AARON ROSE
artist, writer, musician, film director, independent curator, photographer & publisher – Los Angeles
Born in Portland in 1969, Aaron Rose has to be praised as one of the cornerstones of the contemporary art movement who doesn’t get tired of working multidisciplinary and being in uncharted water. An artist, writer, musician, film director, independent curator, photographer and publisher who is currently based in Los Angeles, Aaron Rose is a true multi talent: In the 1990’s he founded the influential Alleged Gallery in New York and at the same time he worked as a producer and director for MTV Networks, collaborating with then budding directors Mike Mills, Spike Jonze and Harmony Korine among others. After 10 years he bowed out of his responsibility for Alleged Gallery in 2002 to continue working as an independent curator. At Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Aaron Rose co-curated the large-scale “Art In The Streets” exhibition in cooperation with Roger Gastman and Jeffrey Deitch in 2011. Also, Rose is signed as a director with the Los Angeles company The Directors Bureau which also represents Wes Anderson, Mike Mills, Roman and Sofia Coppola.
Above all, the majority of people will probably know his pop-folkloristic art works, his various films and shorts but most of all his world touring show “Beautiful Losers”, followed by an award-winning documentary of the same name in 2008. A semi-autobiographical piece about the pressures of being a young artist, the film and the tour introduce us to the loose artists’ collective that was close to Aaron Rose’s Alleged Gallery in the early 1990’s: illustrators, designers, photographers and filmmakers like IWISHUSUN ambassador Cheryl Dunn, Shepard Fairey, Aaron Rose himself, Barry McGee, Mike Mills, Ed Templeton, and Harmony Korine. Now being some of the icons of contemporary pop culture and urban influenced art, back then these creatives, often self-taught, worked outside the mainstream and were inspired by street style and the subcultures of punk, graffiti and hip hop, embracing a DIY aesthetic so they could „make something out of nothing“ – just as Rose puts: “The avant-garde today is the establishment of tomorrow. There’s now wax around it.”
We appreciate Aaron Rose’s work ever since and therefore we are very happy to introduce the inspiring creative chameleon and self-declared beautiful loser to you via this interview. A very warm welcome!
If you happen to be in Berlin in September or in October, don’t miss his „Cults“ show at Circle Culture Gallery. Read more about this solo exhibition here.
What is more important to you, the sense of taste or sight? Why?
Sight is infinitely more important to me! I’m an artist not a chef. In fact I can’t cook anything! Not even pasta! I use my eyes for every single thing I do. I’m addicted to beauty, visual beauty. I love color. I love shape. My personal experience of the world is very connected to my seeing.
You are a creative person. What is your vision for your personal work?
Like most artists, I long for a connection to other people. I’m a storyteller. I believe that is why I work across so many different mediums. There are so many ways to tell stories! Even if those stories are my own, I hope that people will see something of themselves in my work. I want to tell the story of out times. I believe that is the artist’s job.
A few years ago you decided to stop complaining about schools and founded your own school, called “Make something,” that offers creative workshops for children and involves a lot of artists of your past “Beautiful Losers” show and film. Is this school your sequel to these?
Ironically, I started Make Something!! because I absolutely hated school. Especially art school. After art school I was unable to be creative for almost five years. It killed the joy of creation in me. Everything became very regimented, considered. I believe art should be free! For years I complained about this, until one day I got sick of listening to myself and just said, “Aaron, why don’t you change it?” So I wouldn’t say that Make Something!! is a sequel to anything, it’s just an extension. I would never want a young artists to have to go through what I did as the result of education.
Are children “better” artists?
I wouldn’t say that children are better artists than adults, they just haven’t been closed up yet. They don’t over analyse their work. That’s a good lesson.
What is your utmost concern in art?
Connection. If art doesn’t connect with an audience it is not serving its function in society. I worry about this the most in my own work.
Pieces of luggage are often part of your artistic work. Are you a passionate traveller or can it be seen as your personal interpretation of street art characteristics?
I love the dimensionality of three dimensional objects. There is something fantastic about having five different panels intersect the way they do on a suitcase. Plus, I like the idea of recycling, and also pushing art off the idea of it just being a standard square canvas on the wall. Of course, they also have so much meaning in terms of movement, travel, relationships. There are so many personal histories in each piece of luggage. Whose was it? Where did they take it before I acquired it? Who were they with? I can feel the energy in the cases. It’s funny though, for my newer works, I’ve decided to go back to painting on canvas. I guess life just runs in circles. There’s no way around it. I still love suitcases though!
In an interview with Gestalten.tv you claimed that you are addicted to make things and your steady multidisciplinary work proves it true. So you already made a lot of things but what has still to be done?
If I stopped having ideas today, I would still have enough in reserve to last me my entire life! I would of course love to develop more in the crafts I already practice, but also try new things. I’ve been thinking about starting a memoir, and also about choreography. I love dance and I have some interesting ideas for dance performances.
In 2008 The Selby visited you at home and asked you to tell him why collaboration is better than competition. Four years ago you answered: “Being friends with people is just way better than not.” That is how we all wish the world would be like, but is this possible in real life?
I actually still believe the same thing! I think it is possible. So much of it depends on how honest you are able to be with yourself. In every altercation I’ve ever had with another human being, I have always had some part in it. Most disputes can be settled over a cup of coffee!!! Nobody wants to carry the energy around from a grudge.
What is your tactic for making the world a better place?
I don’t expect grand gestures from life. I just try to do lots of little things that help make people’s lives better in small ways. Maybe at the end of the day they’ll all add up to some sort of positive influence on the planet?
When was the last time you gave back and what did you do?
I do this all the time, but I don’t consider it giving back. It’s just the way I believe I should live! I do things for people every week. Sometimes these are small things, like introducing someone to another person that might be able to help them. Some times I work with established charities. Usually I just try to give support to people who I believe are trying to make the world a better place. This could come from anywhere! Sometimes it’s about doing some artwork or a film for an organization that’s doing great things, sometimes it’s just making sure I buy my lunch from an independent restaurant and not a large corporation. There are many ways to give back.
What is the most beautiful thing you ever saw?
My wife on our wedding day.
What would you like to see more often?
I would like to see creativity become more a part of the fabric of our human experience, not just something we consume for entertainment.
What is your picture for IWISHUSUN?
The gift of sight has made me the person and the artist I am today. If there is anyway that someone can contribute to helping another person experience the beauty and wonder of this life experience then I completely stand behind it!! It’s important work.
Photo: Jen Siska.
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On the occasion of Jaybo Monk’s “Paper Tears” show at Los Angeles-based Soze Gallery Kristin Bauer, editor of Beautiful/Decay, met the artist and friend of IWISHUSUN for an interview to discuss his new body of work, how it relates to poetry and what comes next.
One of his upcoming projects concerns us as well and we are very excited to read Jaybo’s announcement:
“. . . I am working on a project for IWISHUSUN, a new platform for charity, called BLIND MEMORIES, where after a time of observation I will try to interpret the portrait of the observed person in complete darkness. Those originals will be available to purchase and the money will help unfortunate cataract victims with a chirurgical intervention.”
Read the entire interview on Beautiful/Decay Art & Design.
Also, we met Jaybo and Soze Gallery founder and director Toowee Kao for interviews – don’t miss to check them out!
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TOOWEE KAO
art consultant & art dealer, owner & director of Soze Gallery – Los Angeles
Toowee Kao is a gallerist and private art dealer who represents two of our ambassadors at her Los Angeles-based Soze Gallery: Jaybo Monk and Augustine Kofie. But also for all the other young contemporary artists who are entrusted in her care Toowee Kao is an essential supporter since she is not only a natural talent when it comes to art business but also aims to make being an artist a little less hard in every way and offers an artist residency in downtown Los Angeles for Sozes Gallery’s international artists. In short: Toowee Kao has got her eyes on the future of art and never stops impressing us with her power; she supports young contemporary artists in their creative pursuit of success and happiness.
Alongside her commitment to Soze Gallery and Soze Residency, Toowee Kao runs Time To Shine Gallery and CAMP2E. Time To Shine Gallery is not only home to CAMP2E but also a project concept space and gallery which offers local Los Angeles-based artists a work and exhibition space as well as give them “opportunities to shine.” Whereas CAMP2E is dedicated to the little ones. The art camp for kids brings together less fortunate, inner city children and artists featured in Soze Gallery to help them to get into art – it’s “a fun space to explore, experience, and create new works of art” that relies on Toowee Kao’s belief that giving these children a chance to get creative will allow them to build a better future for themselves.For us Toowee Kao is a kindred-spirit who has supported IWISHUSUN by purchases but also by her strong belief in our vision. Thank you, Toowee, and a very warm welcome!
You are a creative person, what is your vision for your personal work?
I see my creativity at work in all aspects of my life, whether it is business or public, non-profit outreach. My vision would be allowing my creativity to influence the kids of our future to be independent, fearless, create, and have the freedom to whatever they want. The possibilities are endless. They just need to know that its possible. Continue taking risks and working with great artists who continuously push the envelope with their work.
You put a lot of effort into participation and a vivid interaction between Los Angeles residents and your artists. Time to Shine Gallery and Soze Residency are only two examples out of many different activities. What is the best experience that resulted from your endeavor?
The best experience resulting from what I have organized in my career is being able to see the artists I love make a difference in the lives of children in the area who would originally have no access to art materials nonetheless one-on-one experiences with, in my opinion, some of the most influential Los Angeles artists today.
When was the last time you gave back and what did you do? Can the above mentioned offers be understood as your personal definition of giving back or charity?
Yes, I believe that CAMP2E, amongst other endeavors, is giving back to the community in a very important and unique way. Offering art education and an outlet for children and young adults to express themselves in a safe and encouraging environment and seeing them receive the praise they deserve is one of the most important things a person in the art world can do to give back.
What is your tactic for making the world a better place?
My tactic? Anyone who wants to see the world become a better place needs to just persevere. I do not know if I can describe it as a tactic, but I approach social and global improvement as continuing to work for what I love and resolving the issues I hope to resolve. If you continue doing that, your ethics, horizons, and impact expand organically. I guess my tactic is letting my consciousness naturally evolve, it’s a ‘tactic’ I would recommend.
You live and work in Los Angeles, a city of sun. What impact do the city, the environment, and the people have on your own creative work? And how do they influence the work of the artists who had been invited to Soze Residency to date?
The geography of this city, I believe, inevitably prompts one to think in an expansive manner. This is what influences my concept of art being something greater, if not boundless. I believe the artists who have come through my residency are influenced similarly. Most of them have never extensively explored LA. When at the residency, they are able to do so and it is impossible for this environment to not influence or even infiltrate their work.
What is the most beautiful thing you ever saw?
It was a two dimensional work of art that only I know that changed the way I saw art and propagated my love for art and a passion for what art is capable of.
What would you like to see more often?
New works of art that moves me, I would like to see more people striving to make social impact through their work or through their own means. Most of us have the ability to use our creative practices to educate and motivate, and that’s something I would like to see more people take advantage of.
Being a gallery owner is serious business. Your personal opinion: what makes a work of art valuable and meaningful?
Its ability to make you feel something. Its ability to make you see something differently, get lost within it, and exit with an experience or a shift in thinking. Whether or not this shift is transient is inconsequential, the fact that a work of art prompted it makes it meaningful.
Who is your personal hero?
My mother.
Sunrise or sunset, which do you prefer?
Sunset.
What is your picture for IWISHUSUN?
I picture IWISHUSUN working towards the things I find important and that I can align with my personal philosophy of creativity as a driving force in social change. I picture IWISHUSUN joining the movement of artists and creative organizations that hope to improve the world around us.
Johann Haehling von Lanzenauer
gallery owner & curator, co-founder & director of Circle Culture Gallery – Berlin
“I’ve always found it hard not to think about work,” claims Johann Haehling von Lanzenauer, who hails from Southern Germany but is now a Berliner by choice. “So I make sure I only work at things I am passionate about.” And it’s impossible not to believe him: Johann and his partner Dirk Staudinger ran an advertising agency, he worked as a creative director for Nike and wrote for several culture magazines like Style & The Family Tunes, but then he committed himself to the art world. One could say that 2001 marked a decisive turning point in his life, because that was when Johann Haehling von Lanzenauer and Dirk Staudinger founded the Circle Culture Gallery.
An open space for contemporary art, focusing on fine art emerging from urban subculture, located in Berlin as well as in Hamburg, it has evolved into one of the most important spots when it comes to urban art in Germany. Showcasing many of the most exciting talents of the scene, such as Aaron Rose, André Saraiva, Olivia Steele, Stefan Strubmel, Stohead and XOOOOX as well as IWISHUSUN ambassadors Jaybo Monk, Kevin Earl-Taylor and Marco “Pho” Grassi, the gallery has become a “powerhouse of the urban art scene.” We have attended countless openings and exhibitions at the Circle Culture Gallery and its excursions to temporary exhibition spaces, and can certainly claim to be dedicated followers of their work. Many of the gallery’s represented artists already support our project, and now Johann himself has shown his colours for IWISHUSUN. A very warm welcome!
What is more important to you, the sense of taste or sight?
Why?
You can look and you can see. I rather tend to see. Seeing, observing, feeling and understanding things is richer than just analyzing if something is charming to the eye.
You are a creative person. What is your vision for your personal work?
I am driven by inspiration and love. My vision is to be involved in constructive, culturally progressive and creative relationships with artists and art lovers.
What is your tactic for making the world a better place?
First of all, making myself a better place through breathing meditation. Getting rid of stress and anger to be open, empathetic and aware of the beautiful present my life is. From there you can achieve anything and create a positive vibe in the world surrounding you. Honestly: sometimes I wish I had more discipline in my breathing practice. But I’m working on it…
Can art change the world and educate people (i.e. in the way literature/theatre has influenced society through the ages, ever since theatre in ancient Greek civilisation)?
Art is a crucial part of human evolution. I think it is one of the core cultural paradigms expressing how much the world changes over time. Especially in today’s world, as art has a growing impact on various parts of our daily life, it is changing the way people think, look, dress, talk and travel. It is creating a massive change in our lives. In a world of mass consumption and pseudo individualism we are looking for stimulating ideas & authentic attitudes. We are looking for “one offs” we can identify with!
Being a gallery owner is a serious business. Your personal opinion: what makes a work of art valuable and meaningful?
As I said above, we are looking for unique positions. The only thing you can’t copy or fake are the spirits that live in any art form. Valuable art or fine art is a form of unique and blessed human artistic expression. Of course the technical and communication side plays a major role, but the core value sits in the guts of the artist. The meaning lies in the eye of the beholder. It is a purely subjective experience. It starts with the fact that if a piece of art intrigues the observer, a dialogue with the artwork ensues. From there you can dive into the deepest levels of meaning.
Who is your personal hero?
Captain Future.
When was the last time you gave back and what did you do?
I try everyday to give back by trying to be respectful and attentive to people. As much as I can.
Through your gallery you travel a lot. Which place and what else would you love to see more often?
Honestly, I have travelled so much, that I just want to be in my “Heimat.” Close to my daughter and my team.
What is the most beautiful thing you ever saw?
The love to my daughter.
Sunrise or sunset – what do you prefer?
Sunset. “Le meilleur moment de la journée.”
What is your picture for IWISHUSUN?
WOW! WOW! WOW!