Instead of lamenting D.C.’s scene, New York transfer Shane Pomajambo opened Art Whino gallery to house hipster art deemed lowbrow to pop-surrealist. This Saturday, he’ll celebrate International Surfing Day with the opening of a new collection showcasing water-themed pieces. Live music, live painting and activities will run from noon to midnight. The gallery is at National Harbor, 173 Waterfront St., and online at artwhino.com.
What’s the name Art Whino all about?
Well, it’s like art — you can interpret it many ways. For me, it was more of a tongue-in-cheek thing — just like the art I showcase, a little edgy and different. For me, an Art Whino fan is someone who’s in love with art like a wino is in love with wine. And we’ll be doing a wine bar in the near future.
What was the reaction when you opened a gallery in the D.C. area?
When I decided to open here, I got a lot of negativity from people who said it’s too conservative, but I opened and found out there are a lot of people like me. It’s been a phenomenon!
Your new show is titled “Ripple.” How do you come up with the names?
I select the artist I want to feature, then look at her or his art and style and we brainstorm, and from that stems the title.
Anything cool coming up this summer?
In August, Daniel Fleres is going to create 300 little irregular blocks of wood, and people will be invited to buy their favorites — they’ll be $100 or less, probably — and 15 other artists will participate too. Pick two or three artists, and combine it and have a collaborative piece. We’re calling it our Block Party. We’re also planning a customized sneaker show in August and a customized purseshow in 2009.
