Don’t Talk About It, Do It
A tribute to Dave Brockie and the Artists who created GWAR
October 25 - November 6, 2014

Opening Reception: Saturday October 25, 6-10pm
to RSVP email: gwardoit@gmail.com

A group of visual artists and musicians joined forces in the mid-eighties in Richmond, Virginia, creating a completely unique and highly theatrical metal band. They called themselves GWAR.

Housed in a derelict former dairy building, the artists fabricated costumes, set pieces and props for elaborate scripted live shows, soundtracked by the musicians. This studio became known as the “Slave Pit” and almost instantly became a magnet for art students at nearby Virginia Commonwealth University. The credo and mission statement for GWAR was “Don’t talk about it, do it,” a direct reaction to the formalism of art education that was prevalent at VCU and the local Richmond art scene. Inspired by sci-fi, spatter flicks and kung fu movies, everyone involved with GWAR embraced a do-it-yourself work ethic, working together to manifest a creative expression the likes of which the world had never seen.

Curated by Keystone Art Space Director and artist Melanie Mandl and Keystone Gallery Director and artist Mark Harvey, the Fall 2014 exhibition "Don't Talk About It, Do It," focuses on the early 90’s. It was a time both Mandl and Harvey were documenting the group, along with photographer Katherine Leatherwood. The unique exhibition will include never before seen photographs and video footage, as well as past and present work from various members of GWAR. 

The exhibition was conceptualized to honor Dave Brockie, lead singer and founding member of GWAR, himself a prolific visual artist. Brockie died in March of 2014, a devastating loss for not only the Slave Pit, but also GWAR fans across the globe. The current members of the group have decided to continue on, and will begin touring again in the United States in October 2014. For more information about tour dates visit gwar.net

Featured Artists include: Chuck Varga, Bob Gorman, Matt Maguire, Colette Miller, Mike Bonner, Danielle Stampe, Katherine Leatherwood, Mark Harvey, Melanie Mandl, and special guests.

Keystone Gallery
2558 North San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, California 90065

Opening Reception:
Saturday October 25, 6–10pm
Closing Reception:
Thursday November 6, 5–9pm

Gallery Hours
Tuesday – Friday 11am–4pm
Saturday–Sunday noon–5pm

For more information visit keystoneartspace.com