I just returned from LA,
after completing last weekend’s exhibition and launch event for the Haze x Stussy S/S 2010 Collection…
Not only was the show and opening extremely successful and well received by most accounts,
including a host of OG’s from Venice to Downtown and beyond in full effect,
but it also turned out to be one of those uniquely multi-dimensional projects where everything came together seamlessly,
on both professional and personal levels.
The concept itself was, of course, the final chapter of over a year long process
of designing, producing and promoting the collection in it’s many forms,
throughout which I have also been trying to connect the dots between
all the various mediums and platforms this collaboration has allowed me to explore.
Along with hanging the assorted works on paper and canvas which utilized ink, paint and charcoal,
Carl and I also hand painted ( one more ) on site mural based on the camo pattern used throughout the collection,
built out a custom display for a cross section of the line including our Pro Keds release,
and even found time to throw together a freestyle collage of all the out takes and extra bits and pieces I brought out to LA.
Stussy also produced another quick master mix video installation for the show of last month’s painting in Tokyo.
The fact that, on top of all our long term planning and preparation for the show,
the exhibition also provided a perfectly timed opportunity to co-produce the event with Casey / Eklips
as the grand opening for he and his partner Rachel’s brand new brick and mortar Known Gallery,
added yet another special dimension to the overall package and event.
Not only did they do a spectacular job with the design and build out of their new space,
but the amount of hands on support and hospitality that Carl and I received from the entire 7th Letter Crew
throughout the week of set up and installation made a huge difference,
making it one of the most positive and solid experiences I have ever had in this type of situation.
With the additional subtext of returning to the playing fields of LA,
where I put in a serious chunk of my grown life for over a decade,
reconnecting with so many of my west coast peeps, receiving this kind of support,
and also being able to make a contribution to their program in the process,
made the whole experience especially reaffirming for me on a personal level too.
So…much love and many thanks to Casey, Rachel, Revok, Norm, Push, Mitch, DJ, Keegan, Charlie, Willie
and the entire 7th Letter / MSK massive for all good things…anything anytime my peoples.
plus, big ups and thank you to Scott, Adam, Brian and everyone at Stussy
who was part of making this entire project and journey all that it came to be,
I wish you continued success with the collection and beyond….
The show and opening has been pretty well documented online already,
but I also took the time to shoot the entire show after the fact before we broke it down,
so here is the full installation as seen through my eyes,
as well as a bonus set of really nice ( higher quality ) pics also shot by my man Keegan Gibbs to follow :
Photos by Keegan Gibbs :
additional coverage of the artwork and opening event can also be seen at:
Peace.
Posted by Haze on March 04, 2010 at 10:40 PM
