SPACE DOOKIE- an exhibition by Julien Pradier (aka PABO)

On April 19, 1943 Albert Hofmann, a Swiss Chemist, became the first person in history to experiment with lysergic acid diethylamide. Since then the powerful substance has rippled through global culture. From Andy Warhol’s Factory to The Beatles Yellow Submarine, art and music as we know has been marked by the psychedelic movement. Looking further back into history there has always been clear links between creativity, social gatherings and inebriation.

It seems the urge to collectively lose control occurs in every human society. This phenomenon is criticized by both the internal and external. With the risk to mental and physical health, there is undoubtedly a dark side to the festivities. The stigmatisation of nightlife and illegalisation of related activities further exaggerates certain issues, casting out complex social dilemmas with misunderstanding and judgement.

When initially discussing the theme of the exhibition both myself and PABO felt it was import not to focus on Acid as a drug but as a mindset. PABO explained his true interest was the philosophy of experimentation linked to LSD culture. He relates this to his own work and creative process which constantly searches for new materials, techniques and compositions. PABO exploits the mechanics of graphic design; digitally collaging outlandishly contemporary symbols and icons with robust colors. All the works are printed on blotter paper and mounted in specially designed frames of different colours. Every detail is thought about, tried out and perfected. The images and references used are taken from PABO’s everyday life, without too much analysis, then spun through a kaleidoscopic lens.

The SPACE DOOKIE series addresses a moment of pulling apart the pieces, jumbling them around and putting them back together. The psychedelic experience is not an end in itself, it is a window to another way of seeing and a playground for new beginnings. The power lies in the artist’s ability to take lessons from mind-altering moments and express them in the light of day with highly potent aesthetics.

Laura Zhang

Curator / Artist

宀 Gallery opens SPACE DOOKIE, Julien Pradier’s (aka PABO) first solo-exhibition on May 22, 2019 for one night only. Julien is a French visual artist and freelance graphic designer. His experienced skills, intuitive problem-solving and strikingly contemporary aesthetic has led him to the position of Artistic Director at Pirata Group. His previous clients include Saint-Laurent Paris, Fauchon, Shangri-La, Officine Panerai, Pernod Ricard, L'Oreal Paris and Absolut. Julien is self-motivated and experimental with a rigorously disciplined practice.

SPACE DOOKIE introduces the personal side of Julien Pradier under his artist name, PABO. Without the constraints of a client’s needs PABO is free to create for the sole purpose of his own curiosity. SPACE DOOKIE presents ten original works made exclusively for the exhibition. For this exhibition PABO takes us down the rabbit hole of LSD culture where psychedelic visuals run wild.

宀 Gallery is proud to support Julien Pradier’s multifaceted creative practice. We believe in challenging the boundaries of fine art by providing space and opportunity for visual language in any form.