than painting on grocery bags. They're appealing, energetic, colorful, fun, brushy and snakey, luscious - so? what? this makes them sloppy? Bad? Hardly.

If you're looking for "original" influences for graffiti or graffiti inspired works, you might want to look back to the late sixties and early seventies, drugs, rock & roll, psychedelics, album covers, balloon letters, surf culture, advertising, television, graphic design etc. And if you're looking for some "fine art" examples, how about Kurt Schwitter's collages, Rauschenberg's assemblages and silk-screen prints or even Jasper Johns - Keith Haring and Basquiat being the obvious choices, amongst many others. My point is this, the rehashing and image appropriation you're speaking of - and that you find fault with in Julien's work - has overun a great majority of the graffiti and street art that is being produced today. There is no "originality" to speak of so therefore, difficult to claim, and is for the most part, souless without a history or content/context. Not true in the case of Julien, he's not making graffiti nor aping its style, he is, for argument's sake, painting in his own personal style and as spontaneously as any painter on canvas. His work is quite good, quite interesting, honest, rich in imagery and style, has integrity and something I will never have a problem defending. He owns it (the work, idea, meaning etc.) as opposed to copying it from somewhere else. This makes all the difference in the world.

You're lucky Kev let you have it and not me - I hate the fact that so called "art lovers" have such an unrefined aesthetic pallete that anything done using the medium of spray paint is a fucking Twist derivative. But I guess violent knee jerk reactions are the most fun thing about graffiti.

hi polly poog,

thank you for your comment , very interesting , very...real.
Considering your last sentence, I suggest you buy the 17.5" x 19" bag n° 12, you're gonna love it.
(20% off with your "nazi art club" member card)

enjoy

I agree with Polly, but I think it is very insensitive to post something so negative when the artist can easily read it. I just do not understand why Mr. Freitas would use this art-critical website to so blatantly promote and even sell the work of an artist.

Here we go again, hmmm... (sniff) "smells like teen spirit", but alas, it is the quality of the commentary and the "off-topic" candor that reigns here in San Diego (by certain individuals) and the internet trolls in general, that prevents any discourse about art possible. Dear Peeny Weeny, Polly Pogg, George, and company, who hide behind fake emails and pseudonyms; I will no longer post your commentary. Yep, that's the breaks, but your level of adolescent commentary, poor and ill informed rambling, and collective hatefulness, is no longer required, needed or wanted here.

Peeny - Julien Colombier has been a long time contributor to Art as Authority. I've continually posted examples of his work, show announcements, videos, and the like from this artist for quite some time. I also organized the show at Art Produce where his work was for sale, and still is for that matter. Our realationship as gallery/artist (from Brussels where we met) and now, as it currently exists as curator/artist, does not and will not, prevent me from promoting or supporting his work. This is a relationship that is very clear and understood by both of us, and is also obvious to the public's eyes. Of course I'm going to sell the work, the difference is that - unlike a gallery or a promoter - I do not take a cut. Meaning, there is no profit in it for me and exsists strictly on the level of a service provided for the artist. Am I falsely promoting? no; I do hope I'm encouraging and influencing others to take a look at a terrific artist. This is my job.