Abroad: Shok-1 in London

In his recent works in London, UK street artist Shok-1 is experimenting with a brand new style. He is going “X-ray mad” as he said on his Facebook page with these studies painted on the wall (sometimes even layered over his earlier pieces). Using bright, contrasting colors to create three dimensional, radioactive effects, this street-art innovator is creating stunning visual effects that seem to defy possibility.

Shock-1/Courtesy

US: G40 Art Summit in Richmond, VA

In the next few days, DC-based gallery Art Whino will be kicking off their third annual G40 Art Summit in the burgeoning art district of Richmond, Virginia. This year’s theme is “Art of the Mural,” so the gallery has invited 13 internationally renowned muralists to transform all walls within a 10 block radius. The murals are part of a month-long series of exhibitions and events, that are sure to make Richmond a major visual art destination in years to come.

Artist Jaz working on mural for G40 Summit 2012 (Arrested Motion/Courtesy)

SF: Jean Paul Gaultier at the de Young

The wild, raunchy fashions of French couture designer Jean Paul Gaultier are now on full display in the exhibit “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk” at the de Young Museum. He effectively masters beautifully crafted but hard-edged street style, inspired in particular by gender and gender-bending themes. (He sponsored an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York several years ago called “Bravehearts: Men in Skirts.” Consisting of the actual clothing, photographs, sketches and video, the show will be on display through August 19th.

de Young/Courtesy

East Bay: First Friday Art Walk

There is no better way to capture the “state of the art” in the East Bay than by strolling through Oakland Art Murmur’s First Friday Art Walk. From 6 until 9 p.m., nourish your art-loving soul and head down to the participating galleries (located between 26th and 23rd streets and between Telegraph and Broadway).

Oakland Art Murmur/Courtesy

Campus Area: Openings at Worth Ryder Gallery

The Worth Ryder Gallery located in Kroeber Hall will be holding two noteworthy openings on Thursday. First is “Richard Shaw: 40+ Years of Students,” a retrospective from the acclaimed contemporary ceramicist and professor. In addition, Haas Scholar and art practice major Nathaniel Klein will be exhibiting his conceptual video, “Friendship Park,” which explores, analyzes and questions the US-Mexico border from both a physical and psychic perspective.

Sketchbook Jar with Pallette and Deer Skull 2005 (Richard Shaw/Courtesy)