The Grit Between My Teeth

‘We are delighted to announce ‘Grit Between My Teeth’ an exciting group exhibition, curated by Stephen Burke. Featuring a roster of Irish and International artists including Liliane Tomasko, Nils Jendri, Christian August, Xavi Ceerre, James Earley, Ronan Dillon, Yasmine Robinson, Áine Byrne, Neil Carroll, Sean O’Rourke, John O’Reilly, Maser and Stephen Burke.

This is an exhibition that celebrates the raw, untamed soul of the city and its inhabitants. Here, thirteen artists hailing from varied stages of their careers converge, weaving a connecting thread across generations. This group of artists embody the spirit of resistance and concrete playfulness.

This group offers a deeper contemplation on the essence of city living and what it truly means to inhabit these dynamic spaces.

Diverse and thought-provoking, the artworks they’ve created unveil a myriad of perspectives on city life. From grappling with the intricacies of urban politics to repurposing materials sourced from public spaces, these artists open a window into the soul of the city. This raw authenticity shines a light on the city’s rhythm, and untamed allure.’

Hi Stephen,

Can I ask you a few questions?

Where did the term Post-Vandalism originate? And can you offer a definition of any length? You mention the show is about city living, but does Post-Vandalism go further than that?

Thank you,
Jim

Hey Jim,

Thanks for your follow up, happy to answer whatever questions you have :).

The term Post Vandalism originated through the IG account I started in 2018 under the same name. It stems back to my interest in graffiti, my first creative passion and obsession as a teenager. Ironically this led to an interest in the removal of graffiti and the painterly remnants that this process leaves behind. Initially I used the phrase post vandalism to describe this process, it perfectly described the results of this action of erasure. 

This led to a broader interest in the arts which eventually drove me to attend art school in Dublin and later Glasgow. These years were hugely formative to my interests and tastes. I was exposed to a lot of art that I wouldn’t have otherwise been looking at and I learned a lot about artists that had a more critical approach. This helped me develop a more rounded view of the arts which has contributed to the curation of Post Vandalism. 

I started the IG account just after I graduated my masters in Glasgow. Glasgow is a beautiful city, full of character and a good art scene, but it was hard to find an artist group who I could resonate with in the city so I decided to build something online. Naturally this account reflected my interests and like a fly to honey, I’ve always been drawn to elements of public space which reflect our lived experience. Over-painted graffiti marks, the imprints of footballs against a garage door or security fencing broken and warped out of shape to create new thoroughfares for local adolescents.. These components often serve as a compelling catalyst for discussion about the interactions between the stakeholders in public spaces, such as city council cleaners versus protestors using graffiti and other forms of illicit expressions. By placing emphasis on these interactions, what’s revealed is the contested nature of public space and the complex power dynamics that come into play. It asks the viewer to think about the ongoing negotiations of control and representation that exist in urban environments. 

Many artists today pick up on these cues with a keen observational eye and reinterpret them in the studio. It is worth noting that these efforts differ from the notion of ‘mindless vandalism’ perpetuated by local authorities to describe some of these actions. This approach is contemplative and deeply attuned to its environment. Similarly, it’s essential to note that the allure of these artworks does not stem from a fetishisation of the ghetto or urban decay. Instead, they provide a profound insight into the artist’s refusal to succumb to urban sterilisation. The spirit of resistance thrives within these creations, offering a deeper contemplation on the essence of city living.

Many thanks,

Stephen

www.stephenburkeart.com
Instagram.com/stefano.bardsley/
Instagram.com/post_vandalism/

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The Grit Between My Teeth
7 – 22 September, 2023
Liliane Tomasko, Nils Jendri, Christian August, Xavi Ceerre, James Earley, Ronan Dillon, Yasmine Robinson, Áine Byrne, Neil Carroll, Sean O’Rourke, John O’Reilly, Maser and Stephen Burke. Curated by Stephen Burke.
Atelier Pops, Dublin