Octane's new art curator Barry Lee goes 'Poster'
More than a dozen local artists' works will be on display as part of poster show at westside coffee shop
From where did the inspiration for this show come?
Posters are universal — we all have or have had them at some point in our lives. While the poster format may need to be a strict shape or size, what you can put in that shape is up to the designer or artist. I always enjoy thinking "inside the box," in terms of using a restriction and making that restriction my own, so I thought it'd be interesting to see how different Atlanta artists and designers defined what a poster was to them. I basically told them, your only restriction is the poster format, and you interpret that as you may. You could look at some of these and ask yourself, "Is that a poster?" But at the same time, that’s what the artist feels is a poster. I wanted to have a show that included something for everybody while showcasing some of the many talents Atlanta has to offer in our community of artists.
How did you land the role of curator for Octane?
Curating has been something of interest to me for some time now. I have always enjoyed art — not just making it but seeing it. I also love how art can bring different people together in a central space. I had curated two or three group shows in the last few years, and I’ve had fun doing that. Earlier this year, I painted a new mural for Octane’s Westside location. While finishing that mural, the conversation of curation came up with the owners, Tony and Diane Riffel. As a freelance illustrator and artist myself, I am always looking for work on top of what I’m doing, and I always want whatever I do to be involved with my passion: art. I had some meetings with the folks at Octane and we all had a similar vision in mind with the space. It was sort of an organic lead to the position, and I’m excited for people to see some of the shows I have lined up for 2017. I'm also looking forward to contributing more to the art community and helping it grow by giving others different opportunities versus just making my own work in my shell.
What makes you most excited about this show?
I'm most excited for the variety that the show brings. I love seeing different worlds in art come together — we have Blackcattips, Yoyo Ferro, Peter Ferrari, Monica Alexander, Kevin Bongang, Alan Chiang, Leela Robinson, Jonny Warren, Tanner Wilson, and many more, all bringing their own styles and visions into play while unifying under the poster format. It excites me to see some of the many talented people Atlanta has to offer under one roof, and I hope to continue to create shows that show the variety of artistic skills the city has.
Anything else you want readers to know?
On opening night, there will be limited edition prints of the posters that night only, along with drink specials and live music/DJs. This will be the only night you'll be able to purchase any prints of the work, but the show will be up until mid-January. The framed pieces are available all throughout the show's run (until they sell, of course).
It’s a Poster Show! Free. 7-11 p.m. Fri., Dec. 2. Octane Coffee, 1009 Marietta St. N.W. 404-815-9886. octanecoffee.com.