In graffiti subcultures, painting over another writer’s work is akin to crossing the picket line—you just don’t do it.
Unless you’re German artist duo Layer Cake, that is. Graffiti veterans Patrick Hartl and Christian Hundertmark of Layer Cake break this unspoken rule as curators of The Versus Project IV, a group exhibition currently on view at L.A. gallery Subliminal Projects.
Starting with a blank canvas, the duo creates an unfinished base that a guest artist completes, much like a game of exquisite corpse. The finished work results in a blend of styles that highlight the artists’ personal approach.
“Working on The Versus Project is an experiment in uncompromising teamwork,” Patrick and Christian say. “Through the project, works have been created that would never have existed otherwise and represent a broadening of artistic boundaries for us and our guest artists.”
Participating artists include CAKTE ONE, Bond Truluv, Carolina Falkholt, Chaz Bojórquez, Cren (Michel Cren Pietsch), CRYPTIK, Dave the Chimp, Flying Förtress, Formula76, HERA, HNRX, Layer Cake (Patrick Hartl and Christian Hundertmark aka C100), MadC, MAMBO (Flavien Demarigny), Matthias Edlinger, Łukasz Habiera NAWER, Peter “Paid” Levine, Rocco & His Brothers, Shepard Fairey, Various and Gould, and Zepha (Vincent Abadie Hafez).
The Versus Project IV runs through Oct. 28, 2023, at Subliminal Projects. For more information, please visit their website here, then scroll through to see a selection of work from the show.
“Through [The Versus Project], works have been created that would never have existed.” — Layer Cake
Subliminal Projects: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter (X) | The Versus Project IV
All photos published with permission of the artist(s).
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