Dirty Hands

I got to meet David Choe once. He was painting a live mural at 111 Minna. I was interning at Upper Playground at that time, and I was pretty stoked about meeting him since I'd already been a huge fan of his for some time. Based on his blogs and what others said about him, I figured he was gonna be some snobby punk that really wouldn't give a "ish" about someone like me. But when I met him, he was funny, humble and very receptive of his fans. It was a surprise, but extremely refreshing to find the guy so many people including myself consider to be so brilliant to also be so down-to-earth. And it was a mistake for me to make so many assumptions about him without even meeting the guy. Sometimes people do surprise you.

When I saw Dirty Hands, a documentary of David Choe's life and work, I got to see the different sides to the person - as a son, artist, innovator, student, and even boyfriend. Right from the get go of the film, you get to see and hear how his mind works and what really makes him tick as an artist. You get the sense that he lives his life with a sort of reckless abandon. But still he finds structure in his art and in his devotion to those select people that have shaped and influenced his life. In his film, he says, "I do art for those that don't give a f*ck about art." He does it for anyone and everyone that wants to see and appreciate it. He doesn't stereotype his audience or isolate anyone from his art. He does it to express himself, destroy property, and send a message. Although not an uncommon perspective by contemporary artists, his outlook makes him a real person, sincere and authentic with unselfish motives.

It's a bit tragic that Dirty Hands did not have the funding and support to be shown in more theaters here in the Bay Area. Especially with his huge following, Dirty Hands could have proved to be a positive sales generator for featured venues. Likewise, all of his fans should be able to see this film and gain a better understanding of him. There is certainly an opportunity out there to generate a greater buzz for films such as these within the public. Dirty Hands was more than a documentary of an artist. It showcases a person's struggle to fight his inner demons and use his talents as a form of release, translating those demons into works of art.

If your down in LA on October 24th, help celebrate the opening of Giant Robot's 15 year Biennale Show

Here's a preview of a few prints by David Choe that will be made available on October 24, 2009 at 12:01 am. Visit David Choe's blog at davechoe.blogspot.com for more information on these pieces and how you can get your hands on them.

DEATH BLOSSOM
Price: $555
Print Dimension: 44" w x 44" l
Design Dimension: 40" w x 40" l
Limited Edition: 38 prints signed and numbered with COA

Choebot: Version Dato-Unko Happy Lee (Heavy Liquid Armoured) aka K-Town Special
Price: $808
Print Dimension: 40" w x 48" l
Design Dimension: 36" w x 44" l
Limited Edition: 5 prints signed and numbered with COA

Choebot: Version BBBJTCNQNS-Mad Park
Price: $808
Print Dimension: 28" w x 48" l
Design Dimension: 24" w x 44" l
Limited Edition: 5 prints signed and numbered with COA