Against the Grain 1AM Gallery opening night review

Last night saw the opening of Against the Grain, the latest show from 1AM gallery. Against the grain features works by Hydro 74, Munkone, Julia West, and 123Klan primarily in various forms of wood. This is what truly sets it apart form many other shows. In fact not since Upper Playground hosted the "Ghost's of the Barbary Coast" show back in 2008, have I seen such great examples of work with wood.

Wood as always is a tempting medium and can be a harsh mistress, while it can be great to simply paint on, it's alway best when used in a more sculptural form and even better when you see both methods used together. Against the Grain really captures this well with the use of laser etched boards featuring some of the artists best works... hit the jump for a complete run down from the event!

Hydro's work really pulls the viewer in and works well with the wood etchings. In particular his boxed "Night Owl" piece was my favorite as well as his skateboard decks. But for those looking for non wood pieces Josh has several of those at the show as well including his amazing Transformer pieces "Megatron" and "Optimus".

MunkOne has always been a great artist known mostly for his shirt designs, as well as his zombie illustrations. Here he really shows his talent in any medium. Munk's laser etched work titled "Sphinx" is one of the highlights of the show. and his painting titled "Time Keeper" is sure to bring people back for several viewings. "Always" is another work by Munkone that captures the eye.

123Klan has several pieces at the show as well and while their work may not be as detailed as some of the other artists I found their style to really work well with each of the mediums they use. Their style draws the viewer in and commands you to come back for more. In fact I noticed that many people seemed drawn to two of their works over and over again. "Vandals" and the skatedeck "Die Hipsters Die" show both their humor and artful skill at using their defined space to it's maximum. 123Klan also had a few silkscreened prints at the show as well so be sure to check those out.

And now we turn to Julie West. Julie's work as always is impressive. Her pieces ranged from laser etched wood to mixed medium pieces that really invited the viewer to examine them. Her smaller mixed media works in particular show her skills, her deft hand and clean lines make each piece look simple but once you step in closer you realize the true amount of detail and precision in her works. Pulling back from the piece you cant help but admire how she juxtaposes the clean artwork with a highly embellished wood framework to make a compelling visual. Her works use several layers so when you get to the 1AM gallery be sure to lean in close and take each of them in.


1AM Gallery is hosting this exhibition until June 5th so be sure to check it out. 1AM gallery is always bringing the best in urban art to San Francisco, located at 1000 Howard St. at the Corner of Howard and 6th it's quite easy to get to, also for those interested in visiting be sure to check out the alley at Natoma for free 1 hour parking at the street.

For those not in the area be sure to check out the works for sale here