So a few weeks ago I attended ZEVS LUX  show at Lazarides and had to think long and hard before writing this piece. This is simply because in the street art world they don’t come much bigger than ZEVS. We are talking about one of the pioneers of the French street art scene sharing company with the likes of Invader and Andre. Therefore I’m particularly careful with my words when I say I was a little disappointed with this show. For me it seemed like the myth was more impressive than the man. That his innovations and contributions to the street art world had been somewhat diluted in the attempt to commercialise for gallery exploitation. For me drippy logos for your bedroom wall are a far cry away from the pure original incarnation of this street art genius. Not one to take on the giants I continue below…

ZEVS aptly named after the regional train; Zeus that nearly took his life has been in the street art spot light for nearly three decades. He has captured imaginations, held global brands at ransom, defaced some of the world most recognised logos, and championed “proper graffiti”. Not unaccustomed to a few over nighters and a little jail time ZEVS for me embodied a true “street” artist seeking inspiration from society and using the modern world as his canvas.

Visual kidnapping and dissolving logos is truly genius. Street artists the world over sit and wish they had such ideas. However, transferring these elements for a gallery exhibition ultimately resulted in a loss of message or meaning. To me it was just a drippy logo, hollow, and bland. It simply seemed a million miles from the streets of central Hong Kong.

The show did however capture some elements of greatness embodied in photos and a short video. For me these told a great story. I witnessed the mindset, the thinking, and the materialization of truly great ideas. The light box scratching and the bus stop rainbow were simply amazing and what I’d hoped the show would represent throughout. Unfortunately these were not the focus for the show.

I find the man intriguing and his contribution to the street art world I love undeniable. However I can only describe this show as some kind of wild animal captured and restrained for public display. It’s safe to say some things are not made to be in cages and our best left roaming free.

All photos by Richard Kenworthy