off the wall

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“Off the Wall” is a series of paintings inspired by the street art that surrounds Doug Hammett’s studio in the Arts District in Los Angeles. Stencil art, Paste-Ups, Murals, Graffiti, Stickers, and other harder to define works found on the walls, sidewalks, and street signs of the city are finding a way into his work. 

Because of the ephemeral nature of public art, there is a constant flow of new pieces, as if the traditional art gallery is turned inside out while still maintaining its lineup of shows. 

“The only constant in life is change” is a quote from Heraclitus, that speaks directly to our constantly changing world. With the cycles of seasons, fashion trends, and political climates, we are riding the wave of change. The city is painting over old works which in turn becomes a blank canvas for the next bold artist.

Witnessing the ebb and flow of art going up and their eventual demise has inspired Doug to create works that can exist beyond a street life expectancy. In this series he has co-opted this public language and placed it in a private arena which allows more time to contemplate the juxtaposed images. 

This body of work has developed without the limitations of a determined style and a signature look. It is more of a sandbox that invites images known and unknown to play next to one another and see what unexpected relationships and stories can unfold.