Features

:: The Flat Black exhibition ran at The Workstation between 10th Feb - 3rd March, 2007

The exhibition's title 'Flat Black' is a play on the name of the Black Flag works of Raymond Pettibon, a So-Cal punk scene illustrator from the 1970's.

It's just one of the influences felt by a collection of Sheffield's 'underground' artists who are working together in transforming parts of the Workstation in the city's 'cultural quarter'.

The showcase will highlight the work of Kid Acne, Phlegm Comics, DED Associates, Kev 'Greyskul' Grey, Mick Marston, Pete McKee and Tado, all of whom are based in Sheffield.

These artists will be utilising the ground floor and lower gallery of the building, painting directly onto the walls, using vinyl and fly-posting art, and even a totem pole installation.

There is also a digital element to the exhibition. Sheffield's Warp Films are helping transform a conventional gallery area into a Gentlemen's Club.

Kid Acne

International artist and illustrator Kid Acne has spent over a decade based in Sheffield and his work can bee seen gracing the walls of the London Road and Cultural Quarter areas of the city.

His work has been displayed internationally, and commissioned murals as far away as Perth and Azerbaijan. He has worked for Warp Records, Levis, Volkswagen, Fenchurch, Rimmel and even Prada. His illustrations can be seen on many things, from spray cans and skateboards to ladies knitwear and bar interiors.

DED Associates

Jon and Nick Daughtry founded their design agency over 15 years ago and have vast experience of producing commissioned forms of print and visual media, and providing creative direction too.

Their work includes Don't Panic Media, a Nissan ad campaign, an MTV credit card, an exhibition catalogue for the Tate in Liverpool, plus a selection of music projects, working with major labels.

Kev Grey

The artist and illustrator retains his passion for punk rock music and underground comic books. Connecting influences are tattoos and graffiti, which can be seen in his work.

He's produced designs for record covers, T-shirts, fanzines, skateboard graphics, tattoo designs and artwork for the 2005/2006 Download music festival. He's also exhibited his artwork across Europe and in Australia.

Mick Marston

Mick formed The Futile Vignette Company off the back of work which had been rejected, declared unusable or just cast offs from what he'd offered clients who'd commissioned work.

He found that commissioned illustration can lead to problems as the conservative nature of the client often clashes with his challenging work, which has been labeled as mildly disturbing, or just incomprehensible.

Pete McKee

Born in 1966, Pete McKee was brought up on a council estate in Sheffield. His working class roots provide a major source of inspiration for his poignant, touching and often humorous work.

In 2004, after several years as a commercial artist, Pete decided to concentrate on his paintings. He came up with the idea of painting emulsion onto MDF board.

In the last year Pete's been asked to provide exhibitions outside of the Steel City as his popularity grows.

Phlegm Comics

The producer of Phlegm Comics uses a dip pen for his scetches and drawings, and puts them into his comic book.

He then takes some of the work and uses spray paint to transfer the image onto walls.

TADO

TADO are Mike and Katie. The graphic designers have a wide variety of experience, from design and illustration projects to toy and merchandise production.

Their toys include the 'Fortune Pork Mini Plush', and soon to be released 'Ryoko and The SissyFist' ranges.

Some of their clients include the World Wildlife Fund, Honda, VW, MTV International, Toyota, Nike, Sony, Microsoft, Adidas... the list goes on.

:: The Flat Black exhibition ran at The Workstation between 10th Feb - 3rd March, 2007