Sometimes it’s the mixture of seemingly unrelated subjects that re-contextualizes their very brilliance and offers new meaning to everyday life. Tokyo-based Australian artist Mark Drew applies this very concept to his work, currently combining two distinct classic art forms in his upcoming exhibition: cartoons and ‘90s rap. Bringing his hip hop-inspired works of art to the very place the genre originated, Drew presents solo show What Goes On? at New York’s Spoke Art. Add the famous Peanuts gang into the mix, and you’ve got a down-to-earth, expressive display in comic-like form.

Painted in black, white and yellow hues, the artist "samples" lyrics from classic hip hop joints and uses them as conversational text for each acrylic Peanut cartoon. "The 90’s rap music I surround myself with is made up of layered samples from older music (and often a different genre)," Drew explains. "My art practice follows a pre-2000s hip hop approach, visually sampling and re-presenting these unrelated and personally nostalgic things as one." Catch the opening reception of What Goes On? on May 5th from 6 - 8pm.

Spoke Art Gallery NYC
210 Rivington St
New York, NY 10002

Words: Vanessa Feder