Barry McGee Cuts Through the Noise in ‘I’m Listening’

by

Legendary graffiti artist Barry McGee from the Bay Area is nearly ready to reveal his newest solo exhibition at Perrotin Paris. In this, his second display at their French location, McGee populates the space with clusters of frames, towering installations that reach from floor to ceiling, and bursts of spray paint, creating a palpable atmosphere of immediate presence.

Under the title I’m Listening, McGee tackles the incessant din of contemporary life – an unyielding drone that smothers the gentle melodies of nature’s symphony. “I zero in on all the not-so-great aspects of our small world at present,” he shared. “However, I also highlight the amazing things humans create to maintain a sense of positivity and wellness.” This dual perspective permeates the show, delivering both constructive criticism and hopeful optimism regarding our collective existence in reality.

Building on ideas presented in his exhibitions “Cherry Picking” at The Hole Tribeca and its West Coast counterpart “Cherry Pit”, the artist mirrors the spirit of the underground within the high-end art world setting. Once more, cherries are used as a significant symbol, representing “hope and eternal love”. For McGee, these cherries represent a reemergence – a return to growth, to the renewal symbolized by spring, and the cycles that provide stability amidst chaos.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Perrotin Gallery (@perrotin)

The exhibit titled “I’m Listening” debuts on April 26 and continues until May 24. A new print related to this show will also be unveiled, which can be purchased at the Perrotin store.

Perrotin Paris
76 Rue de Turenne,
75003 Paris, France

Read More

2025-04-24 21:25