Utilising dynamic flow and a keen eye for colour theory, Kai & Sunny’s works masterfully interpret themes from nature and translate them into intricate, stylized linework. One of the things I find most impressive is their ability to maintain the essence of their original inspirations. Though reinterpreted into an entirely new visual language of geometric lines, you can still feel the sense of calm and, ultimately, nature, as you look upon their acrylic painted lines.
The flow of air, water and landscapes often come to my mind, yet part of the beauty lies in the openness of interpretation to each individual viewer. In Spirited Away, Kai & Sunny focus on the visual and emotive elements of kinetic flow, delving deeper into a sense of otherworldly exploration. Debuting this Saturday 21 September at Corey Helford Gallery, this new body of work – including a selection of collaborative pieces with other world-renowned artists – will offer a space for regenerative introspection. In such a busy non-stop world, such opportunities should not be missed.
I’m fascinated by the power of the natural world and, with these works, I wanted to explore those precious unseen moments such as the frequencies within nature. My aim is to immerse the viewer within forces of nature, and use colour, light, and movement to transport them through a journey of courage. At points in our lives, we may change, possibly losing pieces of ourselves in the process. Even with this obstacle, there is still hope ahead, and letting go frees us to move forward.
Kai & Sunny
Kai & Sunny: Spirited Away
A selection of new works, a limited-edition silkscreen print release, a skateboard deck collaboration with streetwear brand Element, plus collaborations with Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Kai Clements – and more!
Dates: September 21 – October 26, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION: September 21, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Prints and skateboard decks will be available to purchase at the gallery on opening night!
COREY HELFORD GALLERY
Main Gallery: 571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033
Open: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
(310) 287-2340
Kai & Sunny has received international acclaim for Kai’s meticulous use of acrylic paint to create a spectrum of razor-thin coloured lines on linen canvas. It’s hard to appreciate the sheer scale of some of these paintings (see below for some more studio shots!).
To add to the enchantment, collaboration has always been a core ethos of the artist’s practice. In line with this, a section of Spirited Away has been specially dedicated to the idea of “UNITY,” and will feature collaborative works by Shepard Fairey, D*Face, and Kai Clements. “Their individual yet complementary styles have developed over time alongside their friendships, starting from a shared college experience between D*Face and Clements and an ongoing collaboration with Fairey since 2013. Each of these artists is inspired by nature, relationships, and the politics of the world, making their work together a natural fit and compelling display.” Shares Corey Helford Gallery.
And there is more!
Alongside the canvases, Spirited Away will also feature two digital artworks. Designed in collaboration with England-based 3D Design and Animation Studio Fakery, the works are carefully choreographed against an ambient soundtrack composed by the Emmy-nominated English duo Toydrum (featuring Pablo Clements and James Griffith). Additionally, Kai & Sunny is releasing a limited-edition silkscreen print and two skateboard decks in collaboration with Element, featuring artwork from the show.
Open to the public and free of charge, Spirited Away will exhibit in the Main Gallery, alongside two solo exhibits featuring new works by Los Angeles-based artist Andrea Guzzetta, titled Afterglow, and Korean artist Kiseok Kim, titled Plastic, both in Gallery 3. The shows will be on view through October 26th.
From press release: About Kai & Sunny //
Kai & Sunny CEO Kai Clements (b.1975) is a UK-based artist and alumnus of Epsom School of Art in Surrey, United Kingdom, where he earned an honours degree in Art and Design. Works by Kai & Sunny are characterized as colourful palettes of flowing and dynamic lines, showcasing uniquely distinguishable compositions of acrylic paintings on linen canvas. An artist in search for simplicity and ambiguity, Kai Clements has been creating his acrylic paintings since 2016.
Kai Clements originally co-founded Kai & Sunny with Anthony Sunter (who stepped away in 2023 due to health reasons). Since its inception, the name Kai & Sunny has had a strong ethos in collaboration with other artists, with an emphasis on the collective. Shepard Fairey and D*Face are regular collaborators bringing together the idea of “UNITY” which enables the artist to continually evolve and grow. The connection with the collective has seen Kai & Sunny collaborate with a wide range of brands and artists, including Element, Tiffany & Co., music projects with Toydrum, the author David Mitchell, and the fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Collaborating with artists as well as different fields of innovation and expression brings together a unique working process Kai & Sunny value.
Kai & Sunny has exhibited all over the world, including in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Hong Kong, Paris, and London. In September 2024, the London-based award-winning artist will premiere his fourth solo show, Spirited Away, at Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery.
About Corey Helford Gallery //
Established in 2006 by Jan Corey Helford and her husband, television producer/creator Bruce Helford (The Conners, Lopez vs. Lopez, Anger Management, The Drew Carey Show, and George Lopez), Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) has since evolved into one of the premier galleries of New Contemporary art. Its goal as an institution is to support the growth of artists, from the young and emerging to the well-known and internationally established. CHG represents a diverse collection of international artists, primarily influenced by today’s pop culture and collectively encompassing style genres such as New Figurative Art, Pop Surrealism, Neo Pop, Graffiti, and Street Art.
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