Panic Room presents more than 120 works on paper selected from the Dakis Joannou Collection by some of the most exciting, new, and emerging artists from the U.S., England, Germany, Greece, and beyond. The exhibition attempts to map a group of artists that eclectically and unconventionally mix contemporary art with the culture of comics, graffiti, music, psychedelia, and fantasy. Using drawing as their primary medium, their works offer alternative and innovative ways of expression and collaboration.
Two major areas of art activity are primarily highlighted in this exhibition: San Francisco, California and Providence, Rhode Island. These cities have germinated some of the most exciting activity going on in the young artists’ community. The San Francisco group is characterized by a beautiful graphic line that came out of graffiti and sign painting traditions, along with a commitment to using found materials like salvaged wood and paint. Providence was the location of the now-infamous Fort Thunder, a deserted warehouse building where many local artists made their home, shaping a whole new style of art and music that has breathed new life into the art scene
