> STATEMENT
White Walls Gallery is the premiere destination for urban art. Combined
with the Shooting Gallery just next door, the 4,000 square feet space
is one of the largest art galleries on the West Coast. Named for the
plain white walls that serve as the backdrop to art pieces, White Walls
aims to do just that: take a backseat to the real focus - the art. (And
yes, we have white walls.)
Most art galleries these days are stuffy, pretentious places with
arrogant staff who are out to make a sale. The White Walls staff will
treat everyone with respect and ensure that art newbies and experts
alike are welcome to enjoy the art in a friendly, comfortable, and
educational environment, all with no judgment.
Art is constantly evolving to reflect the culturally diverse subject
matters and artists backgrounds. White Walls aims to bring this new
urban art to everyone in the community, not just to the fine art
connoisseurs. By showcasing culturally significant urban art, White
Walls elevates street-based art to fine art.
Urban art is a loose umbrella term to describe a myriad of art
forms that stem from non-traditional subject matters or from
non-traditional artist backgrounds. Urban art carries an edgy, raw
feeling that comes from a lack of boundaries. This creates
extraordinary freedoms of expression and creativity, and with no
limits, anything can happen. White Walls cares less about defining the
urban art movement than about harnessing its collective powers and
sharing it with the community, the fine art crowd, and the world.
Owners Justin Giarla and Andres Guerrero have almost 30 years
of combined experience in the urban art world. Justin also owns the
Shooting Gallery, an internationally known gallery where he helped
establish many artists careers. Justin also serves on the Hospitality
House Art Auction committee where he gives back to the Tenderloin
community that houses his galleries. Andres has curated numerous art
shows in California and abroad, and is entrenched in the urban art
movement. Starting off his art career in graffiti art, Andres now
enjoys working in the grey area between street art and fine art.
Drawing from their roots as artists, Justin and Andres
understand artists' needs and have a unique insight into the art world
that many gallery owners lack. Through White Walls, Justin and Andres
hope to spread their love and knowledge of urban art to art lovers
across the globe. And they hope to inspire other artists to unleash
their creativity and ultimately bring urban art into every community.