ORLANDO ARTS
SNAP! DOWNTOWN OS One-on-One with the Artists By Richard Allyene | Photos By Tina Craig
MARK GMEHLING What you should know: Gmehling is the German-born street artist that two years ago created a five story high-mural on a building at the intersection of Mills and East Colonial. You know, the one that resembles an anguished Mickey Mouse. Also, the ‘G’ in his name is silent. OS: How did you first meet Patrick and Holly Kahn?
The four artists whose works are currently on display at Snap! Downtown, Patrick and Holly Kahn’s new gallery space at 420 East Church Street include, Mark Gmehling (Nu Werks), Chris Robb (Continuum), Rebecca Rose (Sculpturings) and Earl Funk (Seasons Change).
MG: Patrick contacted me via Facebook late 2013 and we started communicating and organized my trip and show in June 2014 where I met him and Holly personally and we finally became friends. OS: What is Nu Werks all about? MG: Nu Werks is a small cross-section of my recent work from 2012-2016 that hasn’t been seen in the U.S. so far. OS: You’re a German street artist who’s shown in major cultural centers around the world. What is it about Orlando that you appreciate as an artist? MG: Coming to Orlando feels like holiday to me. I’ve met a lot of people I’m still connected with since the last stay when I already felt super welcomed. People seem open-minded, optimistic and happy—maybe it’s because of the weather? There’s a general cooperativeness that I miss sometimes in Germany. I really enjoy my time in Orlando and hope to be back soon. OS: How would you describe your art in one sentence? MG: I’m visualizing the absurdity, the triviality and the drama of human life. OS: Describe why your art is relevant, in two sentences. MG: It is relevant because it documents my view on human and society in our time. It makes people think or smile, at least it touches them! It is a platform for their fantasy.
Author’s Note: OS was unable to connect with Rebecca Rose before deadline. Rose is a Davenport-based sculptor who has shown internationally and has been the focus of art documentaries. Find more information on her work here: www.sculpturings.com • Check out Orlando Style’s Up Close & Personal interview with Snap! Patrick and Holly Kahn at www.OrlandoStyleMagazine.com.
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