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Mike Perry is raising money for a new sort of “open door” art exhibit. If you haven’t been introduced to the electric, neon world of Mike Perry you’re in luck. His current kickstarter project is to raise money for an exhibition that will not only celebrate the culmination of his monograph, Wondering Around Wandering, but also offer a place of interaction, socialization and discussion for local artists. As a bonus you’ll probably get to meet the bevy of adorable dogs in Mike’s kickstarter video and his perks are some of the best I’ve seen with amazing prints at the $20 level and one of a kind wood pieces at the $300 level and above.
We asked Mike to take a few moments and talk a little about the project. Check out his interview below and make sure you DONATE!
The 22 Magazine: You’ve worked with a lot of folks and brands. What has been your favorite artistic or design experience in New York so far and why?
Mike Perry: Oh man there have been so many amazing collaborations. I love working with Nike and Target. They have been very supportive. I just started working with Duvel and they have been so great to work for. So supportive of the creative world, excited about my ideas and willing to really push the collaborations.
22: You’ve got a few furry friends running around your studio in the video, what’s your dog’s name?
MP: Bass
22: Where will the WAW space be? Where are you looking if you don’t know yet and why?
MP: I have yet to secure a space but I want something big that people can get lost in. A place where you can just wander around and wonder.
22: Where did the WAW title come from?
MP: I just feel like that is what I am doing with my life. Trying to keep my eyes and mind open.
22: Tell us a little more about that tackle box of paint that started it all?
MP: My grandfather Tom was this eccentric artist in Missouri. We had a very funny relationship. He never really took the opportunity to get to know me but I think he knew that I was the person in the family that would keep the prolific journey he started going. I wish I would have had the chance to get to know him.
22: Why did you want your first Brooklyn exhibition to be interactive? What is important to you about have an “open exhibition”?
MP: When I was young my favorite museums where places that you could touch and get lost in the work. A lot of exhibitions are a little stuffy and hard for people to break into. I want my work to feel open and warm. I want to spark the minds of my young audience and show them that they can do this to. But I also want the art connoisseur to remember that there is another way to experience creativity.
22: Why do you think Brooklyn is the best place for this?
MP: I wouldn’t say Brooklyn is the best place for this but I live here so it seems like a great place to start. I would love for this to be very successful and be able to take this on the road to any city that will welcome it.
22: Will you be recording any of the interactions with people at the space?
MP:Big time.
22: What other artists may be working with you on this project or who would you like to ask?
MP: It really depends on how the fund-raising goes. I am going to build a big sculpture with my good friend Jim Stoten that will be on display. And I am working on a zine with a writer friend Francis Parrilli