ARTSHOW | Unruly Hooligans: Summer Dazed & Confused

UNRULY EPISODE 2

Back when we first started this collective, in the latter half of 2023, it was rooted in the idea of artists for artists. Too often being an artist is navigating the massive obstacle course that is artist applications, market fees and grant requests. It is really easy to get discouraged amongst all those variables. Wandering in this strange cycle of oozing energy and work, but not much in return. The business of the business, is the business. Making it difficult to step out of the artistic closet.

That is where UNRULY is rooted, creating a space for artists to showcase and be ARTISTS. Not to conform to some marketing approved image of what an artist is. Art is not safe. It is meant to push boundaries and ignite imagination. Like a spring in a desert, yet we are constantly met with the mirage. UNRULY is a direct contradiction to that, a reaction to that seemingly oppressive action.

The HOOLIGANS is the spirit, the heart & soul. It is the reminder that we are those children still. Growing up is not about letting your inner child die, but more keeping it protected and safe as we create space to let it out to play. Life, and the journey of growing up is not about just being an adult. It is about knowing when to be responsible and when to let loose. When to work hard, and play when earned. This is the balance we hope to master and endure.

Maybe the clerical gateway to artistic conquest in a professional context is just that, a gate. Kept by those who hold the dollars, and who wish to control and dictate what art is funded and what is not. But hey, maybe that is just how it has always been, just be curious where the dollars bleed from.

Summer Dazed & Confused

Not to be confused with some other festival in some forest, this was our second showcase. Our first outdoor event held again at Cafe Club. The theme of this showcase was inspired by those dog days of summer, the seasonal burnout coupled with the angst and wonder of summer adventure. I weeded the whole lot myself and completely transformed an unused and wasted piece of land in the middle of the city into a summertime wonderland.

Our 2nd episode saw a most of the original gang of HOOLIGANS return and grace us with some dope work. With is being an outdoor show this time, we had a lot more space for each artist to create their own little wonderland showcase amongst the nature surrounding us. We also had a dance floor with a stage and DJ set-up where Gnarly Tea and DJ Ruzter rocked the decks all day n' night. See the full list of artists and where to find them in the slides below.