Client Happenings: Street Art Takes Chicago During Lolla

Lollapalooza is known to the masses as a weekend of music and outdoor entertainment. It’s one of my favorite weekends each year…I love any opportunity to get out and enjoy the Chicago summer, and I know I’ll leave with a few new bands to follow. But, this year the event took it a step further adding an artistic element.

So, when I heard Shepard Fairey announced that he would be curating an art show to coincide with the events of the music festival, I knew I had to see it. Like many, I knew of Shepard Fairey as the artist behind the infamous Obama Hope poster, but I had no idea the extent of his talent until witnessing it firsthand.

And he definitely did not disappoint. In one of the largest art shows ever done, the show featured innovators in the art world showcasing their work together for the first time under one roof. Entitled “Art Alliance: The Provocateurs,” the show featured everything from street art to pop/political art, and even installations and sculpture all inside a very cool loft space inside Block 37.

Full disclosure, Block 37 is a client of ours at Zapwater, but regardless, it was one of the coolest events I’ve been to in a while. For those who missed it, there is some good news: as part of the show, four murals were painted on Chicago buildings that will remain on permanent display. Chicago is known for its burgeoning arts community, and it’s very cool to see the city embrace something of this scope.

Until next year….

- Morgan Bellock, Account Director