The Jonathan Levin Gallery Presents; "Mosh Pits" by Dan Witz

This past weekend I headed to Chelsea's Jonathan Levin Gallery to attend the book signing for "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes" As I made my way to the ninth floor and the gallery. I came across two current exhibitions. The book signing event sat amongst the awe inspiring paintings of Dan Witz fittingly titled "Mosh Pits". As I made my way from painting to painting. I couldn't help but appreciate the incredible detail and personality of his works. I felt drawn to the characters and personalities launched into battle by slowed down tribal rhythms. The expressions and detailed tattoos I'd seen countless times in others. 

Dan began his journey as a musician in his twenties before moving on to photography and eventually, painting. His experience photographing mosh pits at shows gave him the ability where he could sense the time, movement and flow of the crowd. Eventually allowing him to capture the energy and emotion in these paintings. I could say so much more but I'll leave it to you to see for yourself. 

James Damion

For more information visit:

Jonathan Levin Gallery

Jonathan Levin Gallery 529 West. 20th Street 9th Floor. New York, NY 10011

danwitz.com

jonathanlevinegallery.com

Looking Back; Artwork Featured in Unite Fanzine

I was sifting through some boxes when I came across some old artwork from my zine Unite. Throughout the fanzines four issue print run and four to five year web existence. I had the honor of featuring some pretty special artists. Civ (Gorilla Biscuits, Civ) designed the logo featured in the first issue. Andrew Monserrate (Wolfpack, Stand Proud) illustrated the cover and much of the art for the second issue and Tim (G.AS.P.) Kucynda drew a number of pieces for the seldom seen third issue. During Unite's time online, a number of people contributed art including some possible T shirt designs from a Tom Farkas. (The Nolan Gate. Davenport Cabinets)

"Demo-Lition" Opening Night Images and Thoughts

Last night Freddy Alva and Eric Wielander celebrated the opening of their installment of the "Demo-Lition" Exhibit with a packed house at the East Village's L'Asso. Featured were a collection of demos and demo art from the colorful 80's, early 90's Hardcore and Punk scene. Featured were demos from such classic bands as The Cro-mags, Breakdown, Violent Children, Sheer Terror, Born Against, NYC Mayhem, Youth of Today and many, many more. The entire show was put together with the greatest of care and looked impressive to say the very least. There were also demo art from many of Hardcore's the less than household names including Our Gang, All For One and Stand Proud. Some of the demos were accompanied by anecdotes by the bands. Something that added a especially personal touch to the whole affair.

Stand Proud guitarist Andrew Monseratte also created the cover  for Unite Fanzine's 2nd issue.

Familiar faces that included Rich Derespina and Ed Sayago (All For One), Hobi & Carol Klapuri and Lew Dimmick (Our Gang), Al Gaydos (Dog Tired, The Deviators), Brian Musikoff (Stuyvesant) and
Eric McGuire made my intention of stopping by for a few minutes to sticking around for a few hours. Running into John Hiltz (Born Against, GreyHouse) after almost twenty years and talking about his infamous basement shows was one of many highlights of my night. Congratulations to Eric & Freddy for a job well done. The work and thought that went into this really showed.  Now get your ass down to  L'Asso's before it's gone.
James Damion

Al & Brian 

Left to Right; Eric, Kristine, Brian

Left to Right; Hobi, John, Rich 

Demo-Lition Exhibition Celebrates Cassette Demo History and Culture

Freddy Alva of Wardance Records and Eric Wielander from the late/great Village Noize Fanzine fame bring us DEMO-LITION which explores the artwork of demo tape/cassette releases from the Hardcore/Punk/Metal music scenes circa 1980s - early 90s. A variety of covers and full-sleeve art will be on display, along with anecdotes from a selection of bands and artists. This NYC exhibit will be featured at L'asso EV Restaurant in the month of June/July, with a preview party held on the night of Thursday May 31st, where requests can be made for special guest DJ's (John Woods from Hell No & Michael Scondotto from Inhuman/The Last Stand) to play the demos displayed. Baldy Longhair Records will also be having a demo tape trivia quiz and giveaways.

L'Asso is located at 107 1st Ave. in NYC and will take place on Thursday, May 31st at 8:00pm.  

Demo-Lition  Event Page