Live Mural Painting by International Artist at the Gabbert Art Park
From illegal graffiti to contemporary museums, Ard Doko has been taking the international art scene by storm since the age of 19. Armed with spray cans, markers and brushes, the Dutch artist is not only tackling 900 square feet walls but has also proven to exhibit his paintings around the world alongside artists like Shepard Fairey, The London Police, Max Zorn and Joseph Klibanksy.
The works of Ard Doko combine melancholy as well as his need to devour the beauty of life. His images and stories often depict romance, his rough childhood, and the journey of finding his own identity. Heavy brush strokes, splatters and shapes carved in the canvas are distinctive for his art and often described as expressive and “straight in your face. In an interview with Peripheral Art he stated; “My style tends to be explosive and chaotic, just like myself.” Doko’s paintings are shown in various exhibitions throughout Europe and the USA and are getting appreciated in multiple art segments.
In 2015 he got invited by Dutch museum De Fundatie to show his work alongside Joseph Klibansky, Niels Smits van Burgst, Ans Markus and many others. In 2017 he became a selected artist and art-blogger for Amsterdam Street Art. Besides showcasing his artwork around the world, the young artist is also known for setting up community art projects. See more of Doko’s art at http://arddoko.nl/.
This Saturday, June 24th, beginning around 8 am, Ard will be painting “One Step Back, Three Steps Forward” at the C.T. Gabbert Art Park on a 20-foot by 10-foot mural. This project is sponsored by Chuck Gabbert. The public is invited to watch the live mural painting, and local artist Joe Gabbert will also be repainting Mort the MG. The Art Park showcases murals by local Peoria artists as well as a wildflower garden, a Free Little Library, an ever-changing colorful MG, and a granite sculpture by Matt Matheny.