We’re delighted to announce that on Friday 5th August, Enter Gallery is bringing you a solo show from ‘Pioneer of balloon graffiti’ – Fanakapan.
‘Pulling Faces’ will feature an exciting new selection of original 3D sculptures, hand-finished unique prints, and a brand new limited edition print called ‘Party Heads’.
RSVP here to join us at the show.
Read on for more information about this leading street artist - currently blowing minds across the world for his unique skill at creating images that inflate off the page.
Blowing Up
Fanakapan is a prolific street artist who boasts unbelievable skill with a spray can. Via highly-technical free hand techniques, and a knack for reflective highlights and shadow, Fanakapan creates flat murals and artworks that trick the human eye into believing it’s seeing real life objects.
Entirely self-taught, Fanakapan honed his artistic skills creating props for Nickelodeon. It was only when asked to paint a mural of a balloon dog for a friend’s wedding that he realised his talent at depicting realistic helium balloons was something special.
Since turning his hand to creating his own art, Fanakapan has toured the world, decorating city streets with murals that stop people in their tracks everywhere from Brighton to Berlin.
Pulling Faces
We chatted to Fanakapan to get a more information about the meaning behind the name of the show, and to discover what special pieces the attendees have to look forward to...
“The ‘Pulling Faces’ idea came to me during the first lockdown, when I decided to spread positive images that were mainly smiley-based throughout the streets. The anamorphic pieces – which look 3D until you get up close – are meant to reflect the idea of a face being pulled, as we could have been pulling faces at each other under our masks.”
“I also wanted to infuse all the pieces with a 90s vibe that harks back to the days of UK rave and acid house when wearing masks at raves was a thing. So, the name ‘Pulling Faces’ is inspired by my teenage years in the 90s, through to the much more gloomy and contagious virus times we live in now.”
“The show is going to feature a few collaborations with other artists, some hand-finished work, and some new bits and pieces. There’s also a fresh print inspired by the pride party heads.
Come along, meet Fanakapan and enjoy ‘Pulling Faces’ for yourself. The show is taking place between 6-8pm on Friday 5th August at Enter Gallery on Bond Street, Brighton. Spaces are limited so RSVP here today to secure your spot.