Empty Consumption Curated by Outside the Zone

Empty Consumption Curated by Outside the Zone
6th December, 2024 – 20th December, 2024
D’Stassi Art
12-18 Hoxton Street
Shoreditch
London
N1 6NG

D’Stassi Art is delighted to announce Empty Consumption, a bold and thought-provoking exhibition of London’s most exciting emerging street artists. In the gallery’s ultimate exhibition of 2024, Empty Consumption marks a revitalisation of individuality, challenging the saturation of consumer culture in an overexposed world. In collaboration with Outside the Zone, this dynamic show brings together six of London’s brightest emerging artists whose work demonstrates the collision of street and studio art in the evolving ethos of “Pop Futurism.”

Is Individuality Possible in the Digital World?
In an era where anything can go viral with the right algorithm, the question arises: how does one maintain uniqueness? Empty Consumption asks this very question, offering a protest against the forces of globalisation and the overwhelming flood of viral trends. This exhibition is an assertion of individuality, a rebellion against the commodification of art, culture, and identity. 

In true D’Stassi spirit, going against the grain and refusing the expectations of the institutional world of modern art, this exhibition presents a new mode of pop futurism, a celebration of difference and experimentation. Showcasing an alternative to the mainstream, one that dares to explore what is present now and what might lie ahead. Through abstract, cohesive installations and artworks across two gallery spaces, the artists will engage in a visual conversation about the addictive energy society invests in consumerism and its impact on personal expression.

The Main Gallery: Large-Scale Works & Pop Futurism
The downstairs gallery space will be filled with large-scale works, including paintings and sculptures that explore the exhibition’s central themes. Each artist brings their unique perspective to the conversation, creating dynamic, electrifying pieces that challenge conventions. This space will serve as a canvas for the merging of street art and studio practice, giving rise to a fresh form of pop futurism—an aesthetic that looks at the present moment while imagining what’s to come.

The Front of House Gallery: Live Art & Artist Residency
In a first for D’Stassi Art, the upstairs showroom will be transformed into a working artist studio and residency space. From Monday 2nd December, this immersive area will host the on-site performance and creation of new artworks, allowing the artists and further guest artists to engage with the audience in real-time. Small-scale works created during the residency will also be displayed, adding another layer to the exhibition’s exploration of consumerism, production, and the individual artist’s role in this ever-evolving landscape. These small-scale artworks will be available for purchase immediately, and D’Stassi clients will be able to experience the commission of their artworks live and direct. 

Featured Artists
The exhibition brings together a dynamic and diverse group of street artists whose works reflect the tensions of contemporary society, including:

• Luap – Known for his cutting-edge, graffiti-inspired pieces that examine urban culture, consumerism, and digital identity. You’ll most likely recognise his depiction of The Pink Bear.
• Luc Waring – A multimedia artist whose works fuse pop culture references with a deep critique of politics and social media’s impact on personal freedom.
• Tim Gatenby – A sculptor who pushes boundaries with large, expressive installations that parody popular culture, often combining classical with modern imagery to create humorous paintings.
• Alex Fakso – An experimental artist and photographer whose striking urban imagery captures the pulse of modern life, intersecting street culture with the digital age.
• Yutaro Inagaki – Combining street and studio practices, Inagaky’s works engage with themes of rebellion and individualism in urban spaces.
• Abotz – A true embodiment of the movement from street art to canvas works, bringing bold multimedia graffiti-style paintings that challenge conformity and celebrate the freedom to create and disrupt.

A New Era of Artistic Expression
Empty Consumption marks a new chapter in the gallery’s programming, blending the worlds of street and studio art while embracing the spirit of pop futurism. The show underscores the importance of freedom, individuality, and innovation in an increasingly crowded, viral-driven society. The artists invite viewers to reflect on the tension between the digital and physical realms and to engage with the ever-present question of what it means to be unique in a copy-cat world.:

“As a gallery dedicated to supporting and promoting emerging talent, and, being deeply inspired by the 1980s LES street art movement; exhibition opportunities like this are among some of our favorites. We love the DIY spirit and bringing together artists who might not otherwise have crossed paths. ‘Empty Consumption’ also gives us the chance to collaborate with OTZ, a friend of the gallery, and introduces a remarkable team of fresh new talent to our collector base.” – Edward Sanders, Co-Founder and Director of D’Stassi

Empty Consumption Curated by Outside the Zone opens on the 6th of December, 2024 until the 20th of December, 2024 at D’Stassi Art Gallery

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