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About

Aslant Art describes a distinctive artistic technique developed by Drew Storm Graham in 2004. The overall composition and structure of this work can also be expressed as three-dimensional flatness. As an undergraduate at Stetson University Drew began testing the boundaries and stretching limitations of constructing three-dimensional objects from flat sheets of plywood. Each body of work is composed of several individual pieces that are cut using a jig-saw. The pieces are then uniquely angled and projected from the viewing plane using wooden dowels giving the work its dimension. Some of the pieces fit pieces precisely together while others are overlapped one on top of another. Each piece is then painted to develop a sense of roundedness and body further enhancing the illusion of dimension. The viewer’s perception becomes altered at a distance because the overall composition appears full and solid however; the sculpture is essentially flat, and littered with empty space. As a result, the work of art breathes between the individual pieces casting away confinement and giving a sense of liberation. The viewer’s perception is even further distorted upon close inspection as some of the pieces do not overlap but are painted to appear this way. The viewer can become confused by the reality of the object’s dimension and the painted representation of the objects dimension. Aslant Art is unique in its presentation and due to its dimension can cast a wide range of shadowing effects depending on the positioning of light. Drew Storm Graham’s art work typically relates to, and is inspired by, graffiti and tattoo art.

Bio

When I was 11 years old I moved to Madrid where I immediately fell in love with graffiti visually and conceptually. Graffiti embodies a bold, impetuous attitude rooted in controversy and rebellion. This spark of controversy that lies at the very soul of graffiti is what attracted my attention to the art form. It demands a reaction whether of affirmation or rejection because the viewer is an inescapable victim of its presence. Conflict is a necessary element that enhances the meaning of graffiti. A majority of this message rests solely in the action of creating it, defying the constraints imposed by society.

As a junior in high school I returned to the United States and moved to DC. I was not struck by the amount of graffiti I saw in Madrid instead, I saw tattoos as the more rebellious form of art. Tattoo’s immediately fascinated me as being part of the counter culture; they challenged the very structure of social interaction. They exist all over the world without permission or approval viewed synonymously with self-mutilation. I quickly drew parallels between graffiti and tattoo art as being confrontational, taboo, and demanding public reaction.

Graffiti and tattoo art however, are impermanent and ephemeral existing within a frame of time. They are painted illusions representing something that is non- existent. By removing the art forms from a two-dimensional space and bringing them into a gallery, they have been liberated from confinement; the work is allowed to become a three-dimensional reality, rather then a mere representation. Given physical permanence, the art reinvents itself, thus no longer a victim of time. Style and attitude remain unaltered placing emphasis on artistic merit.

Selected Exhibitions, Awards, Publications & Commissions

2010 Group Show, Inked Souls, Art Whino, Washington DC

2010 Group Show, SOFA Chicago, Maurine Littleton Gallery, Chicago IL

2010 Group Show, Activation 440, No Kings Collaborative, Washington DC

2010 Group Show, Urban Decay, Lorton Workhouse, Lorton VA

2010 Group Show, Deckalicious Skateboard Art Show, Spagetti Project, Fredericksburg VA

2010 Group Show, G40 Summit, Art Whino, Washington DC

2010 Group Show, Activation 2719, No Kings Collaborative, Washington DC

2010 Group Show, Black: One World for Haiti, Ready Set DC, Washington DC

2009 Group Show, Art Basel Miami, Art Whino, Miami FL

2009 Group Show, Old Skoolin for the Children, Art Whino, Washington DC

2009 Group Show, Life Essentials, Washington DC

2009 Juried Exhibition, 12 Angry Women, The Soundry, Reston VA

2009 Juried Exhibition, Awesome doesn’t pay the Rent, The Soundry, Reston VA

2009 Group Show, Custom Vinyl Show, Art Whino, Washington DC

2009 Group Show, Heavy Hitters, Art Whino, Washington DC

2009 Group Show, Artomatic, Washington DC

2008 Group Show, Maurine Littleton Gallery, Washington DC

2008 Group Show, Artomatic, Washington DC

2007 Group Show, Torpedo Factory, Alexandria VA

2007 Senior Thesis Exhibition, Stetson University Duncan Gallery, Deland FL

2006 Stetson University Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, Stetson University Duncan Gallery, Deland FL

Awards

2006 Award of Excellence

Publications

2010 Thrillist.com, July 23, '10

2010 Cool Things.com, July 27, '10

2009 Washington Post, by Michael O’Sullivan, June 5, ‘09

2008 Falls Church Press June 6, ‘08

2007 Touchstone Literary Magazine

2007 The Reporter April 4, ‘07

2006 Deland Forum

Commissions

2009 MD Flag, The Body Gallery, Sterling VA

2009 Grenade, Washington DC

2009 Running Water, Washington DC

2008 Verizon Center Players Lounge, Washington DC

2007 The Runners Music Producers, Orlando FL