Irish urban artist Fin DAC returns with a vibrant solo exhibition ‘HomEage’, combining his unique style with tributes to art legends at the St Martins Lane Crypt Gallery in London.
Irish urban artist Fin DAC, renowned for his vibrant, large-scale murals, is set to captivate art enthusiasts with a new solo exhibition titled “HomEage” at the St Martins Lane Crypt Gallery in London. This marks his first solo show in three years, offering art lovers a unique opportunity to engage with his latest work. The exhibition, which opens on October 25, revisits the artist’s distinctive urban aesthetic style while paying homage to some of the most celebrated figures in the art world, such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Fin DAC—full name Finbarr Notte—grew up in Cork, Ireland, and has built a notable career with his artwork that contrasts with the overtly political narratives of other street artists like Banksy. Instead, Fin DAC emphasises what he terms “urban aesthetics,” focusing on beautification rather than socio-political commentary. His approach centres on captivating yet accessible portraiture, specifically featuring women of Asian heritage depicted with bold colours and arresting stares. His works intentionally challenge the conventional “male gaze” often prevalent when he began his artistic journey.
In his conversation with the PA news agency, Fin DAC explained his motivation to venture away from traditional political themes. “I have a terminology for my art, which is called urban aesthetics, and that’s based on creatives from the late 19th to early 20th century with a motto that art should focus on beautification, not socio or political commentary,” he stated. He deliberately chose a simplistic approach, believing that art should be universally accessible, allowing viewers to appreciate his work without needing a deep understanding of art history or socio-political nuances.
In “HomEage,” Fin DAC creatively merges his iconic depictions of Eurasian women with the styles of legendary artists. This imaginative blend offers a fresh interpretation while maintaining his foundational artistic themes. The exhibition showcases these reinterpretations as a tribute to the artists who influenced him, using the canvas of female portraiture to explore and integrate different artistic styles. Fin DAC articulates this process as “dressing women up in a different way,” utilising the colour palettes and line work associated with iconic artists while sustaining his distinct representation of the female form.
The concept for “HomEage” was born during the 2020 lockdown period in California. It represents a connection to Fin DAC’s roots and artistic influences, reflecting a period of reflection and creativity sparked by the isolation of the pandemic. His reinterpretations are his works at their core, interacting with and overlaying the stylistic signatures of Warhol, Picasso, and Van Gogh without losing the essence of his artistic identity.
This upcoming exhibition is curated by West Contemporary Editions and promises to deliver a fresh perspective that marries traditional art forms with contemporary street aesthetics. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can expect a limited-edition collector’s box set trilogy, further extending Fin DAC’s innovative journey through art history.
Set against the backdrop of the St Martins Lane Crypt Gallery, a location that itself harmonises history with modernity, “HomEage” is poised to draw both aficionados of Fin DAC’s work and those interested in experiencing a fusion of classic and contemporary art styles in an urban setting.
Source: Noah Wire Services