Preview: JIM JOE “YES 1 2” at The Hole Presented by New York Art Department

If you live in New York City you are more than likely familiar with Jim Joe’s moniker, often scrawled on the street in a style more reminiscent of a child than a typical graffiti writer. Taking a more conceptual, or perhaps poetic approach, Jim Joe often writes cryptic and nonsensical phrases in a legible style that has caught the attention of a broader audience than just the niche graffiti die-hard. Undoubtedly influenced by Jean-Michel Basquiat and the Samo© team of the past, Jim Joe brought his messages into the 21st century with a Twitter account with tweets equally as cryptic.

However tomorrow evening will be the first time that his work is brought into the gallery setting with the opening of his solo show Yes 1 2 at The Hole Gallery in the Lower East Side. The exhibition presented by the New York Art Department is unconventional, running “for one evening and two days only during irregular gallery hours.” The press release for the exhibition states, “The culmination of five years of experience of writing on trash and other people’s property, the show consists of paintings, drawings and trash sculptures made over the course of three weeks and represents an attempt by the artist to transition ideas, emotions and intentions used in the street to a fine art gallery setting.” Scroll down to check out the only two preview images that were released in advance of the opening as well as three flyers that were prepared.

The opening reception of Jim Joe’s Yes 1 2 is Friday June 1 from 6-9pm at The Hole Gallery located at 312 Bowery in the Lower East Side. The exhibition will run through the weekend open 12-7pm June 2-3, 2012.