November 2018
Artopoly
UK artist Dean Zeus Colman (Zeus) has been drawing inspiration from urban culture to create dynamic, experimental compositions the have re-defined graffiti art since the 1980s. Zeus has continually pushed the boundaries of urban subculture artistry, and taking new perspectives that have expanded beyond exhibitions to set design for the Beastie Boys and Burning Man. His works have been placed in museum across Europe, and his methods have caught the interest of celebrities like Pharrell Williams and royalties like Prince Charles.
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About Artopoly
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Artopoly is a work conceptualized by artist Dean Zeus Colman inspired by the contemporary art market and history. Placed in the frame of iconic Monopoly, artists are the properties for sale, auction houses are the railroads, and the board as a whole is transformed into an art market on display. “Just bidding”, pass “Ego”, or “Go to Auction” are some ways how Artopoly playful imitates the familiar game with an ironic and witty twist at every corner.
Artist placement on the board is decided from an actual scale of auction results thoroughly researched by the artist and set within the UK contemporary art market history.
About Zeus' residency
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Zeus was at the Observatoire from 23rd October until the 23rd November.
During this time, he worked on his piece for the Affordable Art Fair (16-18 November 2018), a giant interactive game of Artopoly. It was very well received by the public who really enjoyed being able to play the game.
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Zeus opened his doors to the Blue House Community on the 19-20-21 November and the children enjoyed playing a game! They even got to use one of Zeus' Banksy-inspired stencil to create their own art and this light have sparked something we will see later coming from their classrooms!
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