Thanks to Miami Spaces LLC / Alex Saa – Jose Mertz is pleased to present a self curated, independent group exhibition titled “Smack Grendels.” The exhibition will run from June 18, 2015 – July 15, 2015 with an opening reception the third Thursday of the month – June 18th from 7-11 p.m.

Adopting the idea based off of the epic old English poem “Beowulf”, the Grendel was a monster that evoked fear and pain in the town of Geats until Beowulf slays him and restores hope again in the
community.

The “Grendel” idea represents the mental barrier that keeps creators at bay, producing what is easily
digestible or even decorative in a commercial or gallery setting, misleading the people into a “safe” culture. This showcase is intended to break perceptions on how one depicts reality and the human condition explored through visual communication. Art is NOT supposed to be “safe”. It’s supposed to punch you in the chest, make you feel a energetic charge of some kind. Wether it’s fear, fantasy or euphoria, you get through it feeling richer, alive and more victorious than you did before you perceived it.

Showcased Artists: Magnus Sodamin, WOES ( Aaron Martin ), Jose Mertz, Rick ( Abstrk ) Mastrapa, Douglas Hoxxoh, 2 Alas, Chris Brand, Creative Native Miami, Axel Void, Ewok, Alex Sweet, Ian Kuali’i, Alex Torres, Don Rimx & Johnny Robles.
The majority of the works are inspired by myth, the Spirit and the “extra”- in ordinary life, depicted through intimate paintings, drawings and themes that each artist is passionately exploring and presenting in raw unapologetic forms.

The idea of presenting these celebrated artists in one collective I hope to inspire and provoke thought in the audience and leave them with some deeper insight to the function and power of art and how it can affect them in a personal way. Smack Grendels gives the audience a peek into these artists’ real lives, further unifying the community and culture.

Smack Grendels will be up for 1 month in Wynwood, Miami at: 48 NW 25 st