pool gallery presents:
VEXHALL MICHAEL LEON
CURATED BY ARKITIP
Vernissage 2 September 19-22 h
Exhibition 3 September - 1 October, 2010
pool gallery is proud to present american artist and designer Michael Leon‘s first solo show in Germany. The title for the exhibition "Vexhall" originates with the term vexillology (lat. vexillum flag and suffix -logy "study of").
Since his childhood Leon has been fascinated by flags. The United Nations, Olympics, World's Fair and other idealized visions of world community has always inspired his artwork and design. Vexhall is composed of pieces that draw literally from flag design, mixed with Leon‘s own design sensibility and personal history. By going back and forth between reverence and irreverence for vexilology, Leon has created flags for real and imagined countries, events, friends, emotions, ex-girlfriends, and everything in between. Some using the strict guidelines of flag design, next to others that may have been scribbled on a napkin or inspired by a dream. In doing so, this Vexhall (Hall of Flags) is Leon‘s own personal and nostalgic United Nations.
Michael Leon was raised amidst the skateboard culture of the late 80‘s and early 90‘s. His work lives in a unique place between the worlds of art and art direction, embodying the freedom of thought and Do-It-Yourself tenacity of a skateboarder - a combination that has produced impressive work in many forums and mediums including painting, prints, photography, and video.
Since Leon‘s first solo exhibition in 2002, his artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world.
Pool Gallery
Tucholskystrasse 38
10117 Berlin Germany
