White Walls Presents: Circulatory System: Recent Works by Augustine Kofie

The works comprising Circulatory System feature a clean delineation of geometric forms and divisions of space with a technical precision that resembles architectural drafting. Kofie’s understanding of illustration and linework results in a style of meticulous rendering that never seems cold or sterile due to the delicate sense of balance maintained within each composition. The muted palette softens the sharp lines, and imparts a simple elegance to the complicated arrangements of shape.
The vintage-toned color scheme- the pale seafoam and mint greens of the sixties and the varying beige shades of worn paper- fit perfectly with the collage aspect of the work.

Found imagery and ephemera are interwoven into many of the paintings, constructing a new way of looking upon fragments of the past. Kofie uses a similar approach of artful combination, rearrangement and layering to create a soundtrack that will accompany the exhibition, reflecting the theme as well as setting the tone for the collection. The 40 minute soundtrack is not an itunes mix but what Kofie calls a true mix, meaning a well-collaged assemblage of original beats, pulled dialogue from various films and re-edited songs. The full soundtrack will be available for listening and download October 1, 2011 via Mixcloud.com/4x4tracktor.

From the Artist:
“Circulatory System is a play on words to describe a particular painting and collage direction in my works. To me the classic circle form brings a balance to my heavily structural design directions or systems in this case. The circle form gives the works a type of framework, a sort of control that they need every so often in order to counter the movement of layers. This encompassing effect can play as a magnifying glass to this work, a capture within a capture, an orbit of counterbalanced line work and shapes clashing in harmony.

There is also the concept of Circulatory referring to the re-circulation of both found imagery and ephemera into the system, both vintage as well as recent. The dissemination of these discarded segments of the past reexamined through integration via these new works.”

Augustine Kofie’ is a self-taught artist living and working in Los Angeles. While he is now internationally known for his technical skill and inimitable style, he was first known as ‘Kofie One’ and was heavily active in the West Los Angeles graffiti scene during the 90’s. Kofie’s work is continually evolving, creating a unique approach to geometrical abstraction influenced by an interest in architecture, typography, and a vintage aesthetic.
Kofie has exhibited his work in New York, California, Japan, The Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland and has been featured in Juxtapoz, The Huffington Post, LA Weekly, Project Room and Studio Voice.

White Walls Gallery has worked for nearly a decade to exist as the premiere destination for urban art in the Bay Area. Combined with the Shooting Gallery just next door, this 4,000 sq ft space is one of the largest galleries on the west coast. Justin Giarla founded
the gallery in 2005 with a commitment to furthering the urban art movement, drawing directly from street art and graffiti culture. Named for its plain white walls, the gallery takes a backseat to the real focus: the work of our artists.