by Rich Jacobs & Tim Kerr
True exponents of the mantras 'Do it for yourself' and 'Participate/Move', Rich and Tim are uber-activists. Devoid of ego or formality these are artists who just get on with getting on. They cross genres, mediums & don't bother with rhetoric. Consequently they have helped mobilise a generation of independent artists & musicians into some of America's most influential movements.
Jacobs is an illustrator & curator who helped break the big dogs of US skate/grafitti art into the art mainstream with his cuttting edge series of group exhibitions called 'Move'. Originating from LA, but covering alot of ground, Rich started showing the radical artists of yesterday: Ed Templeton, Barry Mcgee, Chris Johansen, Dalek, Neckface, Thomas Campbell et al. in galleries across the US & Europe and publishing them in his zine of the same name.
Rich is a hot property as an artist in his own right at the moment. Recently he's done street murals in Manhatten, Barcelona & Tokyo; had gallery exhibitions in LA, Stockholm, San Francisco; and has designed 2 pairs of sneakers for Etnies, a skateboard for Mark Gonzales, and a backpack for Eastpak.
Showing alongside Rich is Texas artist/singer/songwriter/engineer/skater/surfer Tim Kerr. Tim Kerr came to fame in seminal TX band 'The Big Boys' in the late 70's. Bands 'Poison 13', 'Bad Mutha Goose' , 'The Moneywrench' , Jack O'Fire, Lord High Fixers
King Sound Quartet,The Now Time Delegation, & most recently Total Sound Group all followed over the next 30 years. He's also a maniac of sound production, engineering albums for more bands than can be mentioned.
True to form Kerr is a prolific artist. He attended The University of Texas at Austin from 1974, studied under Garry Winogrand, graduated wth a degree in painting and photography & and was awarded a Ford Foundation grant for his work. Subsequently he's produced his own & other's posters/flyers/album artwork & established himself as a significant artist in America. His posterpaint & cardboard portraits of his own cultural heroes unify & expound the influences of art & music on social conscience.
'A Toast to the People' is intended to coincide with May's All Tomorrow's Parties festival. Kerr's 'Total Sound Group Direct Action Committee' are in Europe making a rare appearance at the Mudhoney curated night at ATP.
Exhibition opens with private viewing on Thursday May 11. Tim & Rich will both be in attendance.
To quote Tim:
'Rich Jacobs and Tim Kerr will be intending to make some art, hang the so called art up on the walls of the gallery, and hang out at the opening ... simple as that . At least thats our intention on the surface....if we got into the chances of maybe making someone think or go out and create their own self expression, we could get arrested.'
Please join us for a the private view on Thursday May 11th.
Location: 96 Gillespie road, London N5 1LN
Opening hours: Th-Su 2-6pm. or by appointment
Phone: 0207 503 3496
Admission: Free
http: www.96gillespie.com
Tube: Arsenal (Piccadilly Line)
Bus Routes: 19, 4, 106, 236
www.96gillespie.com
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