On October 22, 2016 Art Share LA which is located at 801 East 4th Place, Los Angeles, California 90013, celebrated its 3rd Annual “Above the Streets” fundraising event benefiting Art Share, and this year around they highlighted the works of our dear friend and Fine Artist, Augustine Kofie, honoring the 6th. Street Bridge. The event hosted Hit+Run, with live screen-printing, music and Resident Beer by Mumford Brewing.
Kofie’s works can be best described as an architectural drafting, abstract masterpieces with a strong influence of urbanism approach with bold striking lines and complimentary colors that remind us of nature but with a twist of architecture design. His works forces me not to glance at it and walk to the next one, it requires one to articulate what one is looking at. It feel as if we can travel thru his art, his perspective genuinely takes you in a journey of lines, patterns and rough surfaces; which can be compared to the a stroll down the streets.
First of all, I want to give a shout out to my boy Cre8, for going on a mission with me all day and night. We started off on the streets of West Los Angeles earlier and as always absorbing all the Graffiti History knowledge he is always willing to school me on. I truly appreciate those that take the time to teach a young Art Historian the truth! As we walked thru our beautiful city of Angels, we were able to admire Defer’s mural right alongside of the Container Yard, as well as other pretty dope murals. You got to love and enjoy this Downtown L.A. City night Life. I have visited Art Share LA in the past, actually helped with a fashion show a few months ago with Wardrobe Divas so I was curious to see how they would play with the space for Kofie’s art show. But the space was inviting, and as soon as you walk upstairs to the show, you are welcomed by digital art and his amazing collection!
The entire time, Kofie was surrounded by people and although we know him thru the Graffiti family and he is more of a brother to us all, I was trying to be respectful and just be there to support without actually interrupting him. But when Isabel Rojas and Steve Grody showed up, this was my chance to go snatch him from the crowd for a group photo; and that is exactly what I did, went across the venue, pulled Kofie out of the crowd, (I apologized ) dragged him with a tight hug to come and hang out with his Graff family. After that moment, and seeing his big smile and appreciation for us to show our support; the ambient changed and we felt more at home than ever. And as Steve Grody and myself played photo shot, my girl Petal showed up, along with other Graffiti writers from the UTI such as Rubik and AiseBorn. Shout out to my new friend Ruti, Kofie’s lovely girlfriend and professor. Cannot wait to see how much these two lovebirds grow together.
We stayed with Kofie and our friends till the reception was over and I do not know how, but got home at 1:00am, but as they say when you are having a good time, no need to check time, your phone or your surroundings, just live by the moment and enjoy it!
The actual reception will take place at same location, Art Share LA on October 27, 2016. 6:pm 10:30pm. So please make sure you stop by tonight and show your support.
To check out more of Augustine Kofie’s work and events, please click on the link below:
Much Love & Respect,
Monica Smiles Tobon
mstobon.com 