An Authentic Truth | Peyton Scott Russell

Peyton Scott Russell uses methods of traditional Plein Air painting (open-air painting) and combines it with traditions of Graffiti (markings on a surface) and Street Art expressions. In doing so, he disrupts both practices, creating a new concept, style, and idea of art that expresses the action of painting, a performance, and public attention in a pop-up style event. People may witness graffiti painted right in front of them or see the result during an art show.

Peyton is also introducing an abstract painting element called “The Buff,” to this work. The erasure of graffiti is usually done by city officials, property owners, and/or vigilantes covering unwanted graffiti markings. Once graffiti has been Buffed, it often resembles scars on a wall, and introduces another disruption that challenges the intent of Graffiti Writing and the process of landscape Plein Air while simultaneously pushing graffiti to be seen as fine art and Plein Air techniques to be used as Street Art. Peyton crashes them together in a practice he calls Plein Aire Graffiti. 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Minneapolis-based artist, Peyton Scott Russell, has a B.F.A. from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and for over three decades has been a professional artist and arts instructor. The 1984 film, Style Wars, introduced Peyton to graffiti art and had a profound effect on him. From that point forward, he has devoted his time and energy to graffiti art. Currently, through assistance from a Bush Foundation Fellowship (2012-2014), Peyton is focused on his organization, SPRAYFiNGER®, which is dedicated to teaching, studying, and practicing Graffiti Education & The Art of Creative Lettering™. His mission, in addition to his personal artistic practice, is to increase awareness of graffiti as a teachable fine art by collaborating with schools, teachers,  and artists on curriculum design, outlines, and lesson plans designed to deepen the understanding of graffiti. Through his personal artwork and SPRAYFiNGER®, Peyton has engaged with individuals of all ages throughout Minnesota; North and South Dakota; Wisconsin; Kentucky; Kansas; New York; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Tel Aviv, Israel. 

https://houseofdaskarone.com

ABOUT ARTISTRY 

Artistry, a regional cultural asset, is a producer of theater, curator of exhibitions and related public programming, and facilitator of arts-based community development. It serves more than 82,000 people per year and is committed to artistic excellence, fostering creative expression and arts access. Artistry is welcoming to diverse audiences and art-makers in its theater, visual arts, and arts education programs. Evolving as an arts organization after more than six decades, people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities continue to find opportunities at Artistry. 

For more information, visit www.artistrymn.org 

SUPPORTERS 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

GALLERY HOURS

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Saturdays: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm

Sundays: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm