Space125gallery [Houston Arts Alliance] 3201 Allen Parkway, Suite 250 Houston , TX 77019August 21 to October 2, 2008OPENING RECEPTION : Thursday, August 21, 2008, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.Heroes Alter Egosspace125gallery at Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) presents Heroes Alter Egos, a multimedia exhibition incorporating painting, photography, collage and installation art.Artists Robert Hodge, Lovie Olivia, Michael K. Taylor and Lance Flowers comprise the United Underground Painters Association, or U.P.A.Crust collective. Drawing their inspiration from pop culture, vintage ideals, personal reflection, and community icons, the exhibition is built around each artist’s perception of a hero.Their work has an urban edge, incorporating sharp lines, elements of nostalgia and mixtures of media, creating an eclectic mix of visual story telling.
Michael Kahlil is one of Houston's many recognized spokenword poets and visual artists. His poetry has garnered him 1st place titles such 2005 Houston Poetry Grand Slam Champion by PSI and 2005 Houston Amnesty International Champion.
The titles are just to draw attention to the spirit moving poetry that has attracted audiences to his performances over the last two years.
In his 2005 Envy magazine interview, Kahlil states "I admit feeling that people don't openly speak about. I become thier voice."
This calling has lead to both praise and criticism that has only made him a stronger more focused poet and artist. Opening for artists such as Saul Williams, 2005 National Slam Champion Janean Livingston, & traveling with the 2005 Houston Poetry Slam Team exposed him to more diverse poetic styles and topics that increased the diversity of his own work.
Link: beautifulportfolio.com
Link: thecollective.org