Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly

“Don’t Panic! Tread Lightly”

Collaborative works by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck

May 17 – June 21, 2019

Don’t Panic! Tread lightly is the next exhibition at E11even 2 gallery to open on Friday, May 17^th from 5p-9p.  The name, ‘Don’t Panic!’,  that’s used by R!ch Cihlar and Bob Peck for their art collaborations started out as a title to bring on a sense of excitement for their initial showing together.  As R!ch and Bob ensured more live-painting events together, they realized the name could also be tied to the audience’s reaction to their process as they layer their work.  Onlookers have had shocked reactions as they watch various sections of each painting being sprayed over repeatedly by the artists, often appearing as the image is being defaced by the other before the final product is unmasked.  This dynamic duo continues to leave their imprint on the city with murals, scavenger hunts, fine art and more.  And this time, they’re back with a word of advice. “Tread Lightly”.

Works featured in the upcoming exhibition pay reverence to the little things in life.  Those that may be neglected as posing a threat or to think twice about.  R!ch says, “ When Bob and I were planning this exhibition, I was thinking about things that could really ruin your day, something like getting stung by a bee or being bit by a snake.  It may or may not kill you, but you should never underestimate the little guy. So the collaborative works in this exhibition, are just that.  Bob came up with the secondary title “Tread Lightly”, as a means of explaining these things could be found right under our feet, literally and figuratively. That’s the concept of the exhibition, a mere warning to be aware of your surroundings.”

Bob Peck says “The idea of treading lightly ranges from sidestepping a poisonous creature, to removing toxic people from your life.  Keep your head on a swivel and always be aware of your surroundings.  At the same time, we wanted to juxtaposition them with artistic flair and dynamic imagery.  Just because something is dangerous, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful as well. ”

Bees, snakes, and more are all fair game for R!ch and Bob as they pair up on the new series of paintings.  R!ch creates highly detailed stenciled images and Bob works over, under, around and through them with his abstract style, using color and line work to help set the tone.  In the end, each collaborative piece ends with a harmonious mix of spray paint and acrylic paint that ensures excitement with its kinetic energy and unassuming dialog.

Also being released during the exhibition is the official “Don’t Panic!” affiliation pin.  An enamel pin featuring the Duo’s namesake for those who want to join the cause.

Opening Reception Friday May 17^th 5p-9p

Closing Reception Friday June 21^th 5p-9p

 

Don’t Panic! Calm Down, and Enjoy the Ride

Don’t Panic! – Collaborative works by Bob Peck and R!ch Cihlar at E11even 2
April 17th, 2015 5-9p (Opening Reception) & May 15th, 2015 5-9p (Closing Reception)

Bob and R!ch are here to save the world…or at least make some art about what they would save from total annihilation, if they had to. 

The open-theme and title came about during a brainstorming session between the duo after the first few canvasses had been completed by the artists. As they stood and looked at the first phase of work, R!ch looked at the images of women, vintage toys and other assorted affections and simply said, “Yup, this is everything I would save if it was the end of the world!” Bob nodded in agreement.

Both artists share a love for art that has bold color and flowing design, as well as having a place in their hearts for things like wind-up robots and retro rocket ships. It seemed only right that they joined forces on a series of paintings that merge all of this under one roof. R!ch starts out with a Pop Art style image, created through intricate layers of stenciling. Bob steps in next and works his bursting abstract-style over, under, around and through. The results are pieces of art that are best described as a candy coated explosion.

“Don’t Panic!” will be on Display at Eleven 2 Gallery, located inside 78th Street Studios on April 17th, 2015 & May 15th during the 3rd Friday Events.