Plein Aire Graffiti Experiment

Minneapolis artist Peyton Scott Russell and his street-inspired paintings are to be featured in this exhibit at Metro State University’s Gordon Parks Gallery.

Russell specializes in graffiti as a fine art. From his iconic 12’ portrait of George Floyd that stood at 38th and Chicago for more than a year in Minneapolis to his Plein Aire Graffiti abstractions on board and canvas, Peyton is considered by many to be the father of Minneapolis Graffiti, as the oldest active Graffiti Writer/Artist in the Twin Cities. His mission, in addition to his personal artistic practice, is to increase awareness of graffiti as a teachable fine art by collaborating with schools, teachers, and artists on curriculum design, outlines, and lesson plans designed to deepen the understanding of graffiti.

In this exhibition, the artist will present a series of works highlighting his new concept of painting that involves Graffiti Art, Plein Air painting, and abstraction. The concept of three genres and art-making processes—Street Art, Public Art, and Gallery Art—being done in one action.

Gallery Director Erica Rasmussen has commented, “I’m excited to finally bring Russell and his work to campus. With the coming of the new Gordon Park Gallery, which is twice the size of the old space, we finally can stage a show of this magnitude. I’m confident that the university community will find Russell’s work as stimulating as I do.”

The opening reception takes place 5–7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 9, with a talk starting at 7. Gallery hours are 1–7 p.m., Monday to Thursday, April 29 to June 20. The gallery is located at the university’s Saint Paul Campus on the first floor of the Library and Learning Center, 645 East Seventh Street.

For more information about the exhibit, contact Erica Rasmussen, gallery director, at erica.rasmussen@metrostate.edu.