Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art Presents

‘Up on the roof countin' pigeons'

A solo exhibition of new work by Chris Stain

Address: Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art
1257 N. La Brea Avenue
West Hollywood CA 90038

Preview reception: Thursday, February 5th 2009 / 7.00pm - 10.00pm
Exhibition Dates: February 6th - February 26th 2009

For Immediate Release:

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is proud to present Up on the roof countin' pigeons, the first West Coast solo exhibition of work by Baltimore artist Chris Stain. Artwork featured in the exhibition will include stencil, spraypaint and mixed media on metal and found objects. A preview reception for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2009 from 7.00pm - 10.00pm. The exhibition will be open for viewing through Thursday, February 26th '09 from 1.00pm - 7.00pm.

For Up on the roof countin' pigeons, Chris Stain will transform the gallery into a NYC rooftop scene, complete with pigeon coop and live jazz music. The enigmatic stencil portraits integrated into the large-scale installation pierce the gaze of viewers and offer a unique perspective of contemporary inner city life.

"My work explores the emotional and physical struggle of growing up in an urban environment. Through hand-cut stencils and installations made from found materials I hope to inspire compassion for the often overlooked individuals of society." - Chris Stain

About Chris Stain
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Chris first developed an interest in art through graffiti at the age of eleven. In the years to come he learned printmaking in high school. This later led to stencil cutting when money wasn't readily available for printmaking equipment.

His subject matter is drawn from his working class upbringing on Baltimore's east side. The people he portrays in his work carry with them the struggle for a better life than the common individual.

Chris' self-taught style has gained him recognition worldwide. Since 2000 he has shown in numerous galleries in New York, California, Paris, London, Germany, and Amsterdam, amongst others. He has also been published in several books about stencil graffiti and street art.

About Carmichael Gallery:

Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art is fast gaining recognition as one of the major exhibitors of emerging international contemporary art on the US West Coast. Artists who have showcased their work at the LA-based gallery are becoming widely recognized by the art world establishment with institutions such as the Tate Modern as well as Christie's, Phillips Du Pury, and Bonhams auction houses supporting their careers.

Also Opening on February 5th!
Back Gallery: Group Exhibition featuring Alex Hornest, Ilia of Btoy, Jim Darling, Sesper
Showcase Space: Andreas Ragnar Kasapsis

For media inquiries contact: Elisa Carmichael
Email: elisa@carmichaelgallery.com
Tel#: (917)-698-8861