Mear One has been at the forefront of Los Angeles graffiti and mural culture for nearly three decades. He was in Dulwich last week when he created the newest addition to Dulwich Outdoor Gallery.
Mear One chose Bartolomé Estéban Murillo’s ‘The Madonna of the Rosary’ from Dulwich Picture Gallery‘s permanent collection as an inspiration for his Dulwich wall.
These are Mear’s words: “His mural is titled ‘New World Revolution’ after a series of works based on his recent direction depicting imagery of Madonna and Child. The painting focuses on the role that women and children play in this politically charged time. His Revolutionary Madonna is a blazing beacon of motherly love to guide humanity into a future of profound transformation, holding her child, a symbol of rebirth. Her golden halo bathes us in a warmth of spiritual wisdom, a beautiful haze of positivity and choice, fist raised to the sky, not in anger, but universal solidarity and strength.
Mear uses the chocolate box techniques used in Murillo’s works to dress his purposeful Madonna in a rose and a the local reference of the Camberwell butterfly. The original Baroque version is focused on the mother and child’s humanity whilst showing a carefully constructed religious message. Mear One is an artist of all faiths and no religion, he has hidden his rosary within the forehead of the mural, under the paint and within the actual structure of the building - a metal cross holding the building’s wall.
Despite having a very serious political message the artwork is soft and inviting, acting as a reminder to us that a revolutionary time is upon us, one that only a modern master and prophet of the living words can impart.”
Mear’s bio: “He is famous for having pioneered the Melrose graffiti art movement in the late 80s and is considered by many to be LA’s most prolific public muralist.
Early on in his career, MEAR gained his recognition for building the bridge between graffiti art and fine art.
He was the first graffiti artist to exhibit at the infamous 01 Gallery on Melrose, as well as at 33 1/3 Gallery in Silverlake, where Banksy would later debut his first North American show.
MEAR ONE’s work was part of the landmark Art in the Streets 2011 exhibit at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.
He is perhaps best known for constructing powerful narratives juxtaposing philosophy, ancient mythology and modern politics to inspire an evolved consciousness. This interpretation of reality is achieved through balanced dialogue between realism and the supernatural.
MEAR ONE helps us envision the sublime spirit of our time - not by escaping reality, but by confronting it head on.”
The Patch is a brand new gastro pub at 211 Lordship Lane opening very soon. It is the reincarnation of The Mag.
Dulwich Picture Gallery opening times: 10am-5pm Tues to Fri; 11am-5pm Sat/Sun
Admission price: £5-£11
Dulwich Outdoor Gallery opening times: 24/7
Admission price: free
2 Comments
Ingrid, you have changed the face of Dulwich!
Well done on your hugely interesting initiative, and what great artists as well.
PS Any chance of getting Banksy over?
I’m working on it. He is a friend of a friend…