A Powerhouse with a Spray Can: SASAI Premiers "Powerhouse 2" at Gravelmouth Gallery
Editor & Photographer: Zach Jewell
Gravelmouth Gallery curator and founder Shek Vega
As I sat idle, watching poorly-graffitied train cars whiz by at a railway crossing on my way to the Gravelmouth Gallery opening, I couldn't help but wonder what sights awaited. Throughout my life, I’ve seen everything from childlike doodles in back alleys to world-class street art in Lisbon, Portugal. For the uninitiated, the definition of street art can range from gang tags to Banksy-level “fine” art, so the concept of a street art exhibit might sound strange to some.
When I finally arrived at the Gravelmouth studio for the Powerhouse 2 exhibit opening, I was in awe. I’ve always known San Antonio to be rich with art, culture and culinary experiences; nonetheless, I was immediately taken aback by the beauty, talent, and professionalism of the art displayed on the walls outside of the building. The entire street was adorned with beautiful murals from local artists: This was San Antonio as I've always known it, but through fresh eyes. I was ecstatic to get inside the gallery to see the exhibit.
Neatly hung on a white wall inside the warehouse was, at first glance, what appeared to be a somewhat traditional exhibit. A closer look revealed a rich color palette and varying genres of art, all blended with street art culture and vibes. The air was filled with killer beats by Mm Tings and DB Chang. The space truly achieved what curator and founder Shek Vega was going for: to “help people see street art in a different light.” The collective of artists showing their work at Gravelmouth are part of a San Antonio-based nonprofit called the San Antonio Street Art Initiative, whose mission is “focusing on job placement and career development through art business education and artist rights advocacy through street art mural programming.”
DJ duo Mm Tings and DB Chang
When he launched Gravelmouth studio in 2010, Vega desired to be seen as more than just a guy with a spray can; and to help establish a higher regard for street art in the city and beyond. Powerhouse 2 is a beautiful representation of the hard work that he and his cohorts have put forth to make that happen. Now, boasting sponsorships from the San Antonio Spurs, Modelo, and even the City of San Antonio itself, Vega can hold his head high and proudly say he’s achieved that and more. He’s currently helping to build a name for San Antonio through mural art in cities across the United States, advocating for more safe, enriching education and play environments for kids in our fine city, and bringing up new generations of aspiring artists to be as culturally engaged and professional as he wanted to be when he was an up-and-coming artist.
Powerhouse 2 wasn’t just another gallery exhibit on a Saturday night; It was a reminder of the importance of bridging cultural and socioeconomic gaps through relevant, flexible mindsets. It was a testament to the fruit that determination and perseverance can bear. Next time you see a mural on a wall or an underpass as you’re driving, or even tagged train cars as you’re waiting impatiently to continue on to your destination, think past the image to the story behind it, to the hands that created it, and the person with aspirations and desires just like the ones you have. Street art tells a story deeper than you may imagine. Thanks to the amazing artists at Gravelmouth gallery, we can get a little closer to some of those stories — if we’re willing to step just a little bit outside our bubbles.
