'Journey is the Reward' has become somewhat of a manifesto for my life thus far. So much so that I even have these words tattooed across my chest, a reminder for life that the process of making art and the journey of travel is just as important as the final product and solid milestones we might consider 'achievements' or 'goals'. For me, making art or being an artist, is a lifestyle, a passion and life-long commitment. This has opened up a whole world of new places, people, friends andadventures, which in turn influences my artistic practices and the subject matter ofmy work.
'Journey is the Reward' at Above Second represents another one of those unique experiences for me, and the work references my inspirations from my journey so far as well as the location, people and influences of Hong Kong. Somewhat a mix of Australian, American and Asian culture the pieces show the diverse effects these cultures have had on my work and my continuing exploration of duality and human emotions and experiences.
About the Artist
Growing up in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, David 'Meggs' Hooke, immersed himself in the worlds of drawing, cartoons, sci-fi films and skateboarding. In 2000 Meggs graduated from University with a Bachelor of Design and soon after became recognized for stencils and poster art on the streets of Melbourne. In 2004 Meggs became a founding member of the renowned 'Everfresh Studio' a unique collective of street artists known for large amounts of collaborative street work and aerosol murals. In 2010 Meggs art directed and designed the 'Everfresh:Blackbook' a 254 page publication documenting the studios members, lifestyle and artworks from 2004-2010.The Everfresh Crew have more recently had collective artworks exhibited as part of 'Space Invaders' at the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, as well as being the first artists to exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria's (NGV) NGVStudio space at federation Square in Melbourne. Thus confirming this uniques groups status as historically documented pioneering artists within Australia's 'graffiti & street-art' culture.
Fusing aspects of these early influences with reflection on self-referential experiences, fast music and social trends. His painting style has graduated from more simplistic street based work to technical, layered and expressive mixed media artworks that are evolving to find the ideal balance between form and abstraction. Since entering gallery shows around 2004, Meggs has spread his street and gallery works nationally and internationally to cities such as London, San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, Hawaii and Hong Kong as well as hosting solo exhibitions in Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, London & Los Angeles. Meggs has works included in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. As well as collaborating with several high-profile brands worldwide such as Stussy, Addict and Endeavor Snowboards, constantly evolving his talents and furthering his range of projects and ideas.
Meggs has recently been a key inclusion in the National Gallery of Australia's (NGA), 'Space Invaders - Australian street art' retrospective; the 'Everfresh Studio' exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria's (NGV) NGVStudio space and 'Young & Free - Contemporary Australian Street art' at 941 Geary Street in San Francisco, 2011. Further cementing his position as one of Australia's most progressive and committed street & contemporary artists.
