Seen: Kofie and Codak — Metallum

Codak, Kofie, Damon (Gallerist)

LA artists Kofie and Codak showcased their impressive skills with a vast array of works on metal for the opening of their joint Metallum exhibition this past Friday @ Ronin Gallery in Echo Park.  Rather than working on pristine pieces of metal, both artists prefer the authenticity and ecology of found objects – metal panels, drawers, file boxes, shelving and more.  While both artist have complimentary painting styles, Kofie’s work tends to have a more architectural almost draftsmen like vibe while Codak channels a more organic look complete with wispy, angular, and splattered elements.

Curated by Zury Ponce, the show features numerous pieces on metal, a collaborative print and a collaborative wall mural that starts on an interior corner of the gallery and continues on the adjacent exterior wall.  While gallery shows are often about observing the work from a culturally acceptable distance all the while obeying the ‘look but don’t touch’ rule, Kofie offered a twist with his collection of painted file boxes.  Gallery goers were encouraged to pick up the boxes and open them in part to see the price marked inside and in part to break down some of the artificial walls set up by convention.  Adding to the novel experience, collectors were able to take the file boxes home after their purchase.

As part of our ongoing flirtation with providing more compelling and engaging coverage, here’s a little mini video tour of the show.  And yes, there’s no sound (somebody forgot to enable that…).  It’s the visuals that count.. right ?