Pictures on Walls (POW): Where Street Art Finds Its Gallery Home
Pictures on Walls (POW) Gallery, an iconic institution in the world of street art, occupies a unique space at the intersection of urban art, culture, and counter-culture. Founded in London by the enigmatic and pseudonymous Steve Lazarides, the gallery played a pivotal role in bringing street art from the gritty streets to the pristine gallery walls. It served as a platform for emerging street artists and established figures to showcase their works, challenging traditional notions of art and ownership.
The Genesis: Elevating Street Art
Pictures on Walls Gallery opened its doors in the early 2000s when street art was still primarily an underground movement. Lazarides, who had a background in photography and a deep connection to the street art scene, recognized the potential of these urban creations to transcend their initial ephemeral nature. By providing a gallery space for street artists, POW offered legitimacy and permanence to a genre often associated with rebellion and transience.
The Street Art Revolution
POW Gallery became synonymous with a roster of talented street artists who were breaking new ground in the art world. The gallery featured works by Banksy, a close collaborator and friend of Lazarides, as well as artists like Obey (Shepard Fairey), Invader, and the enigmatic Dr. D. These artists, known for their provocative and thought-provoking works, challenged the status quo of the art market and garnered international attention.
Beyond the Walls: Iconic Prints and Collectibles
Pictures on Walls didn't just stop at gallery exhibitions. The gallery played a pivotal role in making street art accessible to a wider audience through the sale of limited-edition prints and collectibles. These prints allowed fans of street art to own a piece of their favorite artists' work and contributed to the growing popularity of street art as a collectible genre.
Steve Lazarides: The Maverick Curator
At the heart of POW Gallery's success was Steve Lazarides, a maverick curator and promoter of street art. Lazarides, known for his irreverent attitude and deep respect for the artists he represented, played a pivotal role in the rise of street art's global prominence. His ability to spot talent, create a supportive community, and challenge the conventional art establishment made him an integral figure in the art world.
Closing of the Gallery: A New Chapter
In 2008, Pictures on Walls Gallery closed its physical doors, marking the end of an era for street art in London. However, this move didn't mark the end of Lazarides' involvement in the art world. He continued to collaborate with street artists, organize exhibitions, and curate projects that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.
Legacy and Impact
Pictures on Walls Gallery left an indelible mark on the art world by elevating street art from an underground subculture to a respected and recognized genre. It played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the streets and the gallery, democratizing art in the process. The gallery's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists and collectors, reminding us that art can thrive in unconventional spaces and challenge the norms of the establishment.
Conclusion: Where Street Art Found Its Voice
Pictures on Walls Gallery, under the visionary leadership of Steve Lazarides, was a revolutionary space where street art found its voice and established its place in contemporary art history. It served as a catalyst for change, challenging established norms and proving that art can flourish in unexpected places. POW Gallery's impact on street art and the wider art world endures, reminding us that true innovation often emerges from the margins of society.