Life is Random.
A quick review of 2011
Sunday, 08 April 2012 02:10
Wowwee! Here I am, sitting down in April of 2012, reflecting on the last year and a half and how busy / creative it has been.
2011 was an amazing year creatively. Having returned back to Auckland, NZ after 2 years in Tokyo, it was a little daunting to try and get back out into the scene and maintain the momentum that I had finally gained in Japan.
The year started with a little help (and a lot of encouragement) from Depot Artspace’s ‘Arts Lab’ - 6 month Artist Sustainability program. Highly recommended to all creative practitioners in Auckland.
Teaming up with Canadian Surf brand ‘Sitka’ as they opened the first store outside of Canada turned out to be an amazing and ongoing partnership. Helping them deck out there shop with murals on more than one occasion, busting out a live paint for them during Summer Series 2011, and revamping their feature wall, now called ‘Spruce Gallery’ has been some of the things they have brought me in for.
- Congrates on them winning NZ Business of the Year 2011 ‘Peoples Choice Award’ as well. I’ll put my hand for some of that too. Good on you guys.
Body Painting also picked up big time in 2011. Doing live paints for Auckland’s monthly ‘Sketch’ Events as well as Body Art commissions for businesses such as Bfm, Cassette9 bar/club, K’rds ‘First Thursday’ event, Aroha Mardi Gras, 420 water competition (the project I was involved with won 2nd place), and many others. But making the finals of the 2011 NZ BodyArt Awards and being asked to paint live at Aotea Centre in the ‘Best Professional Hand-Painted’ category had to be the high point. Didn’t win, maybe this year…
On top of all that, I put on 3 complete Solo Exhibitions last year; the ‘I’m Happiest When Under A Tree’ art exhibition in the newly opened Spruce Gallery, held within the Sitka store. Then in the same month, featured in the Auckland Photography Festival 2011 with my solo photography project ‘Floors n’ Ceilings’, and in October, thanks to the support of the Depot Art Gallery, I finally had a gallery-complete art exhibition in the newly refurbished Kerr St ArtSpace, located on the side of Mt Victoria, Devonport entitled ‘The Colour Of Originality’.
Along the way I got a few great interviews and write-ups as well. Check out the ‘media’ section to find out more.
The 2011 highlight has to be working with Albany’s Pinehurst School as their very first ‘Artist-in-Residence’…allowing an artist to come in over a 2 month period within school hours and create a piece of art that represents the school, while at the same time, explaining the process and hold demonstrations for the students.
I’m pleased that they were forward thinking enough to start off their Artist-in-Residency program with a Graffiti Artist, allowing me to come in and completely paint the side of their school gym.
- Not only did the collaboration between school and myself go above and beyond the Principal’s expectations, but the completed wall was entered into the Resene New Zealand Mural Competition in November and won 2nd place nationally!
I feel a lot better getting this update off my palette and with this site now completely re-vamped, please feel free to have a browse. If you like what you see, have any Commission ideas, or interested in any unsold art, don’t hesitate to get in contact.
Peace, Love and Randomness – Random
The Colour of Originality - solo art exhibition
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:49
The Colour Of Originality - in association with Auckland Art Week
Kerr St Artspace
Kerr St (bottom of Mount Victoria)
Devonport
Date: 13 Oct 2011 - 23 Oct 2011
Since his return from Tokyo visual artist Spencer Harrington aka Random, has been gathering his ideas, influences, experiences and lessons into an exhibition titled ‘The Colour of Originality’. His exposure to new mediums, styles and genres through the Depot’s ArtsLab has resulted in a new level of works; Dreamscape oil painting, imaginative mixed media, conceptual installations, all with a surrealist’s twist which replaces the viewer’s reality with Spencer’s own world…Good luck!
http://artweekauckland.co.nz/exhibitions/spencer-harrington-aka-random-the-colour-of-originality
NZ Body Art Awards 2011
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:42
Join Random at the NZ Body Art Awards
Thursday, 11 August 2011, 3:42 pm
AOTEAROA: LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD
This year is the 6th edition of the New Zealand Body Art Awards. It will be an evening celebrating creativity and entertainment related to body art and special effects make-up. Hunchbacked scaly swamp monsters, esoteric glow in the dark children and ethereal other world beings taking turns gliding across a continual catwalk are just some of the attractions at the NZ Body Art Awards.
This year’s Awards theme is ‘Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud’. The finest artists from up and down the country converge in Auckland to take part in the Awards extravaganza where the crème de la crème are honoured, with awards up for grabs such as “Air Brushed Body Art”, “SPFX Fantasy”, and the highest accolade, the “Supreme Award”.
The event will serve up contemporary and indigenous styles of body painting and special effects make-up for film and television, guaranteeing a night of creative entertainment for everyone!
First Thursday - June '11
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:34
On June 2nd from 6-9pm along K Road, explore these 10 different venues for some arty-goodness.
http://www.firstthursdays.co.nz/index.php
If you would like to experience a little bit of First Thursday for your self, click the link below
First Thursday, Body Painting "Ghetto Angel Wings"
Random's at No. 6 on the map below, LIVE body painting.
'Im happiest when under a tree' Art Exhibition
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:25
'Im happiest when under a tree' Art Exhibition
Solo exhibition of new works by Random
At Sitka Surf Shop's 'Spruce Gallery', 6 Osborne St, New Market, Auckland
Displaying from June 1st - June 30th
End of Show Celebrations on Thursday the 30th of June from 5pm till around 9pm
Sponsored by Redbull, Bfm, Sitka Surf and Apparel, Stoke Beer, and TSP
Floors n' Ceilings; The Undeleted Scenes Archive
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:14
Floors n' Ceilings; The Undeleted Scenes Archive
(In association with Auckland Festival of Photography 2011)
Photography by Random
At Hum Salon Artspace, 123 Grafton Rd, Grafton, Auckland "The Derelict Old Villa on the corner"
Displaying from June 1st - June 30th
Opening Night on Thursday 2nd of June from 5pm till around 9pm.
Sponsored by RedBull, Hum Salon Cafe, TSP and 528fm
Sketch - March '11
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:11
TSP Presents ‘Sketch’
Sat 19 Mar ’11, 9:00pm–4:00am
Khuja Lounge, Level 3, 536 Queen St, Auckland CBD
Sketch – Auckland’s only regular collaboration of live music, projected visuals and live painting!
The March event includes the phenomenal MC Kyla and live body painting from Random. Seekayem will be sketching in front of the live camera feed and the TSP Wall is up for your own creativity. Come and experience this sensory feast and get into the breaks, funk, hip hop from DJs AndyB and DJ Mo.
Awesome drink specials all night. Thanks to Tiger Beer, Jagermeister and Absoult Vodka.
Sketch - Feb '11
Saturday, 07 April 2012 23:06
TSP Presents ‘Sketch’
Sat 19 Feb ’11, 9:00pm–4:00am
Khuja Lounge, Level 3, 536 Queen St, Auckland CBD
Head up to Khuja Lounge for the second edition of Sketch – Auckland’s only regular collaboration of live music, projected visuals and live painting!
This month we have Janine Foster, DJ Kool Karl, DJ Bowski and artist Spencer Harrington. Spencer recently returned from painting in Japan is bringing his street art skills to body painting. Come and experience this sensory feast and get into the breaks, funk and hip hop and some awesome drink specials.
Kira Kira Tokyo - Claska Edition
Saturday, 07 April 2012 22:55
8th Group Exhibits Kira Kira Tokyo
2010 Oct 12th - 17th
at Hotel CLASKA 8F 'The 8th Gallery'
Tokyo, JAPAN
An amazing milti media show combining Fashion with Art, Jewelry with Burlesque, Interior Design with Djs. As you can see, IT WENT OFF! If you ever in Tokyo, keep in the loop to catch the next installment of 'Kira Kira'. Never a disappointment. For more info on the artists featured and the show itself, visit http://www.rukus.jp/kira.html
If you would like to experience Kira Kira, Claska edition, for your self, click the link below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnykb0iB_rc&list=UUYW9IBJEv7WD_QvjUj5KdUQ&index=2&feature=plcp
Once again, AOZORA is on and for a good cause in Tokyo (after Typhoon ridden weekend)
Wednesday, 27 October 2010 16:40
AOZORA Photo Aid Exhibition November, 2010
Yes, After a very successful Exhibition in May this year, with over 30,000 People visit, 1,164 Postcard sales, 67 Photography sales (Including 3 Random Photography sales), and a wopping 279,500yen donated, Its On Again!
Starting this Saturday the 30th at 10am, all weekend until Sunday the 31st at 7pm* - Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
*As you may have been aware, Tokyo was hit by a very "Random" Typhoon over the weekend (although to me it just looked like a rainy day) The new dates for a hopefully Typhoon-Free weekend are now Saturday the 20th of Nov. at 10am, all weekend until Sunday the 21st at 7pm
"Together non-profit organization of amateur and professional photographers want to do a community service through the photos. Selling their photos and photo exhibition on a regular basis, and the proceeds donated to the medical facility.
We at AOZORA want to charm and show expressiveness through photos, AOZORA to all people wanting to convey the preciousness of life and the state of the medical field, many with little interest in charity appeal to help people suffering from diseases we want to have people spread out. Media AOZORA gives hope to the people and will continue to send a message to the world.
AOZORA is because more people want to touch, and force through a photo exhibition of photographs at home and abroad, giving people inspiration and hope, Morai be happy, and to enrich people's minds."
Now come along to what will be a fine weatherde day at Yoyogi Park to see the amazing photographic talent, all works and postcards for sale, for an amazing cause, plus see Randoms attempts at caputuring the world around him, or just come say hi.
Peace, Love and Randomness
KIRA KIRA show...In Shibuya this week
Wednesday, 13 October 2010 15:44
An amazing milti media show combining Fashion with Art, Jewlery with Burlesque, Interior Design with Djs. Some of the artists include...
Rukus -new edge- (Fashion Clothing/Jewlery)
Joolie (Fashion Bags)
Xray (Installation Art)
Random (Art)
Incantesimo (Jewlery)
Yuko Shizuma (Chandeliers)
Sumiko Nogi (Art)
Fidesco - Rwanda (Jewlery and Pottery sent from Rwanda)
Kiho Mibu (Fashion Hat and Accessories)
Takuya Sakai (Photography Art)
Mirror of Heart (Food Design)
Opening Party: Friday, 15th of Oct, 7pm - 12am!!!
Featuring Live on the night...
Burlesque show by crically aclaimed MARI,
Drag Show by KIKE plus FAB dance studio
DJ InspireLife and DJ Sogachapin
Well, there you go peeps. Another good excuse to head to Shibuya this Friday for some art, some drinks, some fun...well, alot of fun. This exhibition also features a collaboration between RUKUS Fashion and Random to create designs on 3 pieces of clothing, now included in his Fashion Line and all for sale throughout the show. The address is...
Le Deco Gallery, 3-16-3, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
http://www.rukus.jp/kira.html
or head to the link for more info on the show, the artists and the MAP!
"KIRA KIRA, a group exhibition that jewellery brand RUKUS New Age Designs organises for underground artists to get together and show off their work. The exhibition is about more than fashion and jewellery however, as some of the artists who join are dancers, DJs, installation artists, stylists and so on. KIRA KIRA is also holding a reception party for these exhibitors to share their inspiration. It is a very good place to keep an eye on up-and-coming underground Japanese artists however newzealand artist RANDOM has been apart of the show since 2009. The event is held more then once a year, so keep an eye on their frequently updated website for all the latest details."
the EBISU SOLO...just do it
Tuesday, 14 September 2010 18:10
Hey hey hey peeps,
Finally, after 15 months of creating, collaborating, designing, drinking, spraying and painting in Tokyo, Japan, Random has finally put together his first solo art show.
Located at the wicked Liaison Hair and make-up studio / creative space in Ebisu, its come together perfectly. Blending in with the stylish surroundings of the studio, Random's 15 new works are bling-blinging and all ready for a new home...(wink wink)
On display from the 1st - 31st of September, and the opening party on the 16th from 5pm - 8pm, With special guest Datiko Galashvily on the classical guitar to set the scene. Aswell and Hideki san and his team of artists to be there for on hand hair design and make overs for the ladies. Visit this link for the map...
http://www.liaison-xeno.com/access.html
So...bring your friends, BRING YOUR CHECKBOOKS, and bring your smiles, its set to be a great arvo indeed.
See you all on the 16th people.
Peace, Love and Randomness
Liaison Studio, 2F, 1-30-16 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Thanks to all for a great night
Tuesday, 14 September 2010 18:00
LAND OF THE RISING STARS
Opening party at The Pinkcow on the 11th July, 6pm - Late
...Art displaying from the 1st - 31st July
feat:
Seekayem
Cracked Ink
Beck Wheeler
Simon 'Ginger' Shaw
Mika Soma
Rob Foote
Miki Meguro
and
Random
Enjoy Pinkcow International food (awesome burritos for one!) & the cash bar while enjoying the Live Music, Performances and Live International Interviews on the night. Including DJ Soul T Nuts, DJ Goofy, DJ Modality, VJ Sigmund Torre, The Takashi-na Trio. Short Films from Mika Soma, Animation from Beck Wheeler, Video footage of NZ crew in action. Live Art and MCing from Random and Guests
This International Extraviganza will be off the rictor and a Rare opportunity to purchase original artwork from Rising Stars in the Art Scenes of New Zealand and Japan.
For those who cant make it to the gig, can watch it streaming LIVE on www.ustream.tv just search "pink cow" and you can be there without being there. The night will also be recorded so you can check out the video anytime on the website too
If you live in Tokyo then, you all know the place. Come over and check out this rediculously dope work, check out Radom's first international curating efforts, have a few drinks, learn some shit, Have soom F$%kn Fun.
The Pink Cow at 1-3-18, Sibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan -
www.thepinkcow.com
Exhibition this weekend, THAT Gallery, HONG KONG...Just do it
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 14:11
4x6 International Postcard Art Exhibition
If you happen to be in Hong Kong this weekend, You be missing out if you didnt take a trip over to THAT Gallery in the Tsuen Wan district and check out this 4x6 International Postcard Art Exhibition!!!
feat. Random (NZ)
Being the First Exhibition THAT Gallery has put on since its arrival onto the scene at the begining of the month, Its set to be an Event.
THAT Gallery aka "The Hottest Art Today" Gallery's mission is to display art from Emerging Artists around the world.
Having Postcards sent from artists living in over 50 countries, world wide, Random has decided to Fly over himself and be present for Opening night. If anyone just happens to be cranking it in Hong Kong at the moment, do come and check it out, or tell a friend, and come see what Random has been working on recently aswell as the other amazing S$#T on display.
That Gallery, 3pm - 6pm Sunday 27th June
Unit F, 16/F,
Superluck Inds Centre, PH1,
45-53 Sha Tsui Road,
Tsuen Wan
HONG KONG
Just Do It
If you're in Tokyo, come along for this great cause!
Thursday, 06 May 2010 09:57
AOZORA Photo Aid Exhibition 2010
Starting this Saturday the 8th at 10am, all weekend until Sunday the 9th at 7pm - Yoyogi Park, Tokyo
"Together non-profit organization of amateur and professional photographers want to do a community service through the photos. Selling their photos and photo exhibition on a regular basis, and the proceeds donated to the medical facility.
We at AOZORA want to charm and show expressiveness through photos, AOZORA to all people wanting to convey the preciousness of life and the state of the medical field, many with little interest in charity appeal to help people suffering from diseases we want to have people spread out. Media AOZORA gives hope to the people and will continue to send a message to the world.
AOZORA is because more people want to touch, and force through a photo exhibition of photographs at home and abroad, giving people inspiration and hope, Morai be happy, and to enrich people's minds."
Now come along to what will be a BEAUTIFUL day at Yoyogi Park to see the amazing photographic talent, all works and postcards for sale, for an amazing cause, plus see Randoms attempts at caputuring the world around him, or just come say hi.
Peace, Love and Randomness
Exhibition this week!!
Thursday, 22 April 2010 03:28
F^#k'n Finally! Silent Art Auction is finally f#^k'n here.
A mass collection of Randoms artwork in 1 place for 1 time only.
Opens Wednesday the 21st until Frday the 23rd of April.
Te Karanga Gallery
208 K'rd, Uptown, Auckland (next door to Illicit tattoo)
Auction Party starting from 5.30pm Friday until 8.30pm when the silent Auctions close and the highest bidder of all artworks will get to pluck their piece off the wall and take it home with them that night!
So it will pay to be there at that time for INSTANT GRATIFICATION!!!!
Either way, come down, check out the space and the show, have a beer or 3 and maybe walk away with some cheap artwork..........before Random gaps the scene back to the Land of the Rising Sun
Hope to see you all there......
Peace, Love and Randomness
