Calix Gustav Gallery Presents Mörker

Calix Gustav Gallery in the Wynwood Arts District has announced the unveiling of its newest exhibition “Mörker,” along with the gallery’s new CG Boutique, a smaller gallery intended for the younger art collector. Coinciding with the Wynwood Arts District’s monthly art walk, an intimate reception will be held from 7 to 10 p.m on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Signifying the gloomy darkness seen through a child’s dreams – and nightmares – Mörker is possibly the gallery’s darkest, most thought-provoking exhibit to-date. With his charcoal and ink drawings of a magical and mysterious Scandinavian forest inhabited by eerie, mystical characters, Swedish artist Johan Björkegren provokes feelings of child-like fears. In contrast, the longing for comfort is not lost in the innocence of a child and the warm love of a mother as artists Ingrid Eliasson and Jennifer Basile bring a calming effect with their lurid fantasies seen through detailed, structured graphite drawings, which are juxtaposed over the rich biomorphic backgrounds. The feeling of a “cozy home” is amplified by crocheted fiber tapestries.

Also available to visitors for the first time is CG Boutique, a smaller gallery intended for the younger art collector. The first featured artist, Birds Are Nice (BAN), a local graphic designer whose inspiration is derived from the desire to have fun and make light-hearted, urban work that references pop culture along with the comic and cartoon genres. Using illustration, digital mediums, sculpture, animation and video, BAN considers itself a self-taught artist as most of the materials and techniques used in the current work were outside of a formal art education.

Taking inspiration from the graffiti artists of our time, such as Word to Mother, Know Hope, and countless others, Birds Are Nice wishes to raise awareness on its work in unconventional ways via several traveling outdoor projects. BAN feels the art world takes itself too seriously – low brow vs. high brow, street art vs. gallery art. BAN’s view, art is art and aims to have people stumble upon the work and experience a moment of spontaneous laughter.

Mörker will run from September 11, 2010 through November 19, 2010 at 98 NW 29 St., Miami. Regular gallery visiting hours are from Tuesday to Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.calixgustav.com.