“Coming In From The Outside” by Michael De Feo @ Orange Dot Gallery

8th - 15th of March 2011

Current street art scene is diverse and exciting, plunged in immediacy. Characteristic to artist Michael De Feo is the simple flower, which adds sparkle to bustling urban city streets. This solo exhibition is his first in UK showcasing works in collaboration with already legendary printmaker Gary Lichtenstein at Orange Dot Gallery.

The exhibition is called ‘Coming in From The Outside’ showcasing Feo’s flower screen prints and recent portraits against graphic and lively surroundings. However, the current show draws emphasis on the use of colour, which is very much a key embedded in Lichtenstein’s artwork. Michael De Feo has worked with Lichtenstein before, previously in 2008 on a project Artists’ Editions series to benefit Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum as part of it. Currently Lichtenstein is working with Robert Indiana on his HOPE series.

Feo’s iconic flower is represented on illustrative surfaces with a pop art touch. His style is very down-to-earth and even childlike, but the concept has been positive and spontaneous since early 90s. His portraits are unique the continuous line makes the profile even more figurative and sensational. A self-portrait against silk-screen inked geographical map stands out for its style and spider web structure.

His artwork reminds me my experiences as a child in art school. Creativity does not have boundaries. Feo has let it go and followed the thread. His paintings, street art and drawings might seem primitive in technique but the vision embedded in them is noble and minimal as his style. Feo’s agenda on streets is set on liveliness, a positive and aspiring message.

Feo is also well known for his prominent children book Alphabet City. Currently he is in town, rather than keeping up with newsletters watch out on streets, for the iconic flower.