LONDON.- D'Stassi Art is presenting the eagerly awaited UK debut solo show of Trevor ‘Trouble’ Andrew - the acclaimed artist also known as Gucci Ghost, whose journey from Olympic snowboarder to creative genius has captivated audiences worldwide.
Drawing inspiration from his formative years in the Canadian countryside and its folk art scene, Andrew’s new painting series is an ode to the Western aesthetic. Developed over the course of six years, his new body of work leans into nostalgia, dismantling the archetypal Hollywood cowboy image of the 20th century. Andrew’s use of spray paint breathes new life into these iconic characters from his childhood, unveiling provocative and audacious reinterpretations.
Alongside the new Bang Bang series, the exhibition showcases select pieces from Andrew’s legendary Gucci Ghost project, an ambitious endeavour that spanned a decade. Originally conceived as a musical project, it swiftly evolved into an electrifying exploration of the Gucci logo through a wide range of mediums including clothing, paintings, visual art, and digital creations. By reimagining discarded objects found on the streets and imbuing them with newfound significance, the project quickly garnered a substantial online following and culminated in a collaboration with Gucci’s then-creative director Alessandro Michele in 2016.
Andrew’s paintings serve as a profound reflection of his life’s journey - a tapestry woven with adventures, travels, and an upbringing in Canada intertwined with childhood impressions of America, shaped by the alluring spectacles of Hollywood. Having now made America his home and gaining a deeper understanding of these cultural projections, Andrew masterfully channels these experiences into his art, delving into a captivating fusion of his childhood influences such as skateboarding, with his unyielding passion for pushing boundaries across art, music, and fashion, ultimately challenging our perceptions of reality.
From his remarkable beginning as an Olympic snowboarder to his collaborations with prestigious fashion brands like Gucci and Reebok, Andrew has over the years captured the hearts of luminaries such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones, solidifying his position as a multidimensional creative force. Revered for his distinctive reimagining of the iconic Gucci logo in the Gucci Ghost project, Andrew has seamlessly navigated the realms of fashion, music, athletics, and culture, leaving an indelible mark on each. Notably, he has collaborated with renowned brands and musicians including 2 Chainz and Lolawolf, and has also signed with record label, Warner Brothers.
Speaking of Bang Bang, Trevor Andrew said: “I’ve been working on this new series since 2017, diving deep into it during the pandemic and painting a diverse range of characters. The creative process behind this new work is intentionally abrasive, deconstructing established ideas and reconstructing them through the medium of spray paint. Skateboard culture has been a major influence, giving me the freedom to experiment and be creative. Artists like Mark Gonzales, Lance Mountain, and Ed Templeton from that scene have left a lasting impact on me. As for the Gucci Ghost project, it really put me on the map - but now I’m ready for new ideas. I’ll be bringing a Gucci Ghost room to the exhibition, to provide context and invite visitors to immerse themselves in that world. Excited to also be releasing a print drop as part of the show - it’s important for me to make art accessible and allow everyone to bring something special and inspiring into their homes. Can’t wait to share these creations with everyone and keep exploring new artistic paths.”
Co-Founders of D’Stassi Art, Edward Sanders and Michael Howes also said: “We have been in contact with Trevor for the past 5 years, with both of us sharing ideas on projects we could look to collaborate on together. When I saw his cowboy series I knew it was an ideal fit for a solo with us at D’Stassi Art. We are thrilled to introduce Trevor’s work to our collectors and to be able to host his UK debut, this is going to be a huge moment in our programme this year.”
Trevor Andrew aka Gucci Ghost (b. 1979; Nova Scotia, Canada) was previously based in Brooklyn, N.Y 2003 - 2018 and now lives in Los Angeles, California. Andrew is a multi-disciplinary artist that is internationally known for his raw DIY aesthetic and pop art sensibility. His visual language is rooted in the punk and skate culture of the 1990s that has adapted to our current state of media saturation. Andrew’s work critiques and explores contemporary socio-economic structures, specifically analysing widespread consumerism. He brings to the foreground questions regarding 'real' vs perception: as luxury. In 2016, Andrew made his proverbial mark when he was enlisted - after brazenly declaring, sue me or hire me -- to concoct his capsule collection with GUCCI based on his earlier outlaw street perversions of the iconic brand. To this day, GUCCI continues drawing from Andrew's re-imaginings. His creative work has been executed in a variety of media disciplines and platforms from producing album art for musicians to focusing on his brand, Real Buy, which aims to translate the spontaneity and authenticity that happens in his studio. Trevor's fine art has been exhibited at galleries around the world including Deitch Projects - New York, The Museum of Modern Art - Shanghai, Milk Gallery - New York, Maccarone Gallery - Los Angeles and Powerlong Museum in Shanghai.
D'Stassi Art
BANG BANG
August 11th, 2023 - September 20th, 2023
